Wine and food experiences in and around Christchurch proudly celebrate this region’s abundant ingredients and natural bounty.
The Christchurch city centre is teeming with innovative bars and restaurants. On High Street, near C-1 which was the first café to reopen in the city post-earthquakes, there’s a colourful and quirky bar and burger restaurant called Smash Palace(opens in new window) named after a classic Kiwi film. And just across the river, the Victoria Street precinct is the city’s newest 'eat street' with multiple bars and restaurants. Stranges Lane is another popular new dining destination in Christchurch where several restaurants share an open courtyard in a heritage laneway development. For a truly unique experience, hop on board the Christchurch Tram and enjoy Canterbury’s fine cuisine in the Tramway Restaurant(opens in new window).
Christchurch’s cuisine experience is not limited to the central city. Its suburbs are also bursting with a range of eateries and bars, from casual neighbourhood restaurants to fine dining establishments. A short 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre, Addington is home to a bunch of popular cafes and pubs, including Addington Coffee Co-op(opens in new window) and the quirky Pedal Pusher’s(opens in new window). A short distance from Hagley Park, the pretty suburb of Merivale boasts some of the city’s busiest hospitality establishments while the suburb of Fendalton offers visitors the opportunity to experience several types of cuisines and dining experiences side-by-side.
If you’re after a well-crafted cold brew, a visit to one of Christchurch’s many brewing companies and specialist bars won’t disappoint. The city has several micro-breweries offering tours and a chance to sample some of the region’s award-winning beers. These include Three Boys Brewery(opens in new window) and Wigram(opens in new window). Top spot to taste local brews include The Brewery(opens in new window) in Woolston, located a short 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Dux Central(opens in new window), Pomeroy’s(opens in new window), The Volstead(opens in new window) and Darkroom Bar(opens in new window) are other spots around the city that are a hit with hopheads.
For a fresh and authentic Canterbury culinary experience, visit one of many Christchurch markets. Featuring artisan food, homemade treats and fresh produce, markets are also a great spot to meet the people behind these gastronomic treats. Christchurch Farmers’ Market(opens in new window) and Riccarton Market(opens in new window) are popular in the city. A little further away Lyttleton Farmers’ Market(opens in new window) and Akaroa Markets(opens in new window) are also a must-visit.
Banks Peninsula and Akaroa ooze French charm. The haboruside town of Lyttleton (only 20 minutes from the city centre) has a collection of funky cafes and restaurants that offer a truly grand Canterbury cuisine experience.
Within a couple of hours’ drive from Christchurch city, Kaikoura is another foodie haven. The seaside town is the home of crayfish (lobster). You can buy it freshly cooked from a roadside stall and eat it on the rocks beside the sea. Wine lovers must visit Waipara Valley north of the city. Mud House Wine Company(opens in new window), Pegasus Bay(opens in new window), Greystone Wines(opens in new window) and Muddy Water are among the celebrated wineries here.
