48 hours in Ōtautahi/Christchurch
Sharing some of the places I loved and stumbled across whilst I was visiting with New Zealand. Ōtautahi/Christchurch is a really compact city, so I loved walking and wandering around on foot, but you could also jump on one of their heritage trams if you spot one.
The Arts Centre (Te Matatiki Toi Ora)- My favourite place I visited, not only because of the grounds and heritage buildings but also 70 entities that are part of it including galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, artisan eateries and bars, accommodation, even a great Thai massage place. I loved places like Frances Nation Store and Cafe, Tiny Toy Shop, Dee Dee Massage and lunch from Pom’s Thai Kitchen food truck. Plan to spend at least an hour walking around here. Also the Christchurch Art Gallery is just across the road as is the Botanic Gardens so plan to visit both on the same day.
Frances Nation Home & Cafe- LOVE this store! So many special wares from New Zealand makers and artisans and so beautifully curated. If you’re looking for a special souvenir, this is where I went to pick up something to bring back home. I would have bought so much more if I didn’t have to think about baggage allowance but picked up the most beautiful handmade trug from Coppice Crafts in Oamaru. Also picked up a Svord red pocket knife, a little blue dish from Mystery Creek Ceramics and a beautiful botanical print by Jo Ewing. Also the Frances Nation Cafe is a cute spot for a pitstop to sip a coffee in the building or underneath the alcove outside.
Tiny Toy Shop- The cutest tiniest toy store upstairs from Frances Nation. You’re bound to find a special trinket for a little one.
Poms Thai Kitchen- There’s a whole lot of food trucks dotted within the Art Centre grounds and I ended up grabbing lunch and sitting outside here. Got the egg noodles soup and the beef massaman curry and they hit the spot on a wintery and wet day.
Dee Dee Thai Massage- Booked in online on a whim for a massage and it was exactly what I needed after a few days of travelling. It’s located inside the Arts Centre upstairs above Frances Nation. I love a deep and strong Thai massage and my therapist, Kornnipa was incredible.
Seekers Markete- Opens on Saturdays and located at the Arts Centre grounds. You’ll find artisanal crafts and gourmet foods, Dhi Ferrari Cakes has a stall there if you’re looking for a sweet treat.
Christchurch Gallery- Te Puna o Waiwhetū- free to visit and the perfect place to wander if it’s raining (which was the case for me). Loved checking out the latest exhibitions, especially ‘Taste Before Eating’ by Marilyn Webb and Encountering Aotearoa by Cora Allan.
He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools- is only 15 minutes from the CBD and I highly recommend coming here for a sunrise soak (which comes with a complimentary mocktail) to start your morning. Even on a cold and rainy day, it’s still really relaxing and atmospheric. These also have a sauna onsite that you can enjoy.
Nala Korean- A cute family run restaurant in Bishopdale (10 minute uber from CBD). We ordered the 육회덮밥- yukhoe deopbap raw beef on rice and the 생대구탕 saeng daegutang fish soup made with red cod which was the highlight.
Infinite Definite- A gorgeous store that stocks a great selection of fashion and homewares from Kowtow, Olend, Permanent Vacation, Baina, New Balance and many others. I ended up buying a mug and bowl set from Hasami Porcelain from there.
Recycle Boutique Christchurch- next door to Infinite Definite and a great place to shop for some vintage or pre-loved apparel.
Scorpio Books- A gorgeous independent bookstore. You could spend an hour here just looking through all of the books. Also pop next door to their children’s bookstore Telling Tales.
Gatherings Christchurch- Tiny, cosy restaurant in Merivale. Ended up coming here twice because I loved it. Did dessert the first time here as I had dinner at Nala but also came back here a few nights later to try the rest of the menu. The $89 feed me menu is a great option for a group. Side note: Londo Bar next door looked great for dinner/snacks/drinks and then Noki cafe next door to Londo is a cute spot for breakfast.
The Welder Christchurch- an urban oasis of hospitality, retail and wellness businesses all together in a converted welding factory. There’s no shortage of bars, cafes and restaurants, even a wellness studio. Come here for a meal or a wander anytime of day. You can grab coffee at Barefoot Eatery, a pastry at Grizzly Baked Goods, pick up a cake from Dhi Ferrari Cakes, a drink at Salut Salut Winebar Bareno, sake and yakitori at Bar Yoku, lunch and dinner at Kokomo, refill your pantry staples at Good For Store, relax at O studio. There’s even a farmers market on Wednesday, it’s very family friendly with spaces for kids/babies and even dog friendly.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens- Nice for a stroll and next to the Arts Centre. You can also go punting on the Avon in a gondola.
Child Sister- Cute cafe for brunch serving modern Korean dishes. Order the kimchi rice omelette if you’re looking for a filling brunch.
Riverside Market- A cute indoor market filled with food stalls. A good place to pitstop for a wander and bite.
