24 hours: new ideas in Christchurch

As the brunch-worthy sister to hugely popular sandwich shop, Tom’s, Estelle knows that every good brekky fare love affair begins with the words ‘things on toast.’ Serving up toppings like smoked fish, white beans with salsa and za‘atar, it’s a small spot, so it’s more the place to go for a quick breakfast rather than park up with a book. The unfussy and simple aesthetic makes it a welcome zone for bright sunlight so great for thawing out on a wintery morning alongside a cinnamon roll with espresso cream cheese icing and chocolate. Another hot favourite that doesn’t sound great but is? Eggs Like Tripe - a delicious invention. 

Set inside the heritage Arts Centre building, Frances Nation is the notorious umbrella under which sit a range of delightful NZ-made things - both edible and ornamental! The best trick for this place is its convenient location, once again across the road from Hagley Park. So perfect for grabbing a coffee and a sandwich (try the kimchi and peanut butter one) and then having a picnic in the grass 3 minutes away.  They also do the Kiwi classic ‘real fruit ice cream’ here - nobody should come to NZ without trying one of these!

After a short drive to the funky suburb of Lyttleton, park up inside this local haunt that nails industrial grunge all the while being a sustainability superstar.  Locals know it as the Beat Poet’s spot in the area. Walking in, you’re immediately hit with the sharp-sweet smell of the coffee beans as they roast it in the same room.  It’s the perfect spot for people-watching, scoffing something from their wholesome lunch menu and plentiful cabinet supply, and just whiling away the afternoon with mates surrounded by a really tangible creative buzz.

The gal everyone’s talking about! New to Christchurch’s industrial neighbourhood of Phillipstown, Lillies makes dining stylish and simple, with a menu consisting of just ‘pizza’ options, and ‘not pizza’ options. Whatever road you choose, the kitchen is centre stage and its brick wood-fired oven is at play, with nearly every meal cooked over the open flame. And what goes well with wood-fired anything, you ask? How about a local organic cider or wine crafted by the guys on site.  One of the tricks used by the inventive chefs here is Sichuan chilli so arrive with a bit of spice game for some of the menu options!

Set near a corner of Christchurch City's famed Four Aves, Londo takes the ‘cosy little wine bar’ brief and runs with it. There’s no hiding in here - both as guest and as chef - making friendly banter and interactions with the staff a fun addition as they prepare drinks and plates for all to see. If you’re solo, my favourite thing is to bag the window bench seat by the front door - perching up against the big floor to ceiling window to people-watch as city dwellers walk the streets en route to their various dates and destinations. If you’re after more than just a bite and a sip, definitely pop next door to Gatherings, to sample their ever changing local menu.

Set aside an hour or two to dust off the cobwebs and sniff in the salty sea spray as you wend up and around the headland at Taylors Mistake - the tiny beach known for sublime surf and colourful wee ‘beach baches’ sitting pretty aside the hill. This coastal walk is fairly straightforward, leaving from the beach to follow a small track set into the cliff. Blustering on a windy winter’s day, brilliant blue on a clear summer’s one, with that hot dry grass an iconic South Island smell, alongside colours and terrain reminiscent of rural Scotland or Ireland. If you have time it’s nice to pop down to Boulder Bay half way along, to see more little old cottages by the sea.

Do serious damage to your bank account at this boutique shopping emporium. But don’t feel bad, this place is no fast-fashion farce. Home to stores that sell only finest calibre, ethical and artisanal crafts, this brilliant, charming destination houses over 50 boutique shops, restaurants, bars and cinema. Get excited by Smith’s Bookshop in the Atrium - the curated treasure trove of rare antiquarian and unique books. 

To really get to know what drives a city of people torn down by tragedy to rise up with even more creative spirit than before, Te Puna o Waiwhetū (Christchurch Art Gallery) in the arts precinct is a must. Imagination and collaboration abound inside one of New Zealand's most important public art collections, showcasing work from up-and-coming contemporary voices, renowned local legends, and hosting artist-led workshops and events. Even the building itself is a work of art. 

Weary souls can find rest inside this reverent venue listening to the tunes of some of the best local bands and songwriters. Set right in the centre of the city in a gothic structure originally built in 1875, The Church has been restored to new glory after the earthquakes to a pub and beloved live music spot. It’s an after-work drinking hole too, and can get nice and busy if you’re up for bumping friendly shoulders. There's a gig on almost every night of the week, and they also do quiz night for anyone feeling competitive.

Falling asleep in science class now looks a whole lot more glorious.  This is the Gothic Revival style hotel where, once upon a time, the astronomy and physics department of the iconic Observatory Tower stood. It’s a really strategic spot for a speedy stay in the central city. Restaurants, shops and gardens are all within quick walking distance, most iconic being the Botanic Gardens across the road where in the Conservatory you can go and soak in a little pocket of tropical heat not typically known to New Zealand’s outside air.  A boutique stay with 33 unique rooms.