Cantabrians pride themselves on good work done well, and for Christchurch goods makers there’s no exception to the rule.
From harbourside Akaroa to the sweeping North Canterbury region and the bustling city centre, there’s no such thing as too much eating or drinking when it comes to trying locally made goods. Drink some of the best wines in the country in the very vineyards that grew the grapes, soak up the streets in the city and grab an ice cream from a business built by a teenager, or cheese you say? No worries, there’s folks making it just over the hill in Duvauchelle.
If you need a beer after all that, we don’t blame you, and it would be wise to try something local because Christchurch has no shortage of breweries pushing the limits when it comes to the craft.
Whether you’re creating a picnic of legends and eating all these goods yourself, or picking up some pressies for someone special, Christchurch goods makers know how to impress when it comes to both flavour and presentation. Don’t expect to find them hanging around looking for praise though, they’ll likely be out in the shed/field/kitchen getting started on their next creation.
The Emerging Organic Wine Brands of Waipara, North Canterbury
Frances Nation Café
Frances Nation Café is a go-to in Christchurch for superb coffee and delicious food.
BUTTER Pastry
At the Phillipstown end of Tuam Street in Christchurch stands a small kitchen where award winning pastry chef Corentin Esquenet works his magic.
Sweet Soul Patisserie
Step in through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of Sweet Soul Patisserie, and you will immediately be greeted with an air of amicable sophistication.
Mind Your Temper
If you’re feeling grumpy or a little blue, a visit to Mind Your Temper is sure to lighten your mood.
General Post
You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them.
The Mediterranean Food Company
Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy.
Bellbird Bakery
Bellbird is everything you want in a local bakery — filled with classic pastries and delicious loaves of fresh-baked bread.
Georges Road Wines
If you like great wine, stunning scenery and a quick escape from the city head to Georges Road Wines in Waipara.
Three Boys Brewery
Pop into Three Boys Brewery and fill a rigger, order a keg for that next bash or sit down and enjoy a cold one right here – there’s a comfy space upstairs to set down your tush and watch the brewers at work.
Where to Find the Best Pastries in Christchurch
Canterbury Brewers' Collective
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.
Bohemian Bakery Central City
Bohemian Bakery’s second storefront is a cozy enclave filled with the smells and sounds of a traditional bakery, like the ever popular Portuguese tart and crusty loaves.
The Welder
The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.
J'aime les Macarons
Hundreds of colourful macarons with punchy and interesting flavours are produced out of the J’aime les macarons kitchen each day.
Grater Goods
Found in an old glass factory in Sydenham’s industrial blocks, you'll find everything from sausages to bacon and steak - just the more humane and sustainable kind.
J Friend & Co
Find local honey with as little intervention as possible at Christchurch honey business, J Friend & Co.
Five of the best: where to fill your own beer
Shopology
Shopology is a collaborative retail space, where talented artisans, makers and designers come together.
Prima Roastery
Whether you’re after a caffeine kick, a cool spot for a catch up, a resupply of beans or a new espresso machine, Prima is the place - they’ve got parking out the back, too.
Untouched World
The only fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability, Untouched World is a true leader in the field of ethical lifestyle fashion.
Barrys Bay Cheese
Barrys Bay Cheese has been creating delicious, memorable cheeses in its namesake bay since 1895.
Bohemian Bakery Sumner
Located in sunny Sumner, Bohemian Bakery is an Eastern European-inspired neighbourhood bakery.
The Tannery
Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.
Punky Brewster
Housed in what is, quite literally, a garage in the back streets of Riccarton, Punky Brewster is an unexpected find in an otherwise nondescript part of town.
Park Ranger
A café that hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to the details, and one of the best to have opened its doors in the city.
Harbour Co-Op
No longer the domain of hippies and survivalists; organic, free-range, bulk and sustainable foods are now the norm.