The Visitor’s Walking Guide to Ōtautahi Christchurch

Fuel up for the day ahead at Foundation Cafe         

Starting the day with breakfast is vital with all the walking, exploring and good times ahead. Foundation Cafe is the perfect spot and caters to all tastes first thing in the morning. With a great range of options to order off the menu, from egg dishes to classics like porridge and granola with a twist, there’s also a very tempting cabinet if you’re more of a breakfast pastry person. Best of all, Foundation is on the ground floor of Tūranga, the central city’s public library and the next stop on this day guide. 

Explore Tūranga , the central city library

Perfectly positioned following your breakfast, spend hours exploring the four floors of this stunning building. Opened in 2018, Tūranga is one of the key sites of the city centre’s regeneration with future generations included in it’s conception. Thousands of submissions were made from Christchurch’s children, aiding in it’s design drawing on literary examples like Harry Potter and Hogwarts’ moving staircases. The Canterbury landscape and local Māori leant cultural significance to it’s stunning interiors and exteriors complete with it’s golden façade, internal panels and patterns.

Head to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

From the library take a short stroll across Otakaro - the Avon river - and down Worcester Boulevard, where you will happen upon the jewel in the city’s artistic crown - Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Enjoy wandering both the ground floor and upper-level galleries.  The exhibitions are world-class and there’s always a mix of contemporary and modern pieces on display.

Soak in the history at the Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora 

Just a couple of hundred metres down the road, you’ll find yourself at one of Christchurch’s most iconic sites, the Arts Centre. Spend some time browsing in the Old Boys’ High building where there are boutique shops such as Frances Nation, Pepa Stationery and Indigo & Provisions. Sample some handcrafted fudge at The Fudge Cottage and amble around the other buildings in the centre, making a mental note to return to catch a film at Lumiere Cinema.

Lunch with a wine flight at Cellar Door

After clocking up your steps, it’s definitely time for a lunch break at Cellar Door in the Arts Centre. If the sun is shining, grab a table outside in the courtyard to continue soaking up the sights of the architecture around you. However, a seat inside is just as special, with an exposed red brick and forest green wall interior, barrell-inspired installations, with cosy vibes in spades.

Get into nature at the Botanic Gardens

A day-guide to the garden city would not be complete without a visit to the gorgeous green space that is the Botanic Gardens. From your lunch at Cellar Door, it’s an easy stroll across the road, past Canterbury Museum and into flora and fauna heaven. There are so many different pockets of the Gardens to see, from the heritage rose garden and woodland garden, to the conservatories and children's pool and playground.

Embark on a taste trail at Riverside Market  

At this point in the day, you might be getting a touch snacky, just as well Riverside Market is where you’ll find yourself next. One of the shining lights to emerge from the city’s rebuild, Riverside is a must-visit for anyone coming to Christchurch. With small independent food stalls, bakeries, a butcher and larger restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every taste here. Let yourself aimlessly stroll around the two floors of the market and be wowed by all the amazing smells, sounds and sights.

Discover the best shopping in the city centre

As you head off from Riverside, you’ll land on Cashel Street and perfectly placed to embark on some of the best shopping in the city centre. If you’re a department store fan, look no further than Christchurch city icon, Ballantynes. Any mention of shopping in the central city must also include The Crossing, a concealed network of laneways with well-known international retailers alongside independent local boutiques. From Hapa for authentic New Zealand made gifts to take home to Juniper for it's extensive selection of regional gins to add to the collection – don’t be shy and ask for a taste!

Pre-dinner wander at The Welder  

With the afternoon winding down, take some time to explore The Welder, a unique space that combines health and wellbeing with some of the best eateries in the city. Make a mental note of any spots to come back to; perhaps you want to try some yoga at O Studio or a cooking class with the Raw Sisters. At this stage on your walking tour, you might feel like a pre-dinner drink and bite, and you will definitely be in the right place. Whether it’s a sushi taco and edamame at Bar Yoku or a glass of wine and tapas at Salut Salut, it’s sure to fill a gap before you get to the main event. 

Dinner with a view at Seven  

Appropriately found on Level 7 of the Muse Art Hotel is the ultra-modern and luxe restaurant Seven. With stunning views of the city stretching all the way to the Port Hills, it’s hard to beat the outlook here. Giving off sophisticated Manhattan vibes with the exposed concrete walls and chic interior, begin your meal with a glass of whatever takes your fancy and go from there.

End the day on a high note down New Regent Street          

It’s been a full day of walking and while it might be tempting to call it a night, hopefully, we will be able to persuade you to stay out a little longer and take an after-dinner stroll down the city’s prettiest and most Instagram-worthy street - New Regent Street. If you feel like a creative cocktail pop into Gin Gin, or if a sweet, icy treat is more your scene, go see the folks at Rollickin’ Gelato. And that’s a wrap on your day.  Time to rest those legs, check your final step count and enjoy a deep sleep after a packed day of exploring Christchurch’s central city.