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 Top bar in the heart of the city |
130 Oxford Terrace Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 377 9898 |
This is one of the hottest and most popular nightclub on Oxford Terrace. This is a fiery bar/nightclub, and the resident DJ Cyan definitely livens things up with his blend of Commercial House and Trance. Friday and Saturday nights are the best if you are after some packed dance floor moments, and you will be lucky to find the bar some nights, such are the crowds. When you finally find the bar, there are some very tasty drinks waiting for you, including "KGB", "Tattoos" and "Vodka and Ice" for only NZD3. They also stock a range of New Zealand beers—Steinlager, Canterbury Draught, Export Gold and the like. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fine New Zealand wine with rustic ambience |
South Quad of the Arts Centre Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 0566 http://www.annieswinebar.co.nz |
Noted for its fine selection of New Zealand wines, this charming wine bar and restaurant is housed in a picturesque Victorian building that forms part of the old University. A successful blend of casual appeal and refinement, Annies exudes warmth and rustic charm. Subdued lighting complements an interior featuring native timbers, recycled brick and stained glass feature windows. The cuisine is eclectic, revolving around the Pacific and the Mediterranean. A good, affordable supper menu is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Littlefield |
 Vital arts and crafts market |
Market Square Christchurch Arts Centre Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 0989 http://www.artscentre.org.nz/W... |
Every weekend, the people of Christchurch head for market day at the Arts Centre, to soak up its charm and relaxed atmosphere. In the summer, crowds swell to over 20,000. Alongside the many live performers, colourful stalls set up in the Market Square offer a dazzling variety of arts and crafts, from handmade candles to hammock chairs. There is also an International Food Fair, with stalls selling inexpensive food from Thailand to Lebanon. The market spills out onto Worcester Boulevard, where local artists and woodcarvers have their works on show along the Arts Centre's exterior walls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ana cerveira |
 Photo: amitbanerjee_in |
 Upmarket Merivale cafe |
Corner Aikmans and Papanui Road Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 355 6150 |
Brigittes' motto is "there is no X in Espresso." The shop is certainly getting the experts' approval—it was recently named the best cafe in New Zealand. Polished wooden floors and bentwood chairs add a European flavour, with floor to ceiling windows providing alternating views of a busy Aikmans Road and a Mediterranean-style courtyard. An extensive wine list complements a large selection of juices, sandwiches and cakes. More substantial fare includes Eggs Florentine and Vinegared Figs and blue cheese on bruschetta, a favourite with regular customers. Fully Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Best coffee in town |
150 High St Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 1917 http://www.c1espresso.co.nz |
A contemporary, go-ahead coffee house that markets its own special brand curiously named C4 Krank. They have a skateboard as a door handle and old worn chairs with formica tables to match. Beside the counter there is an astounding collection of coffee makers and grinders. C1 Espresso is a busy, funky little place that is relaxed and friendly (with a designated area for smokers). Here you will find arguably the best, cheapest coffee in town, with an espresso costing just around NZD2.50. There is an all-day breakfast and a small but good array of standard cafe fare: flatbreads with pesto and gourmet sandwiches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award winning, cosmopolitan café |
813 Colombo Street Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 377 1886 http://www.cafevalentino.co.nz |
Winner of the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Hallmark Excellence Award, this vibrant, European-style cafe and bar is popular with performing artists and entertainers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Elegant European-style cafe |
176 Oxford Terrace Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 3879 http://www.caffe-roma.co.nz |
Overlooking the Avon River, this little gem is located in what was a purpose-built establishment for gentlemen. It is now a fully licensed European-style cafe serving good coffee, brunch and lunch. Old-world charm characterises this establishment, with wood panelling and high ceilings. At one end, comfortable sofas surround an old stone fireplace, with plenty of good reading material provided--a great place to while away time. The menu is extensive and matches the ambience for quality. Try rosemary brioche with creamy mushrooms and a choice of eggs (NZD12.50), huge blueberry pancakes (NZD13.50) or the Thai chicken curry (NZD14). There is also a tantalising array of side orders (NZD2.50NZD5.50). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Trendy coffee house |
28 Marriner Street Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 326 5900 |
This trendy, specialist coffee house roasts its own aromatic blend on the premises. Always busy, always good. Enjoy fine espresso and friendly service in bright, cheerful surroundings. Plenty of bar stools are perched by the window where you can sit idly watching passers-by. A good range of coffees and iced drinks (NZD2.50-4.50) are served with one or two chocolate-coated coffee beans (the accompaniment of choice). Food includes filled bagels and a delicious selection of dessert cakes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 All the services |
127 Gloucester Street City Central Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 5183 |
With machines a plenty, and super-fast fiber optic connections, this cyber cafe provides an excellent range of services: network gaming, fax, internet conferencing, photocopying, and scanning, as well as internet and email training courses. Always plenty of free tea and coffee to be had from the dispenser while you work. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stylish cyber cafe |
28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Arts Centre City Central Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 372 9436 |
Situated above the Boulevard Bakehouse in the Arts Centre of Christchurch, this has to be the trendiest little cyber cafe in town, with comfortable barstool-style seating and a great view of the street below. E-caf's 15 machines offer full Internet and email services with a flat rate charge of $3 per hour; however, if you buy a Supreme Coffee downstairs, you get 15 minutes Internet time free! Prices are cheaper with membership, which simply entails purchasing NZD5 of Internet time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Top-notch wines |
Burnham School Road Burnham, RD 5 Christchurch 8191 New Zealand +64 (0)3 3476 6729 |
Owned by three German brothers, Giesen's is the largest winery in the Canterbury region. Situated near the main southern road out of Christchurch, close to Burnham Military Camp, the vineyard has a formidable reputation for export-quality, award-winning wines. Try their Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, as well as their lovely port. The vineyard offers wine tasting and sales and has a picnic area (you will need to bring your own) right beside the vines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award-winning French flair |
Worcester Blvd (at Montreal St) Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 374 9444 http://www.lebonbolli.co.nz |
Headed up by award-winning restaurateur, Phillip Kraal, this is two restaurants in one—a "stroll-in" cafe downstairs and a silver service establishment upstairs. Mock Renaissance-style murals adorn the ceilings in this spacious, modern restaurant. At the front is a small courtyard enclosed by a glass screen—the ideal vantage point from which to watch trams ambling along the Boulevard. Upstairs is all that you would expect from a silver-service restaurant: exquisite food, attentive service. In the few years since it has opened, this restaurant has won several national awards. The food is of exceptional quality, with a wine list to match. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Popular licensed cafe for the nocturnal |
Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Arts Centre City Central Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 7722 |
This popular licensed cafe, situated in the historic clock tower building, is one of the few places where you can buy cafe food in the wee hours of the morning. Friendly service and plenty of character make this the perfect place to relax over food and drinks. Outdoor seating is provided on the boulevard as well as the inner courtyard, and it is always packed in the summer months. House specialties such as filled baked potatoes, nachos, caesar salad and ciabatta, rye and foccacia sandwiches: NZD9-14. A good breakfast menu runs from 7am to noon (NZD3-12.50). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chikako |
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Superb Indian cuisine |
Corner Gloucester & New Regent Sts Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 377 7997 http://www.littleindia.co.nz |
Little India is a New Zealand-wide chain of superb Indian restaurants. Enjoy a wide selection of entrees including Tandoori Chicken, Boti Kebab, Pakoras, Vegetarian Platter, Malai Tikka, and more. Add bread, rice or other side dishes for a satisfying meal. Check website for full menu and other locations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Boutique brewery and bar |
178 Cashel St Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 6674 http://www.theloadedhogchristc... |
The "hog" bar started in Christchurch, and soon caught on in other cities. Smart and spacious, it is no drinking trough, rather a very pleasant drinking, and eating establishment. Wooden floors and neutral tones give the place a contemporary feel. Its central location makes it popular with city workers during the day and a mixed crowd come the evening. A wide selction of beers (on tap and bottled) and local wines offers plenty of choice for drinkers. The Hog also has its own micro-brewery , whose produce is available behind the bar. A cooked breakfast is available during the weekend. A good selection of bar meals and snacks is also served during the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marvon Watson |
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Vegetarian and vegan paradise |
840 Colombo Street Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 0421 |
A well-established vegetarian cafe offering hearty, innovative food. Old oak tables and chairs, with most of the seating housed in a spacious upstairs area--very friendly, very relaxed. The walk-through bar, pumping in the late eighties, now has more of a bohemian feel and is a nice place to enjoy a quiet drink with friends.Generous servings, with an excellent range of vegan and vegetarian dishes, many of which are also available in half portions. Meals come with a selection of fresh salads or seasonal vegetables at a cost of NZD8-9 for lunch and NZD12-17 for dinner. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Innovative Thai Cuisine |
84 Hereford Street City Central Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 1295 |
Opened in 1990 with only two tables, this family-run business is now a large bustling restaurant that has won awards for its food and drink combinations.Enter through the Monkey Bar into a multi-roomed, spacious restaurant, with the kitchen in full view. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming--the perfect place for group bookings. The food is superb: innovative Thai, seared on the wok with flavours of basil and coriander. Irresistible soups NZD10-12 (NZD28-32 serves 4-6); a range of meat, seafood, vegetarian rice and noodle dishes: NZD12-19. Do not forget to order the famed Mythai cocktail from the bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pick of the bunch |
Stockgrove Road Amberley Christchurch 8251 New Zealand +64 (0)3 314 6869 http://www.pegasusbay.com/ |
Waipara's top vineyard, family-owned Pegasus Bay produces an impressive array of high-quality wines. Co-owner Ivan Donaldson, an international wine judge and writer, and in his spare time a professor of neurology, is the "Mr Wine" of Canterbury. There are three vineyards to visit, in the Waipara region. The restaurant food is great and there are lovely gardens, a lake and a woodland area to wander around. Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and dessert wines are all produced at this hillside vineyard, south of the Waipara River. The 1996 Pinot Noir, 1997 Chardonnay and 1998 Riesling, in particular, are first class. Tours: Large tours by appointment only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen  |
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Calzone to die for |
4 Wakefield Avenue Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 326 5488 |
This is a busy pizzeria and bar located in an old two-storey building—formerly the studio of a renowned local artist. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seaside à la carte restaurant |
Esplanade Clock Tower Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 326 6987 |
Situated right beside the sea, this family-run restaurant is one of Christchurch's oldest and best. Eat outside, or enjoy relaxed, intimate dining around candle-lit tables overlooking the ocean. The service is friendly and the atmosphere warm and cosy. In the evening, a nicely balanced, regularly changing à la carte menu, featuring a large range of seafood and meat dishes, and tantilising desserts--the berry mascarpone brulee is not to be missed when on the menu. For breakfast and lunch choose from an extensive blackboard menu, as well as a range of cakes and muffins at the counter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 English-style manor with stunning city views |
200 Hackthorne Rd (Cashmere Hills) Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 332 4052 http://www.signofthetakahe.co.nz |
Housed in a magnificent castle-like building perched on the Port Hills overlooking Christchurch, this silver-service restaurant is the brainchild of acclaimed chef, Bruce Griffiths. Using stone quarried from the nearby hills, Henry Ell constructed the building in 1918 as a rest house, drawing his inspiration from English manor houses and inns. The interior is opulent, with magnificent leadlight windows, ornate timbered arches and big open fireplaces. Candle-lit tables and spectacular views of Christchurch add to the ambience making this a truly wonderful dining experience. This restaurant serves elaborate, refined cuisine with attention to every detail. Open for afternoon and morning teas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: M Streeter |
 Photo: Kate Hadfield |
 Photo: Cynbin1 |
 Photo: Bannon Keft |
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Island pinot vineyard |
Coutts Island Road Belfast Christchurch 8005 New Zealand +64 (0)3 323 8202 |
St Helena was Canterbury's first commercial winery and restaurant, and their early 1990s gold medal Pinot Noir wines put Canterbury firmly on the New Zealand wine map. Owned by former potato farmers, the vineyard is located just to the north of Christchurch, on an island in the sprawling Waimakariri River. Chardonnay, Riesling, Muller-Thurgau and the celebrated Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are all produced here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic Turkish fare |
185a Manchester Street Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 4447 http://www.topkapi.co.nz |
This is a good cheap restaurant, popular with a diverse range of clientele within the 20-40 age range. Top Kapi Turkish Kebab House features an excellent array of dishes, including an extensive vegetarian menu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine coffee with a touch of Italy |
86 Hereford Street Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 8248 |
This stylish, discreet cafe takes coffee drinking very seriously, with its own special blends roasted on the premises. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Kitschy bar & club with harbour view |
19 London St Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 8818 |
Popular with the alternative set, this bar and club in the seaport of Lyttleton is open till three every morning, with cabaret, disco and live music in "The Back Room" from Thursday to Saturday nights. The ultimate in kitsch—lampshades made of curlers and doll's heads; walls padded with velvet cushioning. The bar area features a pool table and table soccer, with spectacular views of the harbor and surprisingly, a peak inside a supermarket. It's a great place for a leisurely afternoon drink. A good selection of beers and bar food. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nemone caldwell |
 Photo: nemone caldwell |
 Photo: superlocal |
 Photo: Nicholas Burrowes |
 Photo: www.symbolizer.com |
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Truly flavoursome Chinese-Malay cuisine |
380 Riccarton Road, Church Corner Mall Riccarton Christchurch 8004 New Zealand +64 (0)3 341 3168 |
Unassuming family-owned restaurant, serving absolutely mouth-watering Malay-style banquets. Neutral interior with a pleasant ambience--this is a place where the whole family can enjoy superb food. Efficient service with a touch of character "Basil Fawlty" style. Great food as the name suggests, but you will not pay a fortune. There is an extensive menu including soups (NZD3.50-5.50), entrées (NZD4-5.50), beef, poultry and seafood dishes (NZD9.90-15), as well as a good range of vegetable and vegetarian options. Take-aways are considerably cheaper at NZD9. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: xln |
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Classy bar with retro feel |
150 Aikmans Road Merivale Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 355 5577 |
This is a stylish Merivale bar situated just behind the mall. Atmospheric lighting within the large windows is a welcoming sign of good times inside. Dark leather booths, funky chrome stools and a back-lit bar give Zanzibar an almost retro feel. Its smart interior draws clientele to suit. Weather permitting, the large French doors open to a sizeable terrace at the front. A good selection of New Zealand wines and bottled beers are available. A range of cafe-style food is on offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |