Rolleston Fields: Experience the New Side to Rolleston
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Cam Burgess of Southpaw
Cam Burgess is the co-owner and brewer of Southpaw Beers, a New Brighton brewery that's currently brewing in Hornby South for the time being. However, don’t let that fool you; Southpaw is New Brighton through and through, and their tagline, 'bringing flavour home', is a nod to their desire to open a brewery in New Brighton, where Cam grew up and where he and his partner Penny now raise their two boys Paeroa and Atakura. We chatted with Cam about his Brighton memories and what he loves about living in this staunch coastal suburb.
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
The Tale of Tussock Hill; The Journey of Vineyard to Table on Christchurch’s Port Hills
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.
New Zealand’s Top Hotels For Unforgettable Staycations
Forget the stale hotel stereotypes; New Zealand's staycation scene is flourishing with bold character and unrivalled charm.
An Interview with Josh Bradshaw of Sonder Leather Goods
Venture Out: A Day Trip from Christchurch in Every Direction
Culinary Inspirations: Behind the Scenes with Sweet Soul Pâtisserie's Rea Scur
Exploring The Terrace: An Insider’s Guide
Your Guide to Second-Hand Clothes Shopping in Christchurch
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.
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
A taste of Mexico in Christchurch: The city's best Mexican restaurants
Craving Mexican food? Here are our picks of the best Mexican restaurants in Christchurch.
Our Pick of the Best Indian Restaurants in Christchurch
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!
How to Slow Down in Ashburton: A Guide to Elevating The Drive Through
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.
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
Mid-Canterbury Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
To Methven & Beyond: A Weekend Getaway Guide
How to Spend Autumn in Christchurch Ōtautahi
Put on your flannel and get ready to explore. This South Island city is teeming with the best things to do in autumn.
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
Fast and Flavourful: Our Must-Try Takeaways In Christchurch
Discover some of Christchurch’s best food and eateries without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
Where to Dine as a Big Group in Christchurch
Planning a birthday celebration, special occasion or just a big catchup with friends or family? Inevitably one of the first thoughts that pops into your head is where to go and will there be enough space for a larger group. Luckily in Christchurch, we’ve got some pretty neat spots that have you covered when it comes to booking a big table or will happily rearrange things to make it work for your numbers. So let us take the pressure off trying to find a location, all you need to do is peruse our best-of list, make a booking and you are all sorted to enjoy whatever celebration or occasion you are organising.
Seats in the City: Best Seats in Ōtautahi Christchurch
People watching and view gazing are among life’s small pleasures, and there’s nothing quite like walking into your favourite café and seeing the prime table empty and beckoning you. Now while this may seem like a bit of an exaggeration, anyone who has ever ended up seated by the bathroom or a swinging kitchen door will be nodding their heads in agreement.
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
Catherine & Lin from New Brighton Community Gardens
Best Things To Do In Christchurch This Spring
Where to Find Christchurch’s Best Burgers
If you are looking for a good burger in Christchurch, you don't have to look very far!
A Wondrous Walking Guide to Christchurch Ōtautahi
A Guide to Shopping and One of a Kind Fashion in Christchurch
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.
Memorable Christchurch Accommodation Worth Travelling for
10 South Island Ski Fields and Bars for Your Après-Ski
The feeling of cracking open a cold beverage after a hard day on the ski fields is tough to beat. Whether it’s while soaking those sore muscles in a hot tub, or changing gears for a big night out, it always feels like a drink well earned. Even more so if it’s freezing outside.
Christchurch Food Guide: Alex Davies of Gatherings
Chef Alex Davies gives us his insight into some of the best places for food in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
The Key Ingredients for a Wellness Weekend in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Now more than ever people are making their health a priority, often travelling around the country to get the very best wellness experiences.
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.
Fill Your Picnic Basket with Sydenham's Finest Artisan Food & Drinks
Welcome to Eating & Drinking in Christchurch's East Block
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Reuben Woods
Meet Reuben Woods, an arts writer, curator and the creative director of 'Watch This Space', an urban arts trust dedicated to exploring, documenting and celebrating graffiti and street art in Ōtautahi and wider Aotearoa.
He wrote his PhD thesis on the performances of graffiti, street art and independent public art at the University of Canterbury, a challenge that strengthened his bonds with the city and, in some ways, with New Brighton, a village that has embraced colour and creativity.
Bottoms Up ... 9 of the Best South Island Pubs
Pack up the car, gather a group of mates and most importantly designate a sober driver… it’s time to embark on a tour of the South Island.
Aotearoa's Underground Haunts, Rooftops and The In-betweens
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.
South Town
Christchurch's Secret Spaces and Places
There’s something thrilling about discovering a secret place. Whether it be a little speakeasy underground or a garden not on any map, it’s a gift for you to enjoy.
10 Craft Beer Destinations To Add To Your South Island Getaway
Few things top the feeling of sampling a local craft beer while on holiday. Lucky for you, the South Island is brimming with places to get your small-batch fix.
Free Things To Do in Christchurch Ōtautahi
Even without spending a cent, you can enjoy the rich history and beautiful landscape that Christchurch has to offer.
7 Urban Hotels Worth Travelling For
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.
New Brighton
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Sam & Caroline at The Burger Joint
We shifted to New Brighton 10 years ago. Caroline moved to New Zealand from England 25 years ago and has always dreamed of living by the beach. We bought a little cottage in South New Brighton and live there with our teenage daughter Lola, two dogs and three cats. Our eldest son, Mali, recently moved out to live with friends but stayed local.
7 South Island Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List
Nathan Ingram from Fiksate shares his guide to Ōtautahi
Christchurch gallery owners, Nathan and Jen Ingram, have invigorated the urban art scene with their stylish gallery space, Fiksate. We caught up with Nathan who told us how the couple like to spend time in Ōtautahi with their son, Frank. It's a mix of their favourite places to eat, drink and relax in the city as well an unexpected art discovery.
8 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
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
Let's Celebrate Women in Hospitality
Great hair days on repeat with Christchurch’s best hairdressers
Fall in love with your locks with a visit to one of these top salons in Ōtautahi
Stock Up On Vinyl At The 8 Best Record Stores In New Zealand
Give Spotify a rest and throw your money behind local artists and record retailers.
Tick Off Your Reading List At New Zealand’s Independent Bookshops
Get the Glow with Christchurch's Best Facials
Score The Inside Scoop On New Zealand’s Best Ice Cream And Gelato Spots
Licking back an ice cream on a sweltering hot day is a Kiwi pastime we all know and love. As far as summer favourites go, it's up there with long balmy nights, beach days and sausage sizzles. Whether your vice is hokey pokey, mint choc chip or cookies and cream, the list goes on.
So it's only fair we save you the hassle of scouting out the best spots to pick up a scoop (or three) when the temperature rises. From North to South, these are the best ice cream and gelato shops in New Zealand.
Best on Bread: 7 Carby Delights to Eat Your Way Across 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
Nary a big-box gift insight, we’ve curated a list of alternative shops that will make your Christmas gift-giving one-of-a-kind.
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
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
From sprinkles to custard, Lyttelton to Wigram, Christchurch has plenty to offer in the donut scene.
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
You may not have heard of bao buns before, but we can guarantee you’ll quickly become addicted from the first bite.
Where To Get Your American Food and Drink Fix in Christchurch
7 Must-shop Menswear Stores in Christchurch
How to Spend an Afternoon in New Brighton
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
When was the last time you treated yourself to a slow dinner with friends and family or visited a restaurant that is a little bit special? We think it's about now.
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.
Warm Your Winter Soul at the Cosiest Places in Christchurch
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.
Sip Your Way Through Our Guide To Kiwi-Made Spirits
From specialty gin to artisan whiskey, amp up your next cocktail party with our curated selection of homegrown spirits.
Where To Find The Best Architecture in Christchurch
Contemporary, Modernist, Gothic Revival, Renaissance, there’s no shortage of striking architecture to see in Christchurch.
8 Unique Date Ideas in Christchurch
Whether you've just met on Hinge or been together longer than The Rolling Stones, here are a few ideas for date night that isn't dinner and a movie.
10 Christchurch Restaurants to Try When You Feel Like Travelling
Top Plant-Based Brunches in Christchurch
8 Fried Chicken Alternatives in Christchurch
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.
Where to Find the Best Craft Cocktails in Christchurch
We've done the legwork and narrowed down the best spots to sip a flawless craft cocktail in Christchurch’s CBD.
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
Here's your guide to the Christchurch CBD after dark.
Dine Al Fresco at the Best Outdoor Restaurant Spots 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.
The Neatest Campgrounds in Canterbury
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or are only just getting into the thought of ‘roughing it’, Canterbury is spoiled for choice with the neatest campgrounds.
Reply ‘STAB ME’ to Confirm
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
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
Pursuing Your best, Together
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.
Neatest places in Christchurch for an ice cream
On a hot day in Christchurch, there’s no better way to cool down than with a delicious iced delight.
Live the Digital Nomad Life with 12 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.
Amberley and Waipara
Port Lyttelton
High Street
Sweet & Savage
Roses to Riches
A Decade of Making It Raw
A Guide to New Zealand's Coffee Roasters
Not all coffee is created equal, so in our guide to New Zealand’s coffee roasters, we pay homage to those roasting, brewing, and serving it the best. You’ll find micro-roasters rubbing shoulders with the country’s biggest producers.
12 Hours Christchurch
The best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch