Rolleston Fields: Experience the New Side to Rolleston

The exterior of the Rolleston library on a sunny day.
Hit the motorway heading south from the centre of Christchurch, and in a mere 15-20 minutes, you’ll arrive in New Zealand’s fastest-growing town, Rolleston. Once dubbed “the town of the future”, it’s apparent this is now very much a reality with a booming population, plenty of investment and exciting new developments appearing on the scene. With its modern, design-led town centre, it’s clear to see why so many people from around the country and further afield are choosing to call Rolleston home.

Dune Café

Customers sitting at tables inside Dune Cafe New Brighton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.

Eruption Brewing

The front counter inside Eruption Brewing in Lyttelton.
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Located on the main drag of the harbourside township of Lyttelton, Eruption Brewing is a destination for good beer, good food and good vibes.

Central Deli Sandwiches

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Central Deli Sandwiches is a permanent daytime pop-up within Christchurch's New Regent Street restaurant Story.

Kokomo

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Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The Lil' Brew Espresso Bar

A little corner of a cafe on a sunny day.
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Located within an iconic heritage building in the heart of Redcliffs, The Lil Brew Espresso Bar is quite possibly the cutest cafe in town.

Rascal

Hands holding a bowl of food made at Rascal in Christchurch.
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Located in the heart of the CBD on Christchurch’s High Street, Rascal is a modern bistro offering innovative food and exceptional cocktails.

Akin Café

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Akin is as clean-cut as a café can be.

The Church Pub

The busy bar inside The Church Pub.
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The Church on the corner of Manchester and Worcester Streets in the heart of the city is a cornerstone of Christchurch hospitality.

LONDO

A man placing a plate of food on the counter at Londo in Christchurch.
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Good things come in small packages, and Londo is a prime example of that age old proverb.

Moon Under Water

Exterior of Moon Under Water, Christchurch.
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Moon Under Water features all the best aspects of a classic pub that's up with the times when it comes to great brews, food and service.

Estelle

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A sophisticated sibling to Tom’s sandwich bar on Christchurch's Southwark Street, Estelle sits neatly just a few strides and a diagonal road crossing away in a space...

The Lane

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Tucked next door to the Sudima Christchurch city hotel on Salisbury Street, The Lane is so much more than a hotel restaurant.

Our Pick of the Tastiest Veggie Burgers in Christchurch

Close up of hands holding a vegan burger.
Ask a kid what their favourite food is, and you’re bound to get a simple answer: a burger. Ask a grown-up, and who knows what answer you’ll get, but in all honesty, there’s really that kid within most of us who finds digging their teeth into a good burger a satisfaction unlike anything else.

Tiny Door

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Tiny Door is New Zealand’s very first hole-in-the-wall food experience, offering restaurant quality food in a quick-as-a-flash grab-and-go manner to the hungry people...

BUTTER Pastry

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At the Phillipstown end of Tuam Street in Christchurch stands a small kitchen where award winning pastry chef Corentin Esquenet works his magic.

Bohemian Bakery St Martins

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Bohemian Bakery’s St Martins shop provides the south of the city with all of the carby goodness familiar from the bakery’s other locations.

The Little High Eatery

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A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.

The Recipe for a Neighbourhood Institution with Sarah Freeman of The Birdwood

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Is there much better than a great neighbourhood local? A place where everyone knows your name, usual order and favourite seat. A place you’ve frequented so often that it feels like an extension of your living room. Wellington and Auckland have endless ‘locals’, but here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, they’re a little harder to uncover. For residents of Beckenham, however, they’re blessed with The Birdwood. A prominent character building perfectly positioned in the heart of the community. A café by day in one space and a restaurant come evening in another, and now thanks to some renovations, there’s more connection between the two and a new bar to familiarise yourself with.

Muy Muy

Blue seats lined up against a burnt orange brick wall.
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Muy Muy breathes a breath of warm Central American air to the edge of Christchurch's CBD.

Francesca's Italian Kitchen Christchurch

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A big ol’ slice of authentic, rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Christchurch.

Westend Stories Café & Eatery

Pale wood wall and cafe seating with industrial lights at Westend Stories..
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Westend Stories is a green oasis for those looking to temporarily escape the confines of their workplace.

Nikkei

Coloured lamp shades hanging down over tables and chairs at Nikkei.
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Home of Christchurch's only Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant, Nikkei is a unique foodie destination.

Castro’s Tapas & Bar

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Named after its owner-operator and chef extraordinaire Richard Castro, this Riverside Market top-floor restaurant is an experience not to be missed.

Ally & Sid

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Everything about Ally & Sid is inviting - a breezy spot for excellent coffee, tasty cabinet fare and a big side of sunshine.

Crown & Pantry

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury

A good old fashioned general store, Crown & Pantry in Amberley is a one-stop-shop for everything you might need for a platter and wine kind of scenario, be it a picnic,...

La Luna

Customers sitting at green and green booths inside a high ceilinged cafe.
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A café by day, an a la carte restaurant by night, La Luna Eatery & Bar located in the heart of Rangiora, carries out each of its roles effortlessly.

Mapu

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Hidden down a small lane on Lyttelton's main drag, you'll find one of Christchurch's best-kept dining secrets. There is no signage, no walk-ins, no hours and no menu.

Sweet Soul Patisserie

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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.

Gatherings

Art on the wall at Gatherings in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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Living in harmony with the seasons has many benefits, and dining at Gatherings is undoubtedly one of them.

Odeon

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Take one of Christchurch’s best chefs and his wealth of international experience, add his Andalusian-inspired dishes to an epic and interesting wine list, and top it all off with a sumptuous, luxe decor and you get Odeon.

The Emerging Organic Wine Brands of Waipara, North Canterbury

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If you look beyond the standout Waipara wine brands we all know and love, four passionate young Canterbury winemakers are doing things a little differently. We spoke with each of them to better understand their inspiration and wine styles.

C4 Coffee

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If you’re in Christchurch and seeking an exceptional coffee experience, C4 Coffee should be your primary destination.

Kinji

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Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with Irasshaimase, a traditional Japanese welcome, and immediately feel transported to another continent. If you’re after an authentic Japanese dining experience with truly exceptional cuisine then you need to book a table at Kinji and do it soon.

Lux Espresso

The bench seating next to the counter inside Lux Espresso Christchurch.
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Positioned in the entrance of CoCA Gallery, Lux Espresso has a contemporary design and a wholesome breakfast and lunch menu.

Doubles

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Game, set, match! In a sunny spot on Worcester Boulevard, this tennis-themed café with a gram-worthy brunch menu is the new King of...

The Tale of Tussock Hill; The Journey of Vineyard to Table on Christchurch’s Port Hills

The Tussock Hill management team smiling to camera outside.
Growing grapes on Christchurch's Port Hills is rare and, from what I've been told, not easy. Match that with an onsite restaurant with a vantage point looking over Christchurch City and the vineyard while enjoying your glass of organic goodness, and you've got Tussock Hill. It's only been open since 2021 but already feels like part of the landscape.

Mind Your Temper

A close up of colourful chocolates on display at Mind Your Temper Christchurch.
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If you’re feeling grumpy or a little blue, a visit to Mind Your Temper is sure to lighten your mood.

Zeek's

Two women sitting and chatting a table inside Zeek's Christchurch.
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Everyone deserves a good lunch, and you’ll get a great one at Zeek’s. Fresh, fast and super tasty is the name of the game.

Downstairs Bar

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What do you get when you marry the cosy vibes of an intimate pub with the sophistication of an inner city wine bar? You end up with the best of both worlds and the result is Downstairs on New Regent Street.

Pretty Good Pizza

Birds eye view of two pizza and fries on wooden outdoor table.
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Picture this… an old-school cozy Italian pizza restaurant, but make it modern and set it in Christchurch's Riverside Market.

Black Burger

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Found in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Christchurch's Riverside Market, is the small but perfectly primed kitchen that Black Burger calls home.

Three Donkeys

Chef of Three Donkeys preparing food behind the counter.
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Located in the heart of New Brighton, Three Donkeys is a small restaurant focused on an authentic yet elegantly modern take on Indian and Japanese cuisine.

Child Sister

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Seeking a calm environment with aesthetically-pleasing interior decor, complete with incredible coffee and delicious food to match? Then look no further, Child Sister has...

Tom's

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If you are a sando aficionado and find yourself in the South Town area of Christchurch city centre, keep an eye out for the striking cobalt blue hue of Tom’s.

Sumner Social

Outdoor seating area at Sumner Social, Christchurch.
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The arrival of Sumner Social warrants high fives all around because, at last, the coastal suburb has a top-notch bar and restaurant with ocean views.

Bonobo Café

Birds-eye view of four dishes on a pink table at Bonobo, Christchurch.
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Bonobo: a benevolent primate, a trip-hop artist and more recently a plant-based cuisine destination in the seaside suburb of Sumner.

Pilgrim

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A tenacious stand alone espresso bar and café, Pilgrim has become a central city favourite amongst its regulars and central city workers that come and go for the...

The Old Vicarage

Coloured glass in the sunroom at The Old Vicarage, Christchurch.
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The Old Vicarage is exactly that, the former home of the Vicars from St Mary’s Church in Halswell.

Culinary Inspirations: Behind the Scenes with Sweet Soul Pâtisserie's Rea Scur

Rea Scur working behind the counter at Sweet Soul Patisserie in Christchurch.
As a passionate Francophile and self-confessed sweet tooth, Nicola Amy Hinman was rather excited to chat with Rea Scur, one half of the incredibly talented sister duo behind Christchurch Ōtautahi’s favourite pâtisserie, about her culinary inspirations and the creative process behind their exquisite desserts.

General Post

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You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them.

Tussock Hill Vineyard

Waiter placing plate on table at Tussock Hill Vineyard, Christchurch.
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The long and winding road up to Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door is as inconspicuous as it is rewarding.

Seven Dining

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Take the elevator to Level 7 of the Muse Art Hotel in Christchurch, and from there you’ll be ushered into the elegant restaurant, Seven.

Truffle Café

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You may think of truffle as clandestine but this Merivale café - with the same name - is anything but.

Exploring The Terrace: An Insider’s Guide

Buildings lined up alongside a river on a sunny day.
Unearth the hidden gems of Christchurch Ōtautahi's most vibrant dining and entertainment precinct. Just a stone's throw from the picturesque Avon River, The Terrace is a hub where authenticity meets creativity, a meeting point for the intimate and the avant-garde.

Paddy McNaughton's

Exterior of Paddy McNaughton's, Christchurch.
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Paddy McNaughton's is a pint-sized pub with Guinness and Magners on tap. It’s the closest thing to a Dublin pub this side of the equator. Live music every week.

The Mediterranean Food Company

Table with pizza and glasses of red wine at Mediterranean Food Company, Christchurch.
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 Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy.

Empire Chicken

Table of fried chicken and sides from Empire Chicken in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

A fried chicken establishment to rival the big dogs.

Bellbird Bakery

Close up of rows of sourdough on wooden shelves attached to a wall at Bellbird Bakery in Christchurch.
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Bellbird is everything you want in a local bakery — filled with classic pastries and delicious loaves of fresh-baked bread.

Addington Coffee Co-op

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Addington Coffee Co-op is, simply put, a true Christchurch institution with laid-back vibes and house-roasted coffee.

Story

Bottles of wine on a shelf at Story.
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The dining experience at Story is anything but ordinary.

Austin Club

Austin Club green neon sign.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you like your bars secret, check out Austin Club tucked in a basement, down an alleyway. Oh, and you'll need the password, too.

Six Ounces

Avi pouring a glass of wine at Six Ounces, Christchurch.
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There’s nothing quite like a cosy neighbourhood haunt and six ounces is exactly that.

Kung Fu Dumplings

Alok laughing with customers at his food truck.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch may be a long jaunt from Kathmandu, but you won't have to go nearly as far for momo dumplings.

Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry

Two woman at a table eating food at Mona Vale in Christchurch.
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Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry in Christchurch creates an idyllic setting for a beautifully appointed restaurant, perched along the Avon River.

Soul Quarter

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Soul Quarter captures the essence of a contemporary brasserie – great service, simple and seasonal dishes, and a splash of how you say, je ne sais quoi.

Niche Coffee + Eatery

Table of delicious food at Niche Cafe and Eatery in Sumner.
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Niche Coffee + Eatery, the latest addition to the hospitality scene of Sumner, fits like a glove to the seaside village.

Where to Catchup With Friends During the Week in Christchurch

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Weekends aren’t the only time for catching up with friends, and they no longer hold the monopoly on being when you can have some fun.

Pizza Trap

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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Pizza Trap is a collaboration between the person behind Alligator Pizza and Space Academy, serving up neo-neapolitan pizzas with quality ingredients on hand-thrown, sourdough bases.

Tramway Restaurant

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The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by.

Arbour Woodfire Pizza

Close up of slicing fresh pizza at Arbour in Lyttelton.
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A standout eatery where you can expect to find perfectly charred pizzas and a plant-filled atmosphere.

Pink Lady

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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.

Five Late Night Spots in Christchurch for Coffee, Treats & Sweets

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For night owls in search of a cosy corner to enjoy excellent coffee, dessert or cake, Christchurch has a few hidden gems perfect for enjoying leisurely evenings with great company.

Saturdays

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Saturdays is a celebration of not just the weekend, but every day. It’s an ode to what saturdays stand for: slowing down, enjoying one another and pairing it all with excellent food and drink.

The Spirits Workshop

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Head to The Spirits Workshop in Sydenham for a uniquely New Zealand spirit experience. Here you can sample gins and whiskies that reflect Aotearoa, meet the people that make it and see the whole process, too.

Brew Academy

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Brew Academy gives you the chance to learn to brew, grab a pint from their tap room, and get a mean feed from Smoke ’n’ Barrel, who operate out of the same premises. There’s a lot on offer at Brew Academy, and good beer ties it all together.

Grizzly Baked Goods CBD

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Grizzly's shop at The Welder offers classic sourdough breads as well as cookies, donuts, sammies, bear claws and croissants.

El Quincho

Flatlay of meat platter from El Quincho.
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For a taste of Argentina, head to El Quincho at Riverside Market.

Riccarton Noodle House

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For a flavoursome lunch on the run, a family get together and a few hot brothy bowls that’ll leave you wanting more head to Riccarton Noodle House.

The Last Word

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Prepare to be charmed by The Last Word’s relaxed, friendly environment and impressive drinks offering

Georges Road Wines

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If you like great wine, stunning scenery and a quick escape from the city head to Georges Road Wines in Waipara.

Greystone Wines

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A day exploring the magic being made by Greystone Wines ibn Waipara is a day well spent.

Midnight Shanghai

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Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

Posh Porridge

Eating a piece of loaded toast from Posh Porridge.
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Posh Porridge offers boutique flavours and lashings of luxury toppings for its porridge bowls. Just pop into its Montreal St location and find out for yourself.

Cellar Door

Row of wine tasting glasses outside on a table at Cellar Door in Christchurch.
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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.

New Brighton Good Life Guide: Matt Morris, The Urban Monk

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Meet Matt Morris of The Urban Monk, a fermentary providing nourishing sauerkraut to the people since 2012 and, more recently, opening doors on New Brighton Mall.

Foundation Café

Bright turquoise counter and chef station at Foundation Café in Christchurch.
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Foundation is fully licensed, serving up flavoursome fare seamlessly integrated into Otautahi’s world-class library, Tūranga.

Ramen Ria

Outdoor seating at Ramen Ria
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Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.

Gelato & Tea

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Gelato & Tea offers homemade gelato and a range of tea drinks, alongside a selection of delicious sweet treats.

Three Boys Brewery

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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.

Our Pick of the Best Indian Restaurants in Christchurch

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Who doesn’t love a good curry with perfectly cooked rice and soft Naan bread? Add to that a side of raita, some onion bhajis, plus a mango lassi or perhaps a nice cold beer, and let the feast begin!

Canterbury Brewers' Collective

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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

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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

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.

Gelato Lab

Customer holding her Gelato Lab ice cream.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Gelato Lab churns out traditional gelato in a number of delicious and ever-changing flavours, all made on-site by two passionate ladies.

Evil Genius Bar & Eatery

A flatlay of food at Evil Genius Bar and Eatery in Christchurch.
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Evil Genius Bar & Eatery is a destination you need to get to know. Open from dawn ‘til way past dusk, offering everything from coffee to cocktails.

gin gin

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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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.

J'aime les Macarons

Blue shop exterior and glass cabinet of J’aime les macarons in Christchurch.
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Hundreds of colourful macarons with punchy and interesting flavours are produced out of the J’aime les macarons kitchen each day.

Grater Goods

Woman standing by kitchen window at Grater Goods in Christchurch.
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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.

The Burger Joint

Real food real local signage above counter.
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The Burger Joint has an ethos that is plain and simple – and pretty hard to miss, with it boldly printed across the entranceway: Real Food, Real Local.

Miss Peppercorn

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Miss Peppercorn is a modern eatery, celebrating the fragrant and mouth-numbing flavours of the owner's hometown in the Chinese province of Sichuan.

Switch New Brighton

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Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.

Prima Roastery

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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.

How to Slow Down in Ashburton: A Guide to Elevating The Drive Through

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From gua buns to boutiques, artistry and espresso, there’s more to Ashburton than meets the eye. So next time you pass through this Mid Canterbury town, put your foot on the brakes and try some curated exploration. You’ll leave feeling better off for it.

Earl

Dishes on a table ready to eat at Earl, Christchurch.
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Earl is a local for inner-city residents and workers, bringing a breath of European bistro culture to central Christchurch.

Dux Central

Dux Central exterior, Christchurch.
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If bars could be left or right handed, Dux Central would be ambidextrous. There’s nothing this place can’t be.

Dux Dine

Bi-fold white doors onto deck and courtyard area of Dux Dine in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Dux Dine is one of those rare gems where anyone and everyone has a place at the table, all in a cosy, home-like atmosphere.

Grizzly Baked Goods

Grizzly Baked Goods shopfront in Christchurch's Sydenham suburb.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Effortlessly cool with a friendly and inviting vibe, Grizzly Baked Goods will have you feeling like you’ve woken up in another city.

Table For One: The Best Solo Dining Spots In The Garden City

Sardines on toast on a table.
Go on, free yourself.

Ilex Café

People walking into Ilex Café in Christchurch Botanical Gardens.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Right in the heart of the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Ilex Café is a must visit for beautiful food and good vibes.

50 Bistro

Bistro bar at the 50 Bistro restaurant in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

50 Bistro at The George offers quality local produce, views of Hagley Park and the perfect pre-theatre dining spot.

Smokey T's

Flatlay of BBQ meat and chips on a table.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Expect the softest, juiciest slow cooked meat you’ve ever tasted at Smokey T's.

Little Pom's

A close up of someone sitting next to a plated meal at Little Poms'.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Located in the same building as the ever-popular Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn, Little Poms is charming neighbourhood café all about good food made by Christchurch’s talented producers and artisans.

The Birdwood

Customers eating breakfast at The Birdwood, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Much-loved neighbourhood cafe by day, knock-out contemporary Italian eatery by night – The Birdwood might just be the dream local hospo joint.

The Arts Centre

The entrance to the Christchurch Arts Centre.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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A much-loved heritage hub for all things creative and cultural, Christchurch’s Arts Centre is a real jewel in the city’s crown.

BOXed Quarter

People hanging out in the lanes at The Boxed Quarter Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A hub for all things food, creativity and culture, BOXed Quarter thinks outside the square.

5th Street

Close up of a seared fillet of fish in a shallow bowl of sauce at 5th Street restaurant Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A spectacular spot for evening dining seven days a week.

Barrys Bay Cheese

A worker holding a large slice of cheese at Barrys Bay Cheese, Akaroa.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Barrys Bay Cheese has been creating delicious, memorable cheeses in its namesake bay since 1895.

The Craft Embassy

Man ordering a beer at the bar at Craft Embassy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Great beer, great food, great views. Craft Embassy is the whole package and more.

Miro

Three dishes of food on a table at Miro in the old Caffe Roma building in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A stylish and cosy spot for breakfast, lunch or brunch, any day of the week.

Little Vintage Espresso

Customers queuing to order at the counter at Little Vintage Espresso in Amberley.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A jewel in the Amberley crown, Little Vintage Espresso offers delicious homemade food and good coffee.

Christchurch's Sweetest Treats: Where to Find the City's Best Desserts

Shiny cakes on a cake stand on a white table.
This may be a bold statement… but the best (and often most overlooked) meal of the day would have to be dessert. While some may argue that it doesn’t qualify as a meal, we would very much counter this, and our evidence lies in the many sweet sensations you can find around Christchurch Ōtautahi. One of the greatest qualities dessert has going for it, in our humble opinion, is you can eat it any time of the day. From a decadent pastry with your morning coffee to a treat-yourself-ice-cream moment to a lavish creation enjoyed post-dinner.

Pegasus Bay

Exterior entrance surrounded by trees at Pegasus Bay.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Pegasus Bay will blow you away with its beautiful setting and world-class wine.

SUPER

Inside the SUPER restaurant.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Lyttelton’s Asian-fusion eatery, SUPER, is nothing short of what the name suggests.

OGB

A man pouring a cocktail at OGB in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A speakeasy-style bar, OGB serves up an old-school approach to hospitality.

Bessie

A table setting at Bessie, Christchurch's steak house.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Dark, a little brooding and faultless in its theme, Bessie is an immaculate display of fine dining in the inner city.

To Methven & Beyond: A Weekend Getaway Guide

A woman walking through the water at Opuke Thermal pools with the Southern Alps in the background.
Methven is an outdoor playground, and thanks to some recent additions to the town scene, there's even more reason to visit this mountainside community on the western edge of the Canterbury Plains.

Allpress Espresso

Two employees working behind the cafe counter at Allpress Espresso in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The coffee here is just what you'd expect from the experienced Allpress roasters.

Smash Palace

Lots of customers seating outside on tables.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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For the novelty of having your local beer served from the window of a bus, look no further than Smash Palace.

Bohemian Bakery Sumner

Bakery interior with shelves of breads.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Located in sunny Sumner, Bohemian Bakery is an Eastern European-inspired neighbourhood bakery.

Herba Gourmet

A painted Herba Gourmet sign on the interior wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you thought fast food was served greasy treats, think again. Herba Gourmet has rethought street food to bring fresh, healthy, fine food to diners on the go.

Boo's

Plated food and drink on the table at Boo's.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Inventive in its approach to dining, Boo's draws from the savant of comfort food: Southern American cuisine.

The Laboratory

Seating area with exposed brick wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Offering an excellent range of craft beer, wood fired pizzas and tapas-style plates that are designed to be shared, this pub is a Lincoln local’s favourite.

Ōtoromiro Hotel

Ōtoromiro Hotel exterior in Govenor's Bay.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Perched at its grand position on a hillside at the end of Te Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, the historical Ōtoromiro Hotel offers hard-to-beat views, friendly service and...

The Tannery

People walking through The Tannery Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.

Punky Brewster

Woman pouring a beer at taps.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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.

Black Estate

View out of window at Black Estate, North Canterbury towards vines.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.

Civil and Naval

The building exterior of Civil and Naval in Lyttelton
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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This Lyttelton spot offers a well thought-out sharing menu dotted with memorable plates along with excellent wine, beer and cocktails.

Park Ranger

Park Ranger cafe space.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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.

Dinner and a Show? Here are our Picks on Where to Dine and be Entertained in Christchurch

A man dressed in a black holding a red piece of fabric.
Make a night out in Christchurch Ōtautahi with our roundup of the best places to enjoy dinner and a show.

Lyttelton Coffee Company

The cabinet at Lyttelton Coffee Company cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A quirky place humming with activity, this place is home to a coffee roastery and a cafe big on sustainability, community and authentic fare.

Tomi Japanese Restaurant

Looking over the counter into the kitchen where the chef is.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, Tomi is most famous for their sashimi sourced from the local fish market.

Fiddlesticks

Close up of food being served Fiddlesticks in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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With a focus on modern New Zealand cuisine where presentation is key, there are plenty of creative menu choices from breakfast through to dessert.

Twenty Seven Steps

Customers dining inside the restaurant.
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An effortless combination of old and new, Twenty Seven Steps is a modern and sophisticated restaurant on New Regent Street.

Mangia Italiano: Where to find Christchurch's finest Italian restaurants

A chef serving a plate of spinach pasta on a plate in the sunlight.
We've searched out Christchurch's best establishments offering a slice of the good life, inspired by the fields of Florence, streets of Rome and canals of Venice.

Inati

Plates of food on a counter inside Inati restaurant Christchurch, New Zealand.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.

Harbour Co-Op

A woman with apples in a basket at Harbour Co-op in Lyttelton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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No longer the domain of hippies and survivalists; organic, free-range, bulk and sustainable foods are now the norm.

Dispense Espresso

Man making coffee behind blue coffee machine at Dispense Espresso in Christchurch.
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Dispense Espresso’s owner, Hamish Bell, knows a thing or two about what makes a café great.

Dose Diner

Close up of the counter at Dose Diner in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Adding a much needed touch of ‘cool’ to Blenheim Road, Dose Diner takes a page from the book of the quirky Melbourne café scene.

Unknown Chapter

Seating area at Unknown Chapter.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A sunny spot always bustling with life thanks to its epic brunch menu, homemade slices and cakes and speciality roasted coffee.