A Winter Weekend In Christchurch For Couples

Christchurch’s cafe and coffee scene is delightfully diverse, with boutique coffee roasters and bustling cafes in every corner of the city. If you are staying centrally, you are spoilt for choice. Check out Child Sister, Dainty, Miro or Westend Stories for a classic brunch. Slightly out of the CBD you’ll find firm favourites including Little Poms, Noki and Gentle Giant. Or why not grab some takeaway coffee and a few baked treats to enjoy back in your hotel room for a cosy breaky in bed? Grizzly Baked Goods, Bohemian Bakery and Bellbird Bakery are local heroes of the pastry world. Take your pick and start your day the right way!

Christchurch is the perfect winter city for many reasons, but especially because getting around is easy. You can spend a whole afternoon in one precinct, soaking up a myriad of activities without having to spend too long commuting in the chilly air.

Head to Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and spend some time soaking up the beauty of this historic centre. Home to over 70 entities including galleries, museums, boutique retailers, artisan eateries and bars, you can easily spend a few hours enjoying all there is to see and do. The galleries often have exhibitions to explore, and Rutherford’s Den is a place to discover the many scientific discoveries that were made here more than a century ago. Peruse the retail stores full of locally made, one-of-a-kind homewares and gifts, and pick up a sweet treat (or two) from the ever-popular Fudge Cottage.

If you’re feeling peckish, there are a number of great eateries to grab a bite from. Frances Nation has a delicious selection of sandwiches, pastries and baked goods, not to mention top notch coffee. Or seek out one of the much-loved food trucks on the grounds for some tasty global flavours.

Ever fancied making a scent just for you? Well, you’re in luck! You and your loved one can develop your very own signature scent at Fragranzi, Christchurch’s artisan perfumery located at the Arts Centre. With up to 20 base fragrances to create your perfect blend, this makes a perfect memento to remember a special winter weekend spent together. A lovely way to spend some time indoors, and no bookings are required so pop in when best suits you.

It must nearly be time for dinner and there is no better spot than Cellar Door, conveniently located in the South Quad of the Arts Centre. An award-winning wine bar with a beautifully curated menu to match, Cellar Door will whisk you away into culinary heaven. Discover local and international wines, by glass, bottle or flight, and enjoy a seasonally changing menu focused on classical accompaniments to wine, using fresh, local ingredients. The setting leans into the charm of the historic building, with a modern and sophisticated twist.

Finish your night by catching a movie at Lumière Cinemas, a boutique and beautiful cinema housed in the West Lecture Block of the Arts Centre. Showing films outside of the mainstream, you can expect a schedule of engaging, contemplative, sometimes confrontational films covering all genres from cult, foreign language to gripping documentaries. The lush seats accompanied with the offering of cheeseboards, gelato, craft beer and wine will allow you to truly settle in.

After grabbing brunch and coffee in the city, it’s time to get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s most diverse and unique wine.

Located in the heart of North Canterbury, the Waipara wine region is home to over 90 vineyards, most of them independently owned by a close-knit community of local families. Wine lovers are spoilt for choice in this small but mighty region and what better way to experience it than with a wine trail tour?

Most tours also include options for a beautiful lunch at one of the cellar doors and multiple winery stops with tastings along the way. If you prefer to guide yourself, hire a car and go at your own pace exploring the wineries you discover on your travels. It's the perfect way to spend half a day, with endless rolling hills and sweeping fields to gaze at between sips.

When you are back in the city, treat yourself to a little luxury with a couples massage at one of the many spas in Christchurch.

Moss Spa is an inner-city oasis of wellness, rejuvenation and relaxation. Offering an extensive array of high-quality spa treatments using the latest, and very best products, you will leave feeling revitalised, refreshed and, most importantly, pampered.

Another option in the city is Lovoir Day Spa, an award-winning spa renowned for its stunning design and tranquil setting. Lovoir offers tailor-made facial and skin treatments, an array of massages, body care, and complete pamper packages.

One of Christchurch’s most loved and beautiful streets, New Regent Street is an amazing place to spend an evening. The colourful architecture is lit up as the sun sets, bringing all the cosy vibes to the fresh winter nights. And the dining options are some of the city’s best.

For an exquisite culinary experience, Twenty Seven Steps is worth checking out. Climb the steps into what the team describe as a ‘cosy drinking den with an old-world charm atmosphere’ - sounds perfect for a winter's night out, right? Hearty, flavoursome meals, created from well sourced ingredients and a predominately local wine list, tick tick tick.

After dinner, head straight to The Last Word, a suave whisky and cocktail lounge, offering an extensive selection of over 320 different types of whisky. You can also enjoy classic cocktails and delicious bites while revelling in some of the finest drinks around. Another fun spot for a night cap is gin gin, a colourful and funky gin bar with velvet seats and delicious drinks. Perch yourself outside under a heater and watch the vibrant street come alive at night.

With a little forward planning, you might be lucky enough to catch a show at the Isaac Theatre Royal. Built in 1908, the stunning theatre has a grand history in Christchurch and is the only operational Edwardian style theatre left in New Zealand. The Theatre hosts a broad range of shows from classics, comedy, musicals to movie nights. Be sure to check out the schedule ahead of your trip and grab tickets for a wonderful night out. Located just around the corner from New Regent Street, an early dinner before heading to The Theatre will complete a perfect night.