Drinks

24 March 2025

Coffee roasters in Christchurch's CBD

Explore Ōtautahi Christchurch’s vibrant coffee scene — home to passionate local roasters crafting fresh, flavourful beans in the heart of the city.

Overhead shot of two coffees

Is Christchurch's CBD the ultimate hub for the city's best coffee roasters?

Christchurch’s coffee culture is thriving, with more independent coffee roasters and local cafés popping up regularly. From well-known names to hidden espresso bars, the Christchurch CBD is buzzing with quality caffeine. Whether you’re exploring Cashel Street or venturing to the city’s outskirts, you’re never far from a perfectly brewed cup — making Christchurch one of New Zealand’s top coffee destinations.

Coffee roasting machine

Where's a specialty coffee roaster and cafe in Christchurch city? C4 Coffee Co.

C4 Coffee Co are the quiet achiever of the country’s coffee roasting industry, sourcing and supplying coffee for over 20 years. The company operates out of a spacious warehouse on Fitzgerald Ave, which plays host to their entire operation. Here you can watch it all happen from the comfort of your armchair while sipping on one of their brews!

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Christchurch's best conscious coffee roasters? Coffee Embassy

With a focus on freshness, Coffee Embassy sources its beans in alignment with the harvest calendars of each origin. Roasting three days a week on-site using a 15kg Joper roaster, they ensure that every batch is as fresh as possible. The cafe part of Coffee Embassy is an old mechanic’s workshop on Fitzgerald Ave, turned into a super cool and cosy espresso bar.

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Overhead shot of two people holding their coffees together
Pouring milk into coffee

Do the Underground Coffee Roasters actually roast underground?

Raw and natural, Underground Coffee Roasters understand coffee. Using an unconventional air-roasting method, Underground Coffee on Durham Street South produces bold, punchy beans that will wake you up with every sip. Connected to the roastery is a stylish brew bar, perfect for sampling their full range of freshly roasted coffees straight from the source. And yes, they did get their start roasting coffee beans in an underground basement in Cashmere!

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Best coffee roaster with a relaxing setting in Christchurch? Unknown Chapter

It may be called Unknown Chapter, but this lively cafe is in fact very popular with those who love a good brew. Unknown Chapter on St Asaph Street roasts its beans on site to bring patrons first-class coffee, with offerings changing throughout the year depending on harvest times. The roasters experiment with each new coffee to try, highlighting its special characteristics! The entire variety of brews can be enjoyed within the industrial space, softened with a sea of hanging indoor plants. 

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Unknown Chapter patrons sitting at the window

Where can you find ethically roasted coffee in Christchurch? Prima Roastery

Prima Roastery is a family-run specialty coffee roaster in Sydenham, Christchurch, serving up fresh, ethically sourced beans since 1995. Their air of sustainability doesn’t stop at the beans – think compostable packaging and zero-waste vibes. Pop into their cosy cafe to sip expertly roasted coffee and see the magic happen straight from the roastery.

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What's a well-known coffee roaster in Christchurch? Black and White Coffee Cartel

Recognising the old coffee franchises of New Zealand were ‘tired and boring,’ Black and White created what would now become the country’s first micro-roasting coffee franchise – meaning each location (and there's a lot of them) roasts its coffee on-site! As you walk in, expect the quirkiest décor, with the walls lined top to bottom with dozens of artworks!

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Where else can you get good coffee in the Christchurch CBD? Espresso Studio & Fika Coffee

Although these next two spots don't roast their own coffee, they are definitely worth a shout-out. Those who work in the CBD flock to these locations for their incredible coffee!


Espresso Studio, in Riverside Market laneway in Christchurch with person skateboarding past

The best place for a strong coffee in Christchurch CBD? Espresso Studio

Tucked inside Riverside Market on Cashel Street, Espresso Studio by Fushoken is a minimalist espresso bar with a big reputation. Triple shots are standard here, giving each cup a rich, bold intensity loved by Christchurch coffee enthusiasts. Open early for commuters, it’s perfect for anyone chasing a serious caffeine kick in the CBD.

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Where can I find great vegan coffee options in Christchurch? Fika Coffee

Bringing a slice of Scandinavian calm to the city centre, Fika on Cashel Street offers exceptional coffee with so many vegan options. Think Reuben-style bagels, kimchi scones, and colourful smoothie bowls — all served in a bright, contemporary space. Fika is a top pick for those seeking a vegan-friendly cafe in central Christchurch.

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Overhead shot of coffee and bagels at Fika

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