Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Christchurch is a hum hum humming with things to see and do and should be on your New Zealand ‘must do’ list at all costs. It’s one of the most walkable and rideable towns in this fine land and with all the new trails and places to visit you’ll be hard pressed to be bored.

I recently visited and took the opportunity to get on their Spark Bikes they have there. I rode around with Bike Share and experienced shopping, cycle lanes, places to eat and drink and icecream from the comfort of my saddle.

It’s also one of the best places to wander around on your two feet. Because most things are within walking distance you can trot around rather happily. There’s also so much art to see on your travels it makes it difficult to get from one cafe stop to another without getting your camera out and snapping for that great Instagram shot.

First up Art.

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

I headed to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu, which is a lovely meander through the city on Cnr Worcester Blvd and Montreal Street. Atop of the architectural masterpiece is a large hand perched up high. A hand with a face. It’s awesome. There’s also monthly exhibitions and ongoing for every taste. A gorgeous shop meets you at the entrance filled with lovely things to take home to remember your time in Christchurch.

Over the road is the huge (and I didn’t realise how big it was) Christchurch Art Centre. where are cafes, galleries and shops with so many plans afoot to extend and create cinemas, apartments and more shops it’s a delight to wander and get lost. Events include outdoor cinema, exhibitions and more in the public spaces and buildings.

Cafes

If you’re looking for coffee you’ve come to the right city. There seems to be a new cafe popping up every time I descend on the city and my favourite list changes every month. I’m fickle. I like coffee.

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Hello Sunday is a short walk out of the city centre set in a old church. They offer up the best avocado smash this side of the country and even though I swayed and had breakfast tea (my go to ‘cafe tester’) it was strong and hot. Perfect.

Supreme Supreme is a design lovers dream. Splashes of red amongst a heady dose of Swedish light wood with a smidgen of neon and you’d be on the mark. Sparkling water on tap (I’m in love) and some of the best crumpets, an Englishman would be proud (origins people. I’m all about history). Coffee made right on site and in particular, every type of vessel available to hold said black magic.

Rollickin Gelato is set back on one of the most beautiful streets in New Zealand. New Regent Street has a gorgeous European feel about it and is home to gelato of all sorts. Salted caramel was my favourite and a tip- pay the extra 50c for chocolate in the bottom of your cone. It’s worth it.

Walking
Wandering around the city is one of the best way to see it and Lyttelton is no exception. You will need to get the quick 20 minute bus out there but once there let your senses take in one of the best little parts outside the city centre. Book shops, homewares, cafes and walking trails. One of the best we found was up the steep steep streets all the way until you find the start of the Urumau Reserve. You can go all the way up and do the steep walk or just a bit and find one of the trails amongst the streets to come back down. 

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes

Christchurch for walking, art and cafes