Christchurch and Canterbury Places

Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore among the sweeping golden hills, frothing beaches and vibrant downtown of Christchurch.

12 Hour
Christchurch City Itinerary

12hr Christchurch & Canterbury

The best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch

Recline and unwind: NZ's independent cinema experiences

Story Auckland

Picture this, it’s Friday night, you’re settling into your favourite reclining lounger, a glass of wine in hand and the opening credits are beginning on the screen in front of you. Sure this situation could be in your living room at home but why not amp up the cosiness vibes and treat yourself to a trip to your local independent cinema.

Best Urban Wine Experiences in New Zealand

Story Auckland

All around New Zealand, we are blessed with incredible wine experiences right in our own urban backyard. No matter your vino preference from a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to a Central Otago Pinot Noir or perhaps an interesting blend from a far away European vineyard, you don’t have to travel far to sample and enjoy a glass or two (responsibly of course!).

7 Urban Hotels Worth Travelling For

Story Auckland

In the UK, the term ‘city-break’ is frequently used to describe a weekend away visiting the European city of the moment, exploring everything on offer and most often staying in boutique accommodation. Now, we may be thousands of miles away from being able to achieve a casual few days in a European city, but here in New Zealand, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to urban hotels that are worth travelling around the country for.

Chase Candyfloss Skies With The Best Places To Catch A Sunset In NZ

Story Auckland

In the light of golden hour, take your seat and let the sunset take centre stage.

7 South Island Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List

Story Christchurch & Canterbury

Fill up the tank; a South Island road trip adventure awaits.

Seven Vegetarian Spots to Travel for this Meat Free May

Story Auckland

Challenge yourself and go Meat Free this May. The planet, the animals and your body will thank you for it.

8 Café and Restaurant Interiors that will set your heart aflutter in Ōtautahi

Story Christchurch & Canterbury

Forget Pinterest, head to these Christchurch spots for major mood board inspo.

Forget the Chocolate Eggs, Let’s Hunt For The Best Hot Cross Buns

Story Auckland

It’s that time of year; hot cross bun season and we’re all about it.

Get your Pocket Guide for Christchurch & Canterbury

Sweeping golden hills, stunning beaches, and snow-capped mountains a short drive away make Christchurch the hub of an outdoor-loving population.

Neighbourhoods View all

Amberley and Waipara

8 Places Christchurch & Canterbury

Not to be mistaken for simply a place to pass through, North Canterbury's Amberley and Waipara have a few aces up their sleeves when it comes to places worth lingering a while. Wine country in Waipara is home to a number of top-class vineyards and tasting rooms. Here, you'll look out upon rolling hills of vines and sip wide varieties of wine, while hearing about the process from the talented winemakers themselves. Vintage shopping or boutique beer anyone? Amberley has the best of both, and after meandering your way through thrift shop finds and filling up your takeaway rigger, there are cafés aplenty to rest your feet in and fill up on small-town cheese scones.

Akaroa & Little River

7 Places Christchurch & Canterbury

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.

City North

9 Places Christchurch & Canterbury

Encompassing Merivale and St Albans, City North in Christchurch is chock full of chic spots to get some retail therapy or a caffeine fix. Fancy a wine or a bite? City North has you covered there, too. Dating back to 1851, it's an area with plenty of history, and a wide range on offer for anyone venturing just outside the Four Aves. Easily reached by bike, bus, or on foot, make your way to City North and check out what's on offer.

Port Lyttelton

6 Places Christchurch & Canterbury

Over the rolling Port Hills in Christchurch, you’ll find the eccentric suburb of Port Lyttelton. This is a place where cosy houses teeter on steep streets and the weekend farmers market brings London Street alive with the colourful characters who call this side of town home. Lyttelton was historically known as the ‘gateway to Canterbury’ for colonial settlers who came to the bustling port back in the 1700s. With a love for music, food and culture, the port suburb lays claim to some of the country’s current music stars - Aldous Harding, Nadia Reid, and Marlon Williams to name a few. With a passion for community, local produce, and doing things their own way, any Lyttelton dweller will be quick to tell you this is one of Christchurch’s best-kept secrets.

Bars View all

Riverside Market

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

This unique Christchurch establishment brings fresh produce, artisan bakeries, independent food stalls, rooftop bars and restaurants, high-class retail and eclectic market stalls all under one roof.

The Craft Embassy

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Great beer, great food, great views. Craft Embassy is the whole package and more.

Pink Lady

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

At the corner of Manchester Street and High you’ll find Muse Art Hotel, while at the top of the hotel, you’ll find Pink Lady.

Canterbury Brewers' Collective

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Canterbury Brewers’ Collective at Riverside Market is your CBD spot for takeaway brews, cold pints and free-flowing chat over which to find your new favourite pour.

Cellar Door

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

The Cellar Door focus is on approachable wine drinking, seasonal fare and free flowing conversation. It feels like your ‘local’ but has a distinctive, exciting element, sans pretentiousness.

Six Ounces

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

There’s nothing quite like a cosy neighbourhood haunt and six ounces is exactly that.

Boo's

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Inventive in its approach to dining, Boo Radley’s draws from the savant of comfort food: Southern American cuisine.

gin gin

Place Christchurch & Canterbury

gin gin's the spot whether you’re keen for an after work bevvie, a boogie, a place to host your own party, seriously good food, a night on the town, or some combination thereof.

O.G.B