New Brighton Good Life Guide: Elisha Blogg
The Best Eats Down Riccarton Road
While for some Riccarton Road may conjure up images of slow crawling traffic, BYOs gone rogue or adolescent moments at the mall that they’d rather forget, the quantity of exceptional eateries makes up for the road’s lesser qualities.
The Neat Places team’s favourite places to brunch
Here at Neat Places, we're certainly partial to great food – and brunch is no exception. We've spilled the beans on our team's favourite spots around the country to enjoy a slow morning over eggs, smashed avo, pancakes, omelettes, and more goodness...
Ashburton is the New Black - A New Look Guide to this Mid Canterbury Town
Just over an hour south of Ōtautahi Christchurch sits the rural township of Hakatere Ashburton. Servicing a greater area of Mid Canterbury, this is where the coast, the mountains, the rivers and the rural landscape meet. For many Cantabrians, this is a town you pass through along journeys north or south, but scratch the surface, and you’ll find much more to Ashburton than you see along the highway.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Jenna Ingram's Picks of the Neatest Things to do in New Brighton
Jenna Ingram is a Canadian-born, New Zealand-raised artist, mother, occasional MC/singer, and keen gardener who is slightly obsessed with growing and pickling pickles. She’s also the co-owner and Director of Fiksate Gallery, New Zealand's leading Urban Art gallery. We chatted to Jenna about her experiences in New Brighton and what makes it special.
Shafeeq Ismail's Favourite Christchurch Food Spots
Christchurch's Finest Places To Go For A Cocktail
No matter the weather it's always the right time for a cocktail. It could be the height of summer, the sun is shining, you’re with good friends and fruity concoctions are flowing. Or perhaps the temperatures have taken a dive, cosy vibes are key and your drink of choice also has the job of providing some much-needed warmth.
Elevate Your Lunch in Christchurch's CBD
When it comes to meals throughout the day, breakfast is touted as the most important and dinner often gets all the glory, however, we say there is a serious case to be made for lunch being the best. In Christchurch’s city centre, there are plenty of options to satisfy your twelve o’clock hunger.
How to Survive a Hot Summer’s Day in Christchurch
The Best Christchurch Spots For An Iced Drink This Summer
Picture this… the sun is shining, the vibes are popping and you’re in the mood for the perfect icy beverage to complement your day.
Where You'd Rather Be: The Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Christchurch
Pizza and paella, souvlakis and sangria, cannoli and croissants… There’s a reason we’re always pining over the Mediterranean way of life.
Neatest Places in Christchurch for an Ice Cream
Dine Out on the Neat Places’ Team's Restaurant Picks
In Our Book: Here are the Best Bookshops in Christchurch Ōtautahi
There is a certain kind of feeling you get when you enter a good bookshop, it’s warm and inviting, and a sense of cosiness and calm takes over. The scent of hundreds and thousands of pages waiting to be discovered and devoured is nostalgic, and it is easy to lose an hour or two browsing the aisles deliberating over your next read. In Ōtautahi Christchurch, we are blessed with a stellar number of bookstores, from a specialist children’s shop, booksellers that have been in the city for generations and second-hand shops that ensure literary gems reach the hands of new readers. So whether you are on the hunt for the latest bestseller, looking to build up your child’s library collection or happiest when spending an afternoon amongst stacks and rows of books, here’s your guide (in no particular order) to enjoying the best bookshops around the city.
Fill your Christmas Table with Christchurch’s Best
Best of 2023: The Neatest Newcomers of Christchurch’s Food Scene
Sandwich shops, spritz bars, the return of old favourites, churches converted into pubs and open fire cooking. This year was arguably one of the most exciting times to be dining out in Christchurch Ōtautahi, as we were treated to an influx of new cafés, delis, wine bars, pubs and restaurants. From flashy riverside venues to humble hidden gems, here are 17 notable newcomers who opened their doors in 2023.
Rolleston Fields: Experience the New Side to Rolleston
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.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Cam Burgess of Southpaw
Our Pick of the Tastiest Veggie Burgers in Christchurch
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.
Venture forth: Your Guide to the Best of Banks Peninsula
The Recipe for a Neighbourhood Institution with Sarah Freeman of The Birdwood
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.
The Emerging Organic Wine Brands of Waipara, North Canterbury
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.
The Tale of Tussock Hill; The Journey of Vineyard to Table on Christchurch’s Port Hills
New Zealand’s Top Hotels For Unforgettable Staycations
An Interview with Josh Bradshaw of Sonder Leather Goods
We’re excited to announce the first of our Neat Places urban travel products, created in collaboration with some of our favourite makers.
To kick things off, we’ve partnered with our friends at Sonder Leather Goods to create a travel wallet for all your essentials, including your wallet, credit cards, and of course, a Neat Places pocket guide.
We sat down with Josh Bradshaw of Sonder to chat about the collaboration and the rhythms of leather...
Venture Out: A Day Trip from Christchurch in Every Direction
Culinary Inspirations: Behind the Scenes with Sweet Soul Pâtisserie's Rea Scur
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.
Exploring The Terrace: An Insider’s Guide
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.
Where to Catchup With Friends During the Week in Christchurch
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.
Your Guide to Second-Hand Clothes Shopping in Christchurch
Five Late Night Spots in Christchurch for Coffee, Treats & Sweets
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.
From Novice To Advanced Yogi, These Are The Best Yoga Studios in Christchurch
In the heart of the city and the surrounding suburbs, there are several specialist yoga studios that know their downward dog from their chaturanga. Here are our picks of Christchurch's best places to practice yoga.
Connect With Your Core At The Best Pilates Studios In Christchurch
Tired of lifting weights, sweating out in a HIIT session or just looking to shake up your fitness routine? A low-impact (yet still highly effective) Pilates class might be what you are after. Here are our picks of the best Pilates studios in Christchurch.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Matt Morris, The Urban Monk
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.
A taste of Mexico in Christchurch: The city's best Mexican restaurants
Our Pick of the Best Indian Restaurants in Christchurch
How to Slow Down in Ashburton: A Guide to Elevating The Drive Through
Table For One: The Best Solo Dining Spots In The Garden City
Go on, free yourself.
Christchurch's Sweetest Treats: Where to Find the City's Best Desserts
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.
To Methven & Beyond: A Weekend Getaway Guide
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.
Mid-Canterbury Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
Mid Canterbury is a district well worth visiting, as there are endless tramping opportunities, thermal pools, motorsport and adventure-filled gems.
How to Spend Autumn in Christchurch Ōtautahi
Dinner and a Show? Here are our Picks on Where to Dine and be Entertained in Christchurch
Make a night out in Christchurch Ōtautahi with our roundup of the best places to enjoy dinner and a show.
From Udon Noodles to Yakitori: Here are Our Picks for Christchurch's Best Japanese Restaurants
Just like food from any country, Japanese cuisine has an array of regional specialities that have been created from local ingredients and traditional recipes. The best way to sample these would be to take a culinary tour across the island nation, but luckily for us in Christchurch, the city offers a number of authentic Japanese restaurants, all with their own speciality.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Hamish Evans from Switch
Meet Hamish Evans, a coffee impresario, family man and local legend who calls New Brighton home.
Mangia Italiano: Where to find Christchurch's finest Italian restaurants
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.
Fast and Flavourful: Our Must-Try Takeaways In Christchurch
Where to Dine as a Big Group in Christchurch
Seats in the City: Best Seats in Ōtautahi Christchurch
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Samantha Fay
Meet Samantha Fay, a textile and fibre artist who calls New Brighton, Christchurch Ōtautahi home. Here is her guide to this beachside suburb.
Best Urban Wine Experiences in New Zealand
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!).
Catherine & Lin from New Brighton Community Gardens
Meet Catherine O’Neill and Lin Klenner of New Brighton Community Gardens. Catherine has been the trusted Garden Manager since 2010 and Lin looks after everything but gardening. From the ground up is how they roll.
Best Things To Do In Christchurch This Spring
On a gorgeous day, it’s hard to beat Ōtautahi Christchurch in the springtime as the garden city comes into its own.
Where to Find Christchurch’s Best Burgers
A Wondrous Walking Guide to Christchurch Ōtautahi
A Guide to Architecture and Art in Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch’s cityscape is ever evolving and the combination of historic structures versus new modern buildings, works together in harmony to create a vibrant city.
A Guide to Shopping and One of a Kind Fashion in Christchurch
Memorable Christchurch Accommodation Worth Travelling for
Looking for that one-of-a-kind Christchurch accommodation that will make your trip to Ōtautahi truly unforgettable? From fancy five-star hotel experiences to secluded cabins in the heart of wine country, whatever your needs and whatever your budget, our Christchurch accommodation guide has you covered.
10 South Island Ski Fields and Bars for Your Après-Ski
Christchurch Food Guide: Alex Davies of Gatherings
The Key Ingredients for a Wellness Weekend in Ōtautahi Christchurch
The Ultimate Local's Guide to Christchurch & Surrounds
Christchurch Ōtautahi is proud to be a place full of rich experiences that no matter where your interests lie or what stage of life you are at, this city is sure to deliver in spades. Armed with local insider knowledge, this guide gives you the very best that Christchurch Ōtautahi has to offer and ensures you won’t run out of things to do anytime soon.
Welcome to Eating & Drinking in Christchurch's East Block
The 'East Block' is home to many of Christchurch, Ōtautahi's best bars and restaurants. You will find a various range of cultures to meet every occasion.
Fill Your Picnic Basket with Sydenham's Finest Artisan Food & Drinks
The streets of Sydenham are filled with all the best artisan producers and quality food and drink. From picnics, special lunches or filling the pantry, we've made this list of Sydenham's top locations so you don't have to.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Reuben Woods
Bottoms Up ... 9 of the Best South Island Pubs
Aotearoa's Underground Haunts, Rooftops and The In-betweens
South Town
Some Like It Hot: A Guide To New Zealand’s Best Hot Pools
Remedy your winter chills by submerging yourself in one of these dreamy (and super steamy) hot pools.
Christchurch's Secret Spaces and Places
10 Craft Beer Destinations To Add To Your South Island Getaway
Free Things To Do in Christchurch Ōtautahi
7 Urban Hotels Worth Travelling For
New Brighton
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Sam & Caroline at The Burger Joint
7 South Island Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List
Fill up the tank; a South Island road trip adventure awaits.
7 Café and Restaurant Interiors that will set your heart aflutter in Ōtautahi
Forget Pinterest, head to these Christchurch spots for major mood board inspo.
Crazy about Hazy? All about the stouts? Time to read our CHC Craft Beer Guide
Christchurch has a raft of excellent craft beer bars at its disposal and, quite frankly, that’s great news for locals and visitors alike. If you’re on the hunt for a bar that serves high quality brews with a similarly authentic vibe, we suggest having a perusal through our Christchurch Craft Beer Guide. We won’t claim it as definitive, but it's a bloody good attempt. Any visit to one of these top establishments will likely have you ordering another round faster than you can say ‘blimey they’re crafty..’.
8 Unexpected Things To Do in Christchurch
Take the lesser known track and try our list of unexpected places to visit in Christchurch.
Get Acquainted at the Chef’s Table at these Christchurch Spots
Dine up close and personal.
Time to Mastermind an Outing with Your Family at One of These Kid Friendly Spots
You’ve got the mini-mes in tow and you’re needing a bite to eat - we’ve got you covered…
Let's Celebrate Women in Hospitality
Great hair days on repeat with Christchurch’s best hairdressers
Stock Up On Vinyl At The 8 Best Record Stores In New Zealand
Tick Off Your Reading List At New Zealand’s Independent Bookshops
Bibliophiles gather around; here's your comprehensive guide to New Zealand's best bookshops. Each of these fiercely independent bookstores brings a strong sense of personality, enriched by the culture and history of the towns they call home.
From North to South, from mystical fantasy to heartfelt memoirs, there's plenty to tickle your bookish brains at these local spots. So clear your shelf and break out your Good Reads list; here's where to get your literature fix across Aotearoa.
Get the Glow with Christchurch's Best Facials
There’s no better time than the present to get your glow on with a facial from one of Christchurch's best facialists. With specialists in all corners of the city, a facial is the perfect way to relax, rejuvenate and refresh. Catering to all skin-types, and genders alike, your next pamper session is sure to leave you feeling lit from within, while giving your skin the tender love and care that it needs.
Score The Inside Scoop On New Zealand’s Best Ice Cream And Gelato Spots
Best on Bread: 7 Carby Delights to Eat Your Way Across Christchurch
Not all sandwiches were made equal so we've rounded up some of our favourite spots to grab a sammy in Christchurch.
CHC Institutions We Love
Still going strong after 10 plus years, and there's a whole multitude of reasons why.
Quirky Christmas Shopping in Christchurch
Christchurch’s Art Galleries and Where To Grab a Drink Afterwards
From heritage spaces to dealer galleries, here are the best places to get your dose of art culture in Christchurch, and where to grab a drink afterwards.
Kid-friendly Spots in Christchurch for Your next Family Day Out
Head to any of these Christchurch locations for parent and kid friendly experiences sure to delight on all levels.
Get to Know the North Canterbury Wine Region
The North Canterbury wine region is a hidden gem for wine, food and relaxing accommodation — the perfect recipe for a long weekend. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, close to the sea and with fertile soil for a variety of growing opportunities, this close-to-Christchurch destination is a must-stay. Discover some of North Canterbury’s finest vineyards, ready and waiting for you to explore.
9 Reasons You Should Visit North Canterbury's Cellar Doors
The North Canterbury wine region offers diverse and intriguing varieties and unexpected delights.
Drool-worthy Donut Spots You Need to Devour in Christchurch
Upgrade Your Home Cooking with the Best Craft Food Stores in Christchurch
Grocery Stores, Farmers' Markets & Local Growers
Snack Your Way Through 9 of the Best Baos in Christchurch
Where To Get Your American Food and Drink Fix in Christchurch
American food spans many cultures, locations and cuisines, making it an exciting and varied cuisine.
7 Must-shop Menswear Stores in Christchurch
The Christchurch menswear scene has graduated from jeans and a t-shirt, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
How to Spend an Afternoon in New Brighton
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside (in New Brighton) and here's a whole bunch of reasons why.
Where to Find the Best Pastries in Christchurch
Pastry has been kicking around since Egyptian times so it’s high time we put together a list for the best spots to pick up pastries in Ōtautahi.
8 Places to Elevate Your Dining Experience
Sweet or Savoury? Scope Our Definitive Guide to Christchurch's Best Scones
The humble scone is synonymous with New Zealand hospitality and a staple of our café culture.
Throw on Your Barbour, Here's 8 Things to Do in Christchurch This Winter
Have those Southerly blasts got you hunkered down? Well, it's time to grab your puffer, we've got some activities to get you out of the house this winter.
These 8 Christchurch Roasters Will Change the Way You Think about Coffee
Christchurch’s coffee roasters are the ones to watch. With established roasteries and new players popping up on the scene, the South Island’s biggest city is competing with the best of ‘em.
Warm Your Winter Soul at the Cosiest Places in Christchurch
If the winter weather is keeping you curled up at home, we suggest warming up at some of our favourite cosy spots in Christchurch instead.
Sip Your Way Through Our Guide To Kiwi-Made Spirits
Where To Find The Best Architecture in Christchurch
8 Unique Date Ideas in Christchurch
Top Plant-Based Brunches in Christchurch
Plant-based brunches are settling into the Christchurch food scene, and we couldn’t be more excited to branch out and enjoy.
8 Fried Chicken Alternatives in Christchurch
Vegetarians rejoice - we’ve found the best fried chicken alternatives in Christchurch, so you can enjoy the finger-lickin’ goodness sans cluck. No chicken, no problem.
6 Unique Activities to Try in Christchurch
Whether you’re looking for a unique adventure for the whole family or a little R&R, you’ll find a host of unique activities in Christchurch.
Go Plastic-Free With These 10 NZ Homeware Brands
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite online resources throughout New Zealand to help you towards plastic-free bliss.
How to Spend the Perfect Night Out in Christchurch CBD
Dine Al Fresco at the Best Outdoor Restaurant Spots in Christchurch
Whether you’re looking to settle in for an evening of people watching or prefer to enjoy your long black in al fresco solitude, keep scrolling for where to find outdoor dining in Christchurch
Back Local These Holidays with Our Christchurch Shopping and Gifting Guide
Shopping local is a treat with so many offerings around Christchurch. Make a day of it and revel in the diverse range of shops, price points, and offerings, all while supporting the spirit of Ōtautahi.
6 of the Best Plant-Based Eateries in Christchurch
With options ranging from casual café grab-and-go options, to full sit down dinners, it’s never been a better time to explore your plant-based options in Christchurch’s food scene.
Reply ‘STAB ME’ to Confirm
The Neatest Campgrounds in Canterbury
48 Hours Christchurch
There’s nothing like the promise of a full weekend ahead. We’ve already curated the best way to spend 12 hours in Christchurch, but if you have a little more time to spare, we have no shortage of ideas. From buzzing city cafes, quirky gallery exhibits, seaside walks and memorable meals, not a moment will feel wasted.
The Modern Mess
11 Walks to Do in Canterbury and Where to Reward Yourself After
Now’s the time to get out and explore all Canterbury has to offer, both outdoors and in the towns that make this region so special.
Explore New Zealand's most beautiful street
A stroll down colourful, pedestrianised New Regent Street in Christchurch will instantly transport you to a bygone era.
Low and Slow from Christchurch to Tokyo
A Dram with Whisky Galore's Stella Fraser Milne
Trading the Corporate Life for Biang Biang Noodles
A Road Trip Guide to Akaroa
7 Places Every Brunch Enthusiast Needs to Tick off in Christchurch
Brunch enthusiasts, rejoice! Neat Places has compiled your weekend hit-list for the best brunch in Christchurch. From the caffeine hit to the perfectly poached eggs, you'll find somewhere just right for that next weekend brunch outing.
Unstoppable: Andy and Mia
Cool Hangs - Indigo & Provisions
SALT District
Mountain Biking is the New Golf
West End
With landmarks like the Arts Centre and the historic Canterbury Museum, there's plenty to love about Christchurch's West End. Walk down from The Terrace towards the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens and you'll see what all the fuss is about. From the tram tracks to the collective of cultural hotspots, this is a neighbourhood that is quintessentially Canterbury. As the central city has been rebuilt after the 2011 earthquakes, there's been plenty invested in West End - from the building restorations to swanky new office blocks. Dive into the restaurants and cafes tucked into ground floor haunts, and while away a morning exploring.
City North
Sydenham
Where to Go For A Gin Cocktail in Christchurch This February
Is that holiday vibe starting to feel like it was long ago? Are the work days stretching ahead of you with no light at the end of the tunnel? Well, think again. Thanks to East Imperial, we’ve got just what you need to take after-work drinks and weekend days to the next level… it’s the Gin Jubilee!
Brunch in the 'Burbs with the Best Neighbourhood Cafés in Christchurch
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of your local neighbourhood café where familiar faces greet you from day to day and your regular order can be placed with a mere nod and a smile.
Dose up on Goodness, Here's 5 Places to Sink a Green Smoothie in Christchurch
Drool Your Way Through Christchurch's Finger-lickin' Fried Chicken Dishes
We've scoured Christchurch to find the best places to get your hands on the finger-lickin' fried chicken.
Pantries at the ready. Here's our Guide to Shopping without a supermarket
Hospitality Hero
Christchurch Cafés Open on a Sunday to Stave off Your Work Week Blues
Five of the best: where to fill your own beer
Lunch Lady
Sharing is caring. The best places for shared plates
Whoever first coined the phrase “sharing is caring” was clearly a good person to head out to dinner with.
Live the Digital Nomad Life with 11 Christchurch Cafés That Have Free Wifi
A necessity in homes, workplaces and public spaces – but wifi connections in cafés, bars and restaurants can feel few and far between.
High Street
Amberley and Waipara
Port Lyttelton
Roses to Riches
Sweet & Savage
A Decade of Making It Raw
A Guide to New Zealand's Coffee Roasters