Christchurch

There’s certainly no shortage of mouth-watering restaurants outside of Auckland, and this poses a delicious problem: where do you eat when you’re surrounded by choices?

If there’s anything better than great food, it’s great food that’s cheap. On those nights when the fridge is empty and the very thought of a trip to the supermarket plunges you into melancholy, we've got you covered. There’s no need to spend a small fortune when you can smash a hearty meal in Christchurch/Ōtautahi for the loose change in your pocket (if that’s even a thing anymore). Here are Urban List's picks of the best cheap eats in Christchurch for 2024.

Turns out The Garden City isn’t just about botanicals—it’s also one helluva foodie scene.

From unconventional bars in buses to speakeasies and craft breweries, Christchurch nightlife is anything but dull.

It’s that time of year again when every man and his dog take the solemn oath to give their bodies and brains a break.

Ōtautahi is an absolute gem of a city—there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load! So go get out there and explore it with our list of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

With more eateries than you can shake a stick at, we've rounded up some of the best eateries in New Zealand for you to book a table at, pronto. 

Get dreaming up those cheese boards and melty, cheese-laiden winter dishes—here are the best cheese delivery services in New Zealand. 

Whoever said romance was dead has obviously never visited Christchurch. From delightful pastries and gelato to share to gorgeous accommodation options and everything in between, we’ve done the research and found the most romantic things to do in Christchurch.

Drinks delivered to your doorstep. What a wonderful concept. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it's become a bit of a necessity in recent times, but we're here to tell you if your bar cart is running dry New Zealand has plenty of options to top you up. 

After taking Auckland by storm, entertainment masters Funlab have announced they’re opening an Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq AND a Holey Moley right in the heart of Christchurch. Yes and yes. 

Here in Christchurch, delicious ice cream is not hard to come by in our fine city. Luckily for you, we’ve done our research and put together a list of the Garden City’s best ice cream joints so you can taste your way around the finest in town. 

The hospitality industry is struggling, but not because of the reasons you probably think. While many venues are enjoying an unprecedented boom in popularity (and rightly so), these same places are struggling to find staff to meet the demand. 

If you were thinking of giving healthy eating a go this week, think again. Because cult cookie brand, Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar have just launched a Giant Caramilk Cookie Pie that feeds up to 12 people and that, friends, is a deal that's simply too sweet to resist.

Ben & Jerry's have launched what's potentially the world's largest-ever Easter egg hunt—with 10,000 scoops of free ice cream thrown into the mix, no less—and you're invited. Now if you're wondering what the heck a virtual Easter egg hunt is or more importantly, how you can get involved—here's the scoop.

Lacking inspiration for what to do on the weekend? We understand your pain and that’s why we are here—to give you the inspiration to make this weekend the best you’ve had in a while. Sometimes all you need is a little time spent with nature to make you realise the good things in life are right in front of you. 

Drinks delivered to your doorstep. What a wonderful concept. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it's become a bit of a necessity in recent times, but we're here to tell you if your bar cart is running dry New Zealand has plenty of options to top you up. 

Something delicious has been brewing between Whittaker's and Garage Project and yip, you guessed it—it's choccy-flavoured beer.

One of Christchurch’s most well-loved (and epic) gelato stores is letting you cast your vote for the upcoming elections in the most mouth-watering way possible. Rollickin Gelato’s ‘scoop poll’ lets you over indulge in creamy, organic deliciousness, all in the name of politics. Who knew it could be so fun?

With so many eateries dotted all over Christchurch, it’s hard to know where to start but we’re here to point you in the right direction. From cheap and cheerful to fine dining establishments, here is where to find the best restaurants in Christchurch, as well as a handful just outside the city as well.

Love burgers and ice cream? Who are we kidding, of course you do! Well now you can enjoy the best of both worlds all in one drool-worthy bite thanks to an epic new treat from the legends at Ben & Jerry's.

We’re all for keeping ourselves safe through social distancing and staying inside, and thankfully plenty of our Christchurch eateries are now offering at-home delivery or quick pick up options.

We’re salivating at the thought of having BurgerFuel's drool-worthy food delivered right to our doorstep within 30 minutes, doofer and all. 

You’ll need sustenance for the days ahead, so we’ve rounded up the businesses that are working hard to ensure you get what you need for your weekly food shop. Here are the businesses delivering fresh food in Christchurch.

If you’re missing your weekly (or daily, we won’t judge) glass of pinot, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a list of Christchurch and Canterbury booze purveyors that are currently offering home delivery. Go on, treat yourself to a bottle or two. 

If you love feasting, dancing and good wine, you’ll want to block out Sunday March 8 in your calendar ASAP and get yourself to New Zealand’s coolest little wine and food festival.

There are very few iconic New Zealand products that we rave about that truly live up to the hype. But it’s been over five years since ‘Choco-Gate’ aka ‘AARGH’ (After Auckland's Rioting Choco-Gate Hell), arrived on our shores and the Lewis Road Creamery still reigns supreme. And this Valentine's Day they've just come up with a new flavour to obsess over.

If you’re anything like us here at Urban List, you’ll be all about the epic resurgence that gin has been experiencing of late. Well hold on to your hats gin fans because you’ll soon be able to sip your way through 15 craft gins from local and international brands.

Sure, the calendar says it’s spring, but the ever-rising mercury has us thinking we might just have scored ourselves another endless summer. Which means it’s the perfect time to enjoy all things alfresco… especially when it comes to the flicks.

We’ve been dying to get our hands on a piping hot bowl of ramen and thankfully, Christchurch has delivered. There's a brand new ramen joint spot in town and it’s quickly becoming everyone’s go-to for hearty goodness.

Whether you fancy a bit of yoga, desire the comfort of some baked goods or are seeking to be a little healthier—look no further than The Welder, the largest Health and Wellbeing complex in the country.

Long time fans of Sumner’s Utopia Ice have had their prayers answered. The delicious artisanal ice cream shop has opened a gorgeous store in the central city on High Street.

Is there anything better than a cookie? Well, yes, yes there is. If you’re not familiar allow us to introduce the Cookie Pie, masterminded by the legends over at Moustache Milk and Cookie Bar.

For those lucky enough to have travelled to Spain, you’ll be well acquainted with the gastronomic delight that is tapas. Small bites traditionally served with drinks in the early evening before having a larger meal, tapas are ideal for sharing. Up until this point, we haven’t had a go-to for this culinary delight in Christchurch, but thankfully Castro’s Tapas has entered the scene.

Apparently Cantabrians are the biggest Caramilk fans in New Zealand and Cadbury has taken notice. They’ve crowned Christchurch the Caramilk Capital of New Zealand and partnered with the local legends at C1 Espresso. 

The Christchurch brunch scene is constantly evolving, with new eateries opening up on the regular. Here are our all-time favourite spots for dishes that go well beyond the regular eggs benedict and smashed avocado on toast. 

Guess what, Christchurch? There's a brand new gelato and bubble tea spot in town and it's set to become your go-to for delicious desserts. 

Christchurch, it’s time to meet your brand new local, Child Sister. 

It’s been a long wait, but those shiny, deep-fried delights Krispy Kreme is famous for will finally be touching down in the South with a pop-up shop not to be missed.

While Christchurch isn’t exactly a 24-hour city like say, Tokyo or London, we still have plenty of options for evening entertainment. Whether it’s catching a live gig, heading to a local restaurant or something more active, we’ve done the research and discovered the best things to do at night in Christchurch. 

When it comes to cafés in Christchurch, we’re a lucky bunch. We have an excellent assortment scattered throughout the city from the CBD to Sydenham and Riccarton, and everywhere in between.