Things to do in Otautahi Christchurch
Food scene
From corner cafes and chippies to 2 Hat (NZ's version of Michelin Stars) fine dining, Christchurch has a wealth of good food options to choose from. We've listed some of our favourites here.
A short walk to the bottom of the hill and you reach the Fava Cafe, the perfect low key spot for a coffee and brunch. Walk off the eggs bennie afterwards with a stroll by the Heathcote River just down Armstrong Ave.
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15 lokale anbefaler
Fava Cafe
236 Centaurus RdA short walk to the bottom of the hill and you reach the Fava Cafe, the perfect low key spot for a coffee and brunch. Walk off the eggs bennie afterwards with a stroll by the Heathcote River just down Armstrong Ave.
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Moon Under Water has been our local pub since it opened. Matt the owner is a dedicated publican and has created an institution in South Christchurch. You'll find plenty of taps with local craft beers, a massive gin list, and wonderful pub food. It's best to book in because it does tend to fill quickly.
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15 lokale anbefaler
Moon Under Water
152 Somerfield StMoon Under Water has been our local pub since it opened. Matt the owner is a dedicated publican and has created an institution in South Christchurch. You'll find plenty of taps with local craft beers, a massive gin list, and wonderful pub food. It's best to book in because it does tend to fill quickly.
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Contemporary wood fired pizzas and Italian cuisine presented simply and elegantly. Friendly staff and delicious food. Would suit a date night well, but is family friendly too. They do takeaways if you're after a night in.
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17 lokale anbefaler
The Birdwood (Please go to our website to make any bookings)
76 Malcolm AveContemporary wood fired pizzas and Italian cuisine presented simply and elegantly. Friendly staff and delicious food. Would suit a date night well, but is family friendly too. They do takeaways if you're after a night in.
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Karen grew up in Hong Kong, so when we're after some tasty dim sum, this is the spot. On busy weekends they still provide cart service, but most of the time it's easy enough to order off the menu. I highly recommend the lo bak go (turnip cake) with XO sauce.
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11 lokale anbefaler
North & South Gourmet
273 Lincoln RdKaren grew up in Hong Kong, so when we're after some tasty dim sum, this is the spot. On busy weekends they still provide cart service, but most of the time it's easy enough to order off the menu. I highly recommend the lo bak go (turnip cake) with XO sauce.
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If you're after a world class dining experience look no further than Inati. This Two Hat restaurant showcases the best in modern New Zealand cuisine. We have two recommendations:
1. Book an early table (don't be afraid to eat at 5pm) and you'll likely be seated at the chefs table where you can see the kitchen run like clockwork. It's really an impressive performance.
2. Order the boeuf-nuts - a doughnut stuffed with beef cheek. Truly one of the best bits of food that's ever been put in front of me.
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9 lokale anbefaler
Inati restaurant
48 Hereford StIf you're after a world class dining experience look no further than Inati. This Two Hat restaurant showcases the best in modern New Zealand cuisine. We have two recommendations:
1. Book an early table (don't be afraid to eat at 5pm) and you'll likely be seated at the chefs table where you can see the kitchen run like clockwork. It's really an impressive performance.
2. Order the boeuf-nuts - a doughnut stuffed with beef cheek. Truly one of the best bits of food that's ever been put in front of me.
$$$$
This winery restaurant has one of the best young chefs in New Zealand and the quality of the food reflects it. Enjoy high quality service and interesting modern New Zealand cuisine with a heavy focus on fresh, seasonal seafood. Just a 5 minute drive or 30 minute walk up the hill from your stay.
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Tussock Hill Vineyard and Cellar Door Restaurant
This winery restaurant has one of the best young chefs in New Zealand and the quality of the food reflects it. Enjoy high quality service and interesting modern New Zealand cuisine with a heavy focus on fresh, seasonal seafood. Just a 5 minute drive or 30 minute walk up the hill from your stay.
$$$
Cashmere Fish Supply
8 Cashmere RdSome of the best fish and chips in the area.
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If you're after a massive amount of delicious food for not too much money, Aslan 57 is for you. One of our top takeaway picks when you have a big appetite after a long day of walking in the hills. $
Aslan 57 Mediterranean Kitchen
If you're after a massive amount of delicious food for not too much money, Aslan 57 is for you. One of our top takeaway picks when you have a big appetite after a long day of walking in the hills. $
With flames from the open kitchen climbing so high you'll be sure to know where the fire extinguishers and nearest exits are, you'll find Abdul cooking up large portions of homestyle Afghani food. There is no menu and the opening hours are erratic, but Afghan Restaurant is a must visit experience and cult favourite of those in the know. $
7 lokale anbefaler
Afghan Restaurant
318 Lincoln RdWith flames from the open kitchen climbing so high you'll be sure to know where the fire extinguishers and nearest exits are, you'll find Abdul cooking up large portions of homestyle Afghani food. There is no menu and the opening hours are erratic, but Afghan Restaurant is a must visit experience and cult favourite of those in the know. $
Excellent wine shop featuring European wines but also stocks a good selection of excellent New Zealand wine. Ask the owner, Dave, for any suggestions, he'll point you in the right direction. Right next door to The Beer Library so you can get all your drink needs in one stop. $$
Decant Wine Store
Excellent wine shop featuring European wines but also stocks a good selection of excellent New Zealand wine. Ask the owner, Dave, for any suggestions, he'll point you in the right direction. Right next door to The Beer Library so you can get all your drink needs in one stop. $$
A great place to find local craft beers, wines, and spirits. The Beer Library has 12 taps for filling riggers (growlers) to takeaway or for a pint or two. Or you can choose from the hundreds of bottles and cans available for both drinking on site and takeaway. Right next door to Decant Wines so you can get all your drink needs in one stop. $$
The Beer Library
78 Buchan StA great place to find local craft beers, wines, and spirits. The Beer Library has 12 taps for filling riggers (growlers) to takeaway or for a pint or two. Or you can choose from the hundreds of bottles and cans available for both drinking on site and takeaway. Right next door to Decant Wines so you can get all your drink needs in one stop. $$
One of the many weekend markets around Christchurch. The Lyttelton Market stands out for it's local, handmade goods often using upcycled materials. Mingle with locals while shopping for a unique gift to bring home and listening to live music. The market runs every Sunday from 10-1.
49 lokale anbefaler
Lyttelton Farmers Market
London StreetOne of the many weekend markets around Christchurch. The Lyttelton Market stands out for it's local, handmade goods often using upcycled materials. Mingle with locals while shopping for a unique gift to bring home and listening to live music. The market runs every Sunday from 10-1.
Sightseeing
Christchurch Kunstgalleri (Te Puna o Waiwhetu)
312 Montreal StHot pools with a view of the Pacific Ocean along New Brighton beach. There are several pools at varying temperatures and a cold plunge pool if you're up for it. Suitable both for kids or a relaxing, romantic afternoon.
23 lokale anbefaler
He Puna Taimoana
195 Marine ParadeHot pools with a view of the Pacific Ocean along New Brighton beach. There are several pools at varying temperatures and a cold plunge pool if you're up for it. Suitable both for kids or a relaxing, romantic afternoon.
This indoor rock climbing gym is the perfect active activity on rainy days. There are climbing walls suitable for everyone from beginner to advanced and a separate kids area for children as young as 5.
7 lokale anbefaler
YMCA's Clip 'n' Climb
239 Waltham RdThis indoor rock climbing gym is the perfect active activity on rainy days. There are climbing walls suitable for everyone from beginner to advanced and a separate kids area for children as young as 5.
For Kids
A wonderful playground suitable for kids from toddler to tween with a flying fox (zipline), water play area, climbing tower, and sand pit. Very popular with the locals. Parents should prepare themselves for the many ice cream trucks parked out front... it will be hard to say no to all the requests from your little ones.
150 lokale anbefaler
Margaret Mahy Playground
Armagh StreetA wonderful playground suitable for kids from toddler to tween with a flying fox (zipline), water play area, climbing tower, and sand pit. Very popular with the locals. Parents should prepare themselves for the many ice cream trucks parked out front... it will be hard to say no to all the requests from your little ones.
This is a great library for kids. There are arts and crafts every weekend, Lego & Duplo pits for creative fun, board games, a dress-up corner, and even a slide. Perfect for rainy days or a couple hours of free play. Two on-site cafes provide food and coffee.
21 lokale anbefaler
Turanga
60 Cathedral SquareThis is a great library for kids. There are arts and crafts every weekend, Lego & Duplo pits for creative fun, board games, a dress-up corner, and even a slide. Perfect for rainy days or a couple hours of free play. Two on-site cafes provide food and coffee.
Challenge your family to a race on the 200m long indoor go-cart track. Kids as young as 8 can drive and as young as 4 can ride shotgun. Do you have what it takes to beat the track record?
Supa Karts Indoor Raceway
91 Buchan StChallenge your family to a race on the 200m long indoor go-cart track. Kids as young as 8 can drive and as young as 4 can ride shotgun. Do you have what it takes to beat the track record?
Outdoors
This is a good hiking track accessible from our house and makes a good 2ish hour loop. You can walk down to the carpark then take the track to the top of the hills and come back down via Huntsbury Ave. The hike provides a mix of forest, paddock and paved suburb environments. The 400m climb to the summit will reward you with great views of both the city and Lyttleton Harbour.
Mount Vernon Valley Track Car Park
This is a good hiking track accessible from our house and makes a good 2ish hour loop. You can walk down to the carpark then take the track to the top of the hills and come back down via Huntsbury Ave. The hike provides a mix of forest, paddock and paved suburb environments. The 400m climb to the summit will reward you with great views of both the city and Lyttleton Harbour.
A scenic walk that takes you past WWII fortification ruins, coastal cliffs, and - of course - sheep. The whole loop is about 8km (5 miles) but it's easy to cut back to the carpark if you aren't up for the full distance.
Godley Head Walkway
A scenic walk that takes you past WWII fortification ruins, coastal cliffs, and - of course - sheep. The whole loop is about 8km (5 miles) but it's easy to cut back to the carpark if you aren't up for the full distance.
Nestled inside Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens are a great place for a relaxing stroll. There are flowers that bloom most times of year and hidden pockets that are fun to explore with kids of all ages. The gardens offer a variety of both native and exotic plants.
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Rolleston AvenueNestled inside Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens are a great place for a relaxing stroll. There are flowers that bloom most times of year and hidden pockets that are fun to explore with kids of all ages. The gardens offer a variety of both native and exotic plants.
Generally Sumner Beach is less windy than New Brighton and a good afternoon in the sun can be had there. Try to go at low tide to maximize the amount of sand available for lying out on. If you're after a good surf spot, Taylor's Mistake - just south of Sumner Beach - is one of the best spots in town. On the north edge of the beach there is a large rock formation with inlets and caves that are great for exploring. At the south edge of the beach is a water play pool and a park with BBQs and picnic benches on a lawn as well as a playground. There are several beachside cafes for a bite to eat or a drink.
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Sumner Beach
Generally Sumner Beach is less windy than New Brighton and a good afternoon in the sun can be had there. Try to go at low tide to maximize the amount of sand available for lying out on. If you're after a good surf spot, Taylor's Mistake - just south of Sumner Beach - is one of the best spots in town. On the north edge of the beach there is a large rock formation with inlets and caves that are great for exploring. At the south edge of the beach is a water play pool and a park with BBQs and picnic benches on a lawn as well as a playground. There are several beachside cafes for a bite to eat or a drink.
Quail Island is situated in the middle of Lyttleton Harbour and can be accessed by Ferry or kayak (which can be rented at Cass Bay Beach). The island used to be a lepper colony but now offers great views of the bay and native bush and wildlife. There are some semi-submerged shipwrecks to explore off the northwest side of the island but are only accessible via kayak/boat.
12 lokale anbefaler
Quail Island
Quail Island is situated in the middle of Lyttleton Harbour and can be accessed by Ferry or kayak (which can be rented at Cass Bay Beach). The island used to be a lepper colony but now offers great views of the bay and native bush and wildlife. There are some semi-submerged shipwrecks to explore off the northwest side of the island but are only accessible via kayak/boat.
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Taxis
Taxis are a convenient way to get around the city, however you will need to book in advance unless you are at the airport or one of a few taxi stands around the CBD. If you do get a taxi on demand, make sure the driver uses the meter as there have been reports of drivers not using the meter then overcharging unsuspecting tourists.
Nyttige sætninger
Some common Kiwi/Te Reo Maori phrases and sayings
Kia ora - "Hello", informally
Haere mai - "Welcome"
Tēnā koutou - "Hello", to more than one person or a group
Kia kaha - "Be strong", commonly used to provide moral support
Ka kite ano - "See you tomorrow"
Sweet as - "no problem", or "cool" and "awesome"
Dairy - a dairy is what Kiwis call a corner store. Usually a place to find snacks, fresh fruit and personal items like shampoo.
Ta - "thank you"
Tramping - "Hiking"
Det skal du pakke
Weather - be prepared for anything
New Zealand weather is extremely variable and can change quickly even on the same day. It is best to be prepared for wind, rain, sun, heat, and cold most times of the year. A 15c/60f day can feel surprisingly hot or chilly depending on if the sun is out and how windy it is.