Not to be overlooked, Christchurch is a melting pot of new generation cafes, dining and shopping experiences.
Christchurch reaches crescendo for November’s New Zealand Cup and Show Week; one of the city’s best excuses to get dressed up, socialise and celebrate. Whether you’re hitting Christchurch for the thrill of the win or are just planning a trip there soon, we’ve rounded off our top spots to dine and do.
Scroll below for our top picks for brunch, cocktails/wines and fine dining, good all-rounders to see and do, and last but not least, some arts and culture to stimulate your mind.
Brunch spots:
There’s nothing more therapeutic and energising than kick-starting your morning with a dose of caffeine and a simply spot-on brunch at a neat venue. These are our best-in-brunch locations below.
C1 Espresso | 185 High Street
Hours: 7.00 am – 10.00 pm
Hello Sunday | 6 Elign Street, Sydenham
Hours: 7.30 am – 4.30 pm (weekdays) & 8.30 am – 4.30 pm (weekends)
Little Poms | 294 Kilmore Street
Hours: (Tues – Fri) 6.30am – 2.30pm & (Sat & Sun) 7.30am – 2.30pm
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Supreme Supreme | 10 Welles Street
Hours: (Mon – Fri) 7.00am – 3.00pm; (Sat & Sun) 8.00am – 3.00pm
Cafe Laboratory HQ | 1 New Regent Street
Hours: (Mon – Fri) 7.00am – 4.00pm; (Sat – Sun) 7.30am – 3.00pm
Nightlife and dining:
If you’re looking for some post-race celebrations, or simply keen to meet with friends over fine food and equally scrumptious beverages, Christchurch is certainly not running low on options to sweep you off your feet.
Boo Radley’s Food and Liquor | 98 Victoria Street
Hours: Mon – Sun 4:00 pm – 3:00 am
Inati | 48 Hereford Street
Hours: (Mon – Fri) 12.oo pm – 2.30pm, & 5.00 pm -late; (Sat) 5.30 pm – late
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Red Light District | 123 Victoria Street
Hours: From 4:00 pm – 1:00 am
Vesuvio | 4 Papanui Road
Hours: Sun – Wed 3.00 pm- 1:00 am; Thurs – Sat 3:00 pm – 2:00 am
Good all-rounders:
If you’ve only got 12 hours, you’re going to be okay, because there are boutique complexes aplenty to choose from for your hit of city life. But full disclaimer, you should definitely consider a Friday evening flight to make it to the Christchurch Farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. It is quintessential.
The Tannery Boutique | 3 Garlands Road
Hours: (Mon – Sun) 9.00 am – 6.00 pm
If you’re going to head anywhere for an all-bases-covered experience, then the Tannery is your destination, and features an ever-growing, yet carefully curated selection of stylish shops and dining options. From fashion to fashionable homewares, to beauticians, delis, post shops and old fashioned stationery, this quaint and rustic arcade is food for the soul.
The Colombo | 363 Colombo Street, Sydenham
Hours: (Mon – Sat )9.00 am – 5.30 pm & (Sun) 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
A modern and creative hub for all things fashion, food and drink, gifts, health, beauty, homewares and entertainment. This interactive and innovative space is certainly one of the most stylish of boutique shopping complexes in the city.
Christchurch Farmers Market | The Riccarton House & Bush (16 Kahu Road)
Hours: Saturdays 9.00am – 1.00pm
If you’re an avid foodie or love an injection of Kiwi culture, this is an absolute must on your list – no exceptions. Posh porridge (crepes in summer), bacon butties, hearty seasonal produce, exquisite cakes and treats, fresh blooms, gourmet ingredients, craft beers, pre-made salads and cured meats, fresh breads and pastries wafting down the lane… we could go on and on about the offering this market has and it never fails to impress. So rise and shine, toss on your activewear, nab a park and meander ’til your heart’s (and stomach’s) content.
Arts and culture:
When you’re simply too full or can’t face another lap of Hagley Park, then perhaps transcend through time and space by attending one of the city’s art galleries or museums. Attracting some of the most unique international and local talent to the city, Christchurch keeps a very full events calendar all year round. It might take a couple of Googles but you’ll be bound to come across an exciting arts and culture excursion that takes your fancy. Stuck for ideas? Heads to the Christchurch Art Gallery as your first port of call, or take a load off and enjoy a thrilling performance at the Court Theatre.
Christchurch Art Gallery | Cnr Worcester Boulevard & Montreal Street
Hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
The Court Theatre | Bernard Street
Hours: Refer to website
