New Brighton artists top picks

Local New Brighton artist lists her favourite places to visit in the beachside suburb of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The New Brighton good life guide: Samantha Fay

Meet another inspiring New Brighton local, Samantha Fay, a textile and fibre artist who calls New Brighton, Christchurch home. Here is her guide to the beachside suburb, which she compiled with our pals over at Neat Places.

Samantha has lived in the New Brighton coastal community for over 20 years but grew up in a small seaside village in Dunedin, much like New Brighton.

"I love living here and consider it my forever home. I can hear the waves from my house and have learned the rhythms of the wind, so I know to plan my beach adventures before lunchtime."

“The people are amazing; the sense of community I feel here is almost like a family. I have managed to build a life that means I rarely need to cross the river, and I like it that way. New Brighton is filled with artists and creatives, so I’m with my people.”

Stitch-O-Mat

New Brighton Stitch-O-Mat is Samantha’s home away from home. She’s a textile and fibre artist by trade, and this community project is her shared baby with Bridget Allen, another local. Stitch-O-Mat is a fantastic, accessible, and welcoming community space where visitors can try their hand at sewing, learn new skills and access methods to live more sustainably.

Seaside Markets

The Saturday Seaside Markets run by The New Brighton Project are one of Samantha’s top picks. The markets are a great spot to bump into friends, grab some lunch (usually the seafood noodles from Adams Noodles, in her case) and stock up on snacks. The pretzels from Angie’s German Baking are divine with cheese, and a bee-sting from Jerry & George, is a must in her eyes. Be it plants or pounamu, there is something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

New Brighton Seaside Market and clock tower

Best of Brighton eats and drinks

New Brighton is blessed with the best when it comes to food and drink options with an array of excellent cafes and bars. The Dune Cafe at The Bridge Hub has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. Samantha’s go-to spot for Sunday date nights with Bridget is The Burger Joint, where you can get yourself a great beer from Southpaw Brewing Company, burgers, and a shared plate of cheesy gravy fries – how good!

Common Ground

Common Ground is where it’s at on a Friday night with local food trucks parking up in the area to satisfy all your food and drink cravings! Here you will find a fantastic community vibe, a book fridge, community gardens, a seed exchange and even a crop swap.

Playgrounds-a-plenty

Ride a whale like the best of them at one of New Brighton’s top-class playgrounds. Be it the whale pool between the hot pools and library or the Beatty Street Playground, this beautiful suburb has you covered on all bases when it comes to playgrounds.

Children playing on splash pad at New Brighton playground

Bridge for community

We love a collab – especially one that gets the community involved. The Bridge Hub is an outstanding collaboration by the community for the community. As part of this kaupapa, the community lobbied to purchase the earthquake-damaged building and has worked for years voluntarily, to create a first-class facility with a café, hall, bookable meeting or practitioner spaces and an art gallery where locals can display and sell their work. The team also works to provide the community with a range of activities to enjoy in the space.

Heritage and community minded

The newly refurbished St Faiths Church on Hawke Street is one heritage building worth a visit. Here, there is a freshly established visitors’ desk where residents and locals alike can learn about what’s available to them in the community.