Seasonal
17 November 2025
Where to eat and drink in Christchurch during Summer
Whether its morning coffee, afternoon drinks or sunset dinners, wining and dining outside is one of the true delights of summer.
Summer eats in Christchurch
Warm days and balmy evenings spent with friends enjoying great food is hard to beat! Here are some local favourites.
Brigittes Sumner
Nestled on the Esplanade opposite the famous Cave Rock, Brigittes offers breezy beachfront dining. Perfect for slow sunny mornings, Brigittes is relaxed yet refined serving delicious brunch and lunch, expertly brewed coffee or even a bubbly mimosa for pure summer bliss.
Tussock Hill Tussock Hill Vineyard
Perched on the Port Hills, this boutique vineyard and restaurant serves seasonal sharing plates and organic wines in a tranquil setting. The outdoor terrace makes a beautiful spot for a long, sun-soaked lunch complete with sweeping views over Christchurch.
Ilex Café
Located in the heart of the Botanic Gardens, Ilex is a garden-to-plate café with a sunlit terrace surrounded by lush greenery. This peaceful setting is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a refreshing drink after a garden stroll admiring the summer blooms.
Two Thumb Brewing - Redcliffs
This laid-back brew bar near the beach is perfect for sunny afternoons. Stop in on your way home from the beach and enjoy their selection of craft beers, live music and tacos from the onsite food truck in their dog-friendly courtyard. Summer arvo sorted!
Southpaw Brewing - New Brighton
A community-focused brewery just steps from the beach, Southpaw offers a relaxed vibe with rotating craft beers, West Coast Pies, toasted sandwiches and friendly services. This is a fun summer spot to check out after a day at the beach or soak in the pools.
Rollickin Gelato
Cool down and sugar up with Rollickin Gelato, a much-loved local spot expertly crafting delicious gelato and decadent desserts. With two central locations offering outdoor seating, funky tunes and dog-friendly spaces, it’s a must visit for summer days.
Fish and chips
The best Kiwi summer dining is fish and chips enjoyed on the beach of course! Check out these favourite spots around the city.
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