Located just an hour and a half’s drive from Christchurch, Akaroa and Little River are the ideal spots for a day trip or an overnight stay. The coastal town of Akaroa has great food, charming accommodation, and stunning scenery, while Little River has delicious snacks and arts galore. Home of the small, rare Hector dolphin and New Zealand’s only French settlement, the town of Akaroa imparts a refreshing and unique charm. On the road to the Banks Peninsula, there’s a settlement worthy of exploring: Little River. With a renowned café, gallery, novel accommodation, and hidden adventures, Little River is far more than a stop en route to Akaroa.

Sydenham continues to push the boundaries when it comes to delighting Christchurch locals with its fantastic array of bright and bustling shops and eateries. Once a non-descript part of the mighty Colombo Street in Christchurch, Sydenham has seen a welcome resurgence since the earthquake with the arrival of the popular boutique shopping mall, The Colombo. Further along, you'll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and street art sure to delight. Originally named after a china shop on Colombo Street, Sydenham continues to push the boundaries when it comes to delighting shoppers with its fantastic turnaround from grey and mundane to bright and bustling.

Named after its geographical positioning in Christchurch’s CBD (Saint Asaph, Lichfield, and Tuam), SALT District is dubbed the city's most alternative neighbourhood. Here you’ll meet a mishmash of interesting characters making heritage buildings, multi-purpose containers, and mural-splashed laneways their home. Things are done differently on this turf, from the way the coffee is brewed (delicious that is) and how menus are designed (100% local) to the creative possibilities offered by tattoo parlours, thrift shops, and art studios. If you’re looking for a neighbourhood to unashamedly express yourself in, this is it.

Named for its position at the bottom edge of the city's main centre, Christchurch's South Town offers a funky mix of eateries and shops. Made up of a collection of boutique cafés, bars and workspaces, the area has seen a massive renewal since the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. An ambitious group of young owner/operators have flocked to the area to combine forces and bring a bit of quirk to the centre city’s southern suburb. If it’s coffee you’re after, this is the place to come. Those who excel at roasting have set up camp here and are followed religiously by those who can’t start the day without a cup of joe.