The Best of Christchurch

Amy:The Tannery is a European inspired shopping area filled with boutiques, cheesemonger and chocolate specialist shops. Can be on the pricier end but makes for a great lunching spot!

Amy:Fun and quirky is one way to describe New Regent Street. There lots of little shops, cafes and hidden restaurants (27 Steps being one of them!). The perfect spot to also see the tram drive past!

Amy:Christchurch’s most popular mall, with over 100 shops, it’s easy to see why. This mall has everything, hair salons, a cinema, bookshops, fashion, homewares, cafes as well as 2 large food courts. Great for a rainy day but prepare yourself for the crowds!

Amy:After the Christchurch Rebuild, this is one of the newer shopping areas in the city centre. With laneways and courtyards brimming with delicious food and designer brands, it’s quickly become a local favourite.

Amy:The Arts Centre is a hub for arts, education, creativity and entrepreneurship in Christchurch. There’s also a beautiful lawn covered courtyard that’s perfect for relaxing with a book.

Amy:Littleton is known as the quirkier more hippy side of Christchurch. There’s a farmers market on every Sunday from June to October, 10am to 1pm. Get there early to try the delish homemade cheeses and cakes before they sell out!

Amy:One of the city’s smaller but beloved shopping malls. The best thing about the Palma is the cheap cinema. $10 for movie tickets isn’t bad at all!

Amy:Christchurch is know as the Garden City so it’s a no brainer to check out what the city is most know for, the Botanic Gardens! Stunning all year around, lunch out in one of the many cafes or bring your own picnic, it’s a great place to sit back and relax!

Amy:This is a fun and quirky cinema and movie rental shop. Even if you don’t intend on seeing a film, it’s worth going to see the interior of the shop! You can always pop in next door to C1 Expresso for your coffee fix!

Amy:A short ferry ride away from Littleton Harbour is the inhibited Quail Island. Rent a bike and see the whole island or take your time on the walking trails and enjoy the picturesque views.

Amy:If you’re in Christchurch make sure to check out the city’s quirkier side, Littleton! This port town is filled with little unique shops, cafes and even quirkier pubs (Wunderbar being a local haunt). Make sure to stop at the Time Ball Station, an amazing piece of maritime history!

Amy:If you’re after a truly awe-inspiring experience while visiting Christchurch and Canterbury, a hot air balloon ride is a must. There isn’t a better way to capture the beauty of the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps than by hot air balloon!

Amy:Hire a canoe, paddle boat or historic row boat on the Avon River to see the beauty of Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Highly recommended during the summer months. Nothing beats the feeling of floating under a canopy of trees and having ducks swim past your canoe.

Amy:Willowbank is a wildlife park and nature reserve. There’s the opportunity to see New Zealand’s iconic flightless bird, the kiwi as well as many more endemic animals. This is a great place for families with children.

Amy:Come and learn about the 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes and Rebuild. It’s not as boring as it sounds, I promise! With lots of interactive displays, moving stories and some tongue-in-cheek humour, the team at Quake City have done a fantastic job with the permanent exhibition.

Amy:The TranzAlpine Journey between Christchurch and Greymouth will set you back $199.30 but the views you’ll see on this journey are spectacular! See what New Zealand is really known for, its breathtaking beautiful natural scenery!

Amy:Chill offers experiences ranging from bike hire to comfortable city tours where you can see as much as you want to. With vintage bikes with names such as Ron Burgandy, and Riccardo you are able to experience quirky coffee shops and get a look at the new developments of Christchurch in contrast to its older gothic buildings.

Amy:Little High is an awesome little pocket of family-run eateries to cater to everyone. There's burgers, Asian-fusion cuisine, coffee, pizza, south american cuisine and my favourite a Latin American bar. Margaritas anyone?

Amy:From the moment you walk through the doors of The Lotus Heart, you are met with a sense of calm. With beautiful decor and lovely staff, this is a great spot to recharge. The Lotus Heart is all about conscious living and healthy eating – and is pure vegetarian, with raw food and vegan options. Try their Pondicherri Dosa, A lentil and rice dosa crepe filled with hot and spicy chutney.

Amy:Pedro's has overcame many odds after the 2011 earthquake and has become an iconic part of Christchurch. They only do lamb but god they do it well! They serve slow cooked whole lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic and potatoes. Their lamb is the most tender, falling off the bone lamb I have ever eaten!

Amy:The original bus-converted-into-a-bar came into being after the 2011 earthquake and since then has become a local favourite. Grab a drink and take a seat outside. It doesn't matter where you're from, Smash Palace is a truly special place where everyone feels welcome and there’s nothing but the best vibes.

Amy:Home to four unique bar and restaurant offerings, Stranges Lane has something for everyone. It's a hidden gem and a hipster favourite. I love the atmosphere of this place!

Amy:I love coming here for the jazz music. There's a big stage where different musicians play every night of the week. It's a great place for dancing the night away or people watching out on the balcony.

Amy:This bar is hidden away but it's such a great find. The staff are really friendly, there's live music and it's home to the largest bourbon whisky collection in New Zealand. If whisky isn't your thing, there's also an extensive cocktail menu and really fun milkshakes too. The Caramel Maker Milkshake is delicious!

Amy:Hiding behind a vintage bookcase and a set of sheer curtains next door to O.G.B. bar, Parlour is truly a hidden gem. Venture through and you'll find a dimly lit, glamorous cocktail bar dedicated to a classy experience. Furnished with lush velvet couches and floor-to-ceiling curtains and mirrors, this is my go to place for some seriously delicious cocktails.

Amy:Situated out in New Brighton, this Southern Indian cuisine restaurant sticks out like a sore thumb against the beach themed shops but it’s a local favourite! All of their curries are absolutely divine. You can’t go wrong with South of India!

Amy:Indulge in European cuisine with their seasonal menus. Vegans and vegetarians praise this restaurant for its variety and quality ingredients!

Amy:Steampunk Laboratory is a Korean street food restaurant serving super tasty Asian-fusion fast food. Try their dumplings and spicy pork, you won't regret it!

Amy:$10 for a super yummy porridge using organic Canterbury-grown oats, and served hot with home-made fruit toppings. Heaven served for breakfast! This stall may be the sole reason I go to the Riccarton Farmer’s Market...

Amy:This cafe is Ballentynes best kept secret! Coffee is sensational and their menu is always changing but everything I've there has always hit the spot. They have a good variety of gluten free and dairy free options too!

Amy:These are the best burgers in the city! My favourite burger is their Woody Burger with avocado, halloumi and chorizo. They also have vegan burgers too!

Amy:They serve the most amazing organic gelato and sorbet creations here. I recommend their Pomengranate & Berries sorbet and Black Forest gelato!

Amy:This place is out of the way for most but the service and meal value is insane! I always order the Spicy Stewed Duck or the Beef with Black Bean Sauce.