Summer in the city
Take your time looking around every corner and get to know the best summertime spots in the city to spend alone or in the good company of friends, little humans, and other halves.
Seasonal
25 March 2025
How to spend a summer's day in the city
Summer is here and Christchurch is looking oh so good in its sunshine filter.
New Regent Street brunching
There’s no better place to see Christchurch wake up than surrounded by friends in the pastel heritage setting of New Regent Street.
Stop in for breakfast at Belle (cafe & micro roastery), sitting on the corner of the street at the Armagh Street end. The coffee here is good – and made extra summery with the additional range of iced options. Sit back, relax and enjoy a serve of eggs benedict with house-made hollandaise - yum!
With every craving met, you can now feast your eyes on what’s waiting down the rest of New Regent Street. It won’t take long to fall under the street’s charm, with its range of gift and homeware stores, jewellers, well-known cafés, bars and restaurants as well as friendly – and sometimes a little magical – street dwellers.
Summer holiday lunching for the whole family
If you’ve got the kids in tow, get to know some of the central eateries becoming every parent and babysitter’s best friend during the summer holidays. These places have nailed the balance of sunshine, space and food offerings to accommodate fusspots as well as their minders who may fancy something a little more exciting than ham and cheese.
With a whole 21 hectares’ worth of garden space to explore, the Botanic Garden’s Ilex Café is an ideal place to take children with bucket loads of energy. A whole section dedicated to kids is available on the menu, featuring the Botanic Kid Pack made up of a sandwich, piece of fruit, cookie, yoghurt and juice.
While Little High Eatery’s modern food court offers a little bit of everything, from handmade burgers and fries, sushi, dumplings, wood-fired pizza and more.
Explore the Terrace and Avon River
Experience The Terrace as an alternative lunch spot, if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket. There are lots of restaurants where you can dine overlooking the Avon River. From Mexican to Mediterranean, and everything in between, you can sit back, relax, and let the incredible hospitality do the talking. You can then bask in your post-lunch haze as you take in the sights of the city on a punt ride on the Avon River and once you’ve let everything settle, take a stroll along the city promenade.
Check out the Arts Centre
Head to The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, a heritage building in the central city with shops, restaurants, art spaces and cultural events. It’s a hub for diverse expression where creative endeavour and entrepreneurship thrive.
Grab a wine at the Cellar Door or check out one of their many events with a lively events programme that features regular concerts, exhibitions, festivals, workshops, kōrero, activities and more - providing education, dialogue and entertainment for all.
A place for individuals or the whole family!
Soak up the atmosphere at Riverside Market
Visit Riverside Market which is a hive of activity in the summer that captures the essence of Christchurch's vibrant culinary scene. As the sun bathes the outdoor dining area in a golden glow, the smell of barbequed meats and exquisite spices fills the air. The lively ambience, amplified by the cheerful chatter of visitors, creates a lively tapestry of communal enjoyment. Pick up some seasonal delicacies or a snack from one of the many food stalls and bask in the warm embrace of the summer breeze as you indulge in the vibrant flavours of the season.
Shopping at city mall and the Crossing
Do a spot of shopping on Cashel Street, the city’s main pedestrian mall. Here you’ll find all the well-known retailers, Christchurch’s most iconic department store – Ballantynes, and The Crossing, a shopping and hospitality centre. If you’re looking for boutique stores, the Riverside Laneway is the perfect place to shop for unique items - from New Zealand makers and brands to beautiful homewares and treats, you’ll lose track of time as you browse the shelves.
Grab an ice cream
End the day with a cheeky ice cream at one of the many central city ice cream spots. Try one of the ever-changing and inventive gelato flavours at one of the two Rollickin’ Gelato stores or devour an ice cream sunday like you’ve never had at Ben & Jerrys, beside Riverside Market. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, check out Berry Healthy. Their specialties are real fruit ice cream and frozen yoghurt.
Check out our article with all the ice cream hot spots across the city.
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