Eating & Drinking in Christchurch

Christchurch has reinvented itself as a food-lover’s destination, with a buzzing scene that spills from restored heritage buildings into laneway bars and riverside eateries. The city’s post-quake energy is palpable in its craft breweries, roasteries, and market halls, where locals gather over flat whites and shared plates. Whether you’re after a farm-to-table feast or a hole-in-the-wall dumpling joint, Ōtautahi delivers with Kiwi flair.

Highlights & What to See

• Riverside Market – A vibrant indoor market along the Avon River, packed with artisan food stalls, seafood bars, and craft beer taps. Grab a table overlooking the water and sample everything from Bluff oysters to wood-fired pizza.
• New Regent Street – This pastel-hued, Spanish Mission-style street is lined with intimate eateries and cocktail bars. Try the truffle fries at Bessie or the tasting menu at King of Snake.
• Lyttelton Farmers Market – Held every Saturday in the historic port town, this is where Christchurch’s top chefs shop. Stock up on organic produce, artisan cheese, and fresh-baked sourdough.
• Craft Breweries – The city is a hop-head’s paradise. Visit Cassels & Sons for its modernist brewhouse, Three Boys Brewery for bold IPAs, and Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn for a pint in a Victorian pub.
• Christchurch Farmers’ Market – Held in Riccarton Bush, this Sunday market offers seasonal produce, local honey, and gourmet street food. Perfect for a picnic lunch.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to eating and drinking your way around Christchurch. Use one day to explore the central city – start with a coffee at Unknown Chapter, lunch at Riverside Market, and an evening bar crawl on New Regent Street. Spend the second day on a half-day trip to Lyttelton for the Saturday market and a brewery tour, then return for dinner at a contemporary Kiwi restaurant like Inati or Twenty Seven Steps.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Akaroa – A scenic 90-minute drive takes you to this French-influenced harbour town, known for its fish-and-chips by the jetty and artisan chocolate shops.
• Waipara Valley – Just 45 minutes north, this wine region produces excellent Pinot Noir and Riesling. Many cellar doors have casual lunch menus.
• Banks Peninsula – Combine a Lyttelton food stop with a hike or kayak trip on the peninsula’s wild coastline.
• Christchurch Botanic Gardens – Pack a picnic from the market and enjoy a lazy afternoon among the roses and giant oaks.

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