Christchurch day out itinerary: Top places to eat, drink and discover. Photo / Supplied
Ōtautahi Christchurch is home to one-of-a-kind shopping, exciting places to eat and drink, and plenty of activities to spark inspiration. So whether you’re exploring this evolving city for the first time or simply after a fresh take, prepare to be surprised around every corner.
We stroll around Christchurch’s hottest new additions as well as old-time favourites, enjoying art and culture, some wining and dining (okay, a lot), and a good dose of retail therapy. With a free day up your sleeve, you’ll find plenty to go mad for.
If you’re lucky, Christchurch will have put on one of its famous bluebird mornings for you. So roll out of bed, wipe the sleep from your eyes and hit the streets to catch some of the city’s best worms.
Malvern House 159 Hereford St, Christchurch Central
First things first, you’re going to need a coffee. Opening on Hereford St near the end of last year, Rook is one of the latest additions to Christchurch’s cafe scene – and it’s already gained a reputation for its specialty drinks, ultra-cool aesthetic and cabinet of baked treats. Enjoy the best version of your usual coffee order, or branch out with something from the cold foam menu. Pair your drink with a Grizzly donut or butter canele for optimum enjoyment.
277 Manchester St, Christchurch Central
Continue your morning feed just around the corner at Child Sister, a beautifully designed cafe that locals flock to for its well-executed coffee and effortless breakfast that will fuel your action-packed day in the 03. The kimchi grilled cheese is a stand-out fave; simple yet delicious, the generous pile of spicy kimchi makes the perfect companion to all that melted cheesy goodness. The kimchi rice omelette is also a beloved signature. Linger as long as you like at this little haven, but remember there’s much more to see today.
120 Hereford St, Christchurch Central
With a happy tum, it’s time to stock up on your at-home library at Scorpio Books – an independent bookstore that’s been a cornerstone of Christchurch since the 1970s. Browse through a huge selection of titles, enjoy all the local-bookstore-warm-fuzzies, plop down in a cosy chair for a few page turns and peruse the robust New Zealand literature section. If serious bookworms are to get on with the day at all, they’ll need to set a timer here. Make sure to pop next door to Telling Tales, Scorpio’s children’s bookshop full of whimsy and wonder.
A gander around a few selective stores is key to any memorable city trip. Thankfully, Christchurch has a plethora of boutiques for stylish folks to scope out, and we’ve cherry-picked the finest for a little shopping before lunch.
A stone’s throw from Scorpio is Stencil, a streetwear store and purveyor of fine apparel. On High St, you’ve got serious options. Infinite Definite exudes cool kid charm with a host of international and local clothing and homeware labels to fawn over. Next door, Head Over Heels is worth browsing for anyone who loves quality, fashion-forward footwear (with a few other accessories in the mix, too). Designers include Abigayle, Bronwyn, Nelson Made and so many more. Found on the same street, Recycle Boutique is a second-hand haven of designer and vintage clothing, organised by size, colour and category to make uncovering preloved gems a little easier.
Got time for more? Check out Ruby’s latest collection at The Crossing, stop by PLUME for a fix of Zambesi, Company of Strangers, NOM*d and more, visit Nifty’s pink home full of secondhand finds on Cashel St, and fall in love with some local threads and homeware at Swoon on Durham St.
By now you’ve worked off your morning feast and are ready to do it all again. Well, you’re in the right city to fill the gap.
2-26 Welles St, Christchurch Central City
The Welder is a stunningly and seriously cool repurposed set of industrial buildings in the heart of South Town. You can take your pick from a raft of favourites, whatever you fancy, there’s a strong chance you’ll find it.
Bar Yoku specialises in invigorating and flavourful Japanese food with personality. The dishes are balanced, use the best seasonal produce, and they even make sushi tacos. Grizzly Baked Goods offers a short but ever-so-sweet dine-in menu with toasties and bagels galore. Around the corner, enjoy a sweet pick-me-upper from Dhi Ferrari’s cabinet full of Brazilian-inspired cakes and patisserie that look (almost) too good to eat.
Time your visit right and you may even catch one of Kula Studio’s yoga or pilates classes.
Christchurch has undergone serious changes, but you’ll still find a bucketload of history (and contemporary gems) at its heart. If it’s a hit of heritage you’re after, follow us inside these grand art and cultural establishments for a discovery of artisan wares, one-off goods, luxurious services and show-stopping exhibitions.
60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City
A trailblazer in Christchurch’s post-quake rebuild has to be the inimitable Tūranga (the city’s main public library). On the corner of Cathedral Square, Tūranga is extraordinary in scale and purpose; a biblio labyrinth spread across four floors with soft lighting to soothe even the most tired eyes. We recommend exploring as many nooks and crannies as you can; it won’t disappoint.
35 New Regent St, Christchurch Central City
A wander down New Regent St’s pastel-coloured neighbourhood is enough to bring out the inner romantic in all. Enjoy the last of the afternoon strolling past the charming buildings of this heritage streetscape and find yourself a scoop at Rollickin Gelato. Their creamy, organic scoops are handmade on-site every morning and feature fun-filled flavours like butterscotch with sticky date, PB&J, and espresso.
Strolling through an art gallery is a rite of passage for most people venturing around a new city. In our whistle-stop guide, you can experience an enjoyable art fix at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, which is the city’s largest and most comprehensive gallery that hosts a revolving door of art exhibitions (free to visit).
Nearby, CoCA and The Physics Room focus on beautiful contemporary art with a dedication to celebrating new and innovative works from Aotearoa artists. The upstairs exhibition space at CoCA is currently hosting the Canterbury Museum pop-up while the museum’s own site is undergoing a major redevelopment.
Christchurch Central City
The Arts Centre boasts one of the most unique and exciting collections of retail stores in New Zealand, all under one roof. With a focus on sustainable and Kiwi-made goods, places like Frances Nation Shop will wow you with beautiful, made-to-last objects for the home that all have their own story to tell. Indigo & Provisions houses a collection of carefully curated workwear, home wear and heritage styles, and if you want an indelible reminder of your trip to the main city of the South, Absolution is an expert tattoo and piercing studio based onsite. Shop beautiful sheepskin products at Wilson & Dorset, pop into Tiny Toy Shop to treat wee ones in your life, and browse secondhand reads for adults and kids at The Custard Square Bookshop.
As the day heads towards the outro, take advantage of Cellar Door, in the picturesque south quad of The Arts Centre. Renowned for its extensive and quality wine flights, this is a treat for those who love wine and even those who dabble.
Spend your evening sampling some of the best kai on offer in the city, and finish it all off with cocktails (because we don’t want to say goodbye just yet).
165 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central City
Just around the corner from New Regent St, Odeon is a luxe dinner option that still feels warmly welcoming. Run by Shafeeq Ismail, this Gloucester St favourite blends Andalusian-inspired, share-style dishes with a standout wine list focused on organic and biodynamic drops. Inside, rich golden tones, cosy booths and an extended bar create spaces for everything from a quick glass to a long, celebratory feast. And if decision-making isn’t your thing, the “Feed Me” option lets the chefs take care of the rest.
As the night draws to a close, you may find yourself uttering the word, “nightcap?” Who would blame you – there are some notable bars to seek out in the city. Elevated G&Ts at Gin Gin, a cold one served from Smash Palace’s bus window, a very good Yuzu Negroni at Rambler, Indian-inspired cocktails from Tiger Baby Bar, or perhaps a bottle of something bubbly at Kisi, Gatherings’ new bar tucked behind the restaurant. We weren’t kidding when we said you had options.
This story originally featured on Neat Places.