Insider's Guide To Ōtautahi Christchurch

A Saturday spent exploring the charming port town of Lyttelton is a weekend day well spent. Get there before lunch for their famous Farmers’ Market, selling everything from fresh produce and artisan products, with live music jazzing up the scene. Grab a coffee and excellent cabinet food from Lyttelton Coffee Company then pop next door to Henry Trading for treasure trove focused on supporting local and ethical producers.

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora is an absolute gem in the heart of central Ōtautahi Christchurch. Its restoration following the earthquakes has been important to so many locals, and it is amazing to see it thriving. Kick off with coffee from Frances Nation Grocer then peruse the Custard Square Bookshop, a cute caravan of second-hand books. Then it’s back inside to browse the stationery-filled heaven at Pepa, specialised fashion at Indigo & Provisions and a craft workshop at Rekindle. After a few hours spent exploring, you’ll have well and truly earned some refreshments, and there’s no better spot than Cellar Door.

A fair few Christchurch city dwellers’ favourite day trip is a short drive north into wine country, more officially known as Waipara. Spoilt for choice when it comes to cellar doors, designate a driver before setting off and reward them with a delicious lunch at Black Estate. Dine on a delicious seasonal menu and take in the rolling hill views of the valley and the vines. On your way back into the city, a pit stop at Amberley’s Brew Moon is highly recommended. This family-run craft brewery and pizzeria hits the spot perfectly after a day of wine tasting.

The Ōtautahi Christchurch food scene rivals the very best overseas foodie destinations. In Sydenham, you’ll find 5th Street, brought to you by local hospitality heroes Chris Penny, Max Perry and Samson Stewart. Share a table of small plates or tuck into large ones solo. Staff say to treat every night like a Saturday, so make sure you book. Next door to one another at the city end of Papanui Road you’ll find Londo and Gatherings. Both have exquisite and carefully curated wine lists. Start at Londo for a glass of wine and perfectly paired bite, then move on to Gatherings for your next course.

If one thing is true of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Day trip adventures are plentiful. If you’re after one slightly off the well-trod path, head towards the southeast of -Banks Peninsula for Hinewai Reserve, an ecological restoration wonderland. Check out their extensive network of walking tracks to experience regeneration of native vegetation and wildlife on a huge scale. Drive on around the peninsula and you’ll find yourself at Hickory Bay, a popular surf spot with stunning vistas. Make a weekend of it and stay the night at the beautifully curated cottage and cabin at Hickory Bay Cold Water Surf Resort.

After a family fun day in the city? Begin your morning with coffee for the adults, fluffies for the kids and brekkie for everyone at Child Sister, one of the city’s most popular cafes. It’s a great spot to hit before crossing the road to Margaret Mahy Playground –playground heaven. From giant slides to climbing walls and creative structures, this’ll keep the kids entertained for hours (unsurprisingly, it’s also a hotspot for adults after dark).

Date night doesn’t get better than a soak in seaside hot pools and some of the best burgers in town. Head to the seaside suburb of New Brighton for this one. You’ll find He Puna Taimoana hot pools among the sand dunes, where you can enjoy ocean views as you relax and soak. Take a stroll down the pier afterwards for fresh air and coastal vibes then it’s time for a feed. When in New Brighton it’s hard to go past The Burger Joint for 10/10 taste, and owners who focus on real, local produce. Date night done and dusted.