What’s Christchurch known for?
Christchurch, the garden city of New Zealand, is renowned not only for its English heritage, visible in the timeless architecture and the expansive Christchurch Botanic Gardens, but also for its indomitable spirit. Following the significant earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch has exemplified resilience, rebuilding itself into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation, and community.
The city's arts scene thrives in its streets, galleries, and theatres, echoing the creative resurgence that defines its character today. What’s more, the city's proximity to the ocean and the mountains offers an array of fresh produce and seafood integral to its dining scene. Restaurants in Christchurch often feature locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the city's connection to its natural surroundings.
What’s the best way to explore Christchurch?
When it comes to uncovering the gems of this stunning city, there's no better way than in a maui campervan. Opting for motorhome hire in NZ not only gives you the comfort of home wherever you roam but also the chance to curate your own New Zealand itinerary, making spontaneous stops at roadside eateries, local farmers' markets, and the best restaurants in Christchurch. The versatility of travelling by campervan not only simplifies logistics but enriches your travel experience, allowing for an immersive exploration of Christchurch's dining scene and beyond.
Looking for more tips for your New Zealand itinerary? Check out our top guides below:
A foodies guide to Christchurch
Whether you are looking for breakfast restaurants in Christchurch or the best restaurants in Christchurch for a romantic dinner, we have you covered. Below, we have broken up the best restaurants in Christchurch into brunch, coffee, and dinner spots. To help you plan your camper rental adventure, we have also included a few spots to park your motorhome at night!
Image: Tourism New Zealand
1. Brunch & Coffee in Christchurch
Christchurch's brunch scene is as dynamic and varied as the city itself, offering everything from the quintessential Kiwi café experience to innovative culinary delights that push the boundaries of morning fare. Whether you're kickstarting your day in a motorhome hire or taking a leisurely morning stroll through the city, these spots promise to deliver unforgettable brunch experiences.
C1 Espresso
C1 Espresso in Christchurch is not your average café; it's an institution. Situated in the heart of the city, this vibrant and eclectic spot is known for its innovative approach to dining, including delivering food orders through pneumatic tubes. A standout dish that encapsulates the essence of C1's creativity is their "Savoury Crumpets" - with avocado salsa, halloumi, and seasonal greens, served on two jalapeno-egg battered crumpets.
For those exploring Christchurch in a campervan, parking can be found at the Lichfield Street Car Park, just a short walk away, making it a convenient stop for a morning fuel-up.
Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters
Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters offers a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for coffee purists and brunch enthusiasts alike. Known for roasting their coffee on-site, the aroma of fresh beans greets you as you step inside. The "Avocado Toast" here is legendary - ripe avocado spread over artisan sourdough bread, topped with poached eggs, crumbly feta, and a sprinkle of dukkha for a crunchy finish. For those visiting in their motorhome hire NZ, street parking is available along St Asaph Street, providing easy access to this coffee haven.
Hello Sunday
Hello Sunday, a quaint and beloved café nestled in a former post office, brings a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to Christchurch's brunch scene. Their "Chorizo Chilli Scram" is about as close as you can get to fine-dining restaurants in Christchurch at breakfast time. Offering a spicy twist on a classic breakfast staple. Fluffy, rich eggs drizzled with chilli oil, topped with crispy garlic and smoked yogurt, served on ciabatta toasted to perfection. For campervan travellers, parking is conveniently available on Durham Street South, a brief walk from the café, allowing for a stress-free visit to this award-winning brunch spot.
Little Pom’s
Little Pom’s prides itself on being a cozy nook for brunch lovers looking for breakfast restaurants in Christchurch. Offering a welcoming atmosphere paired with a menu that's both comforting and adventurous. A standout dish that captures the essence of their culinary creativity is the "Little Poms Benedict" - a twist on the classic Eggs Benedict, featuring smoked bacon, charred corn avocado salsa coriander, lime and poached eggs atop a freshly baked brioche, and smothered in a house-made chipotle hollandaise sauce. For those travelling through Christchurch in a campervan, parking can be conveniently found along Kilmore Street, offering easy access to this brunch spot.
Under the Red Verandah
Under the Red Verandah is a Christchurch institution beloved for its rustic charm and hearty, home-style cooking. The standout dish here is undoubtedly the "UTRV Big Breakfast" - a generous platter that's a feast for the senses, featuring house-made sausages, bacon, eggs any style, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, potato gratin, and artisan sourdough bread. It's the perfect start to a day of your New Zealand road trip, capturing the essence of a traditional Kiwi breakfast with a gourmet twist. For motorhome hire NZ travellers, parking is available on Worcester Street, providing a convenient spot to park your campervan.
Addington Coffee Co-op
Addington Coffee Co-op stands out not just for its exceptional coffee and cuisine but also for its commitment to community, sustainability and huge vegan menu. The "Mushrooms" is a highlight, offering a plant-based take on the classic breakfast platter, including roast mushrooms, wilted greens, wakame and edamame, served with Grizzly sourdough toast. It's a dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious, reflecting the café's focus on wholesome, ethical eating. For those visiting in a campervan, parking can be found on Lincoln Road or in the neighbouring streets, making it easy to stop by for a tasty meal before heading out on your day of New Zealand road trip adventures.
2. Dinner in Christchurch
Whether you're winding down from a day of adventures in your motorhome hire or looking to celebrate a special occasion, these spots are sure to impress. In this section, we explore the standout restaurants in Christchurch that promise an unforgettable evening meal.
Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar is an embodiment of sophistication and warmth, offering a dining experience that is both refined and relaxed. A must-try dish that perfectly represents Fiddlesticks' culinary ethos is the "Canterbury Lamb Shoulder." Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is served with a side of seasonal vegetables and a rich, herbaceous sauce, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to showcasing local produce and flavours.
With a cozy fireplace for winter nights and a sun-soaked courtyard for summer evenings, it's the perfect year-round destination. For those visiting in a campervan, parking is conveniently available at the Worcester Blvd Car Park, just a short walk from this restaurant in Christchurch, making it an easy stop for a memorable dinner.
Twenty-Seven Steps
Twenty-Seven Steps offers an intimate dining experience in the heart of Christchurch's historic precinct. The standout dish at this restaurant in Christchurch is the " Fish of the Night", served atop a bed of saffron poached potato with a baby pea puree and a tartare hollandaise sauce. The dish is a testament to the restaurant's focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, yet exquisite, preparation.
The charm of Twenty-Seven Steps lies in its cozy, welcoming interior and the personal touch that the staff bring to every interaction. With a menu that changes to reflect the best of what's in season, dining here is always a foodie surprise. For campervan travellers, the Gloucester Street Car Park offers convenient parking options just a short stroll away, allowing for a stress-free dining experience.
The Monday Room
The Monday Room is known for its bold flavours and innovative dishes, making it a favourite among locals and visitors. The "Stuffed Gnocchi" is a standout dish featuring al dente pasta stuffed with rich, earthy mushrooms, mozzarella and a generous helping of pistachio pistou, creating a luxurious yet comforting meal. Want something a little more adventurous? Try their “Trust the Chef” option, where you can enjoy the Chef’s choice of Entrees and Mains served family-dinner style! For those exploring Christchurch in a motorhome, parking can be found at the Moorhouse Avenue Car Park, offering easy access to this culinary gem.
Cocopelli
Cocopelli is renowned for bringing a slice of the Gourmet Pizza experience to Christchurch, blending traditional techniques with local Kiwi flair. Among their wide array of pizzas, the "Bootlegger" pizza stands out. It features slow-cooked whisky-maple BBQ pork shoulder, caramelised onion, and a rich tomato sauce base topped with fresh mozzarella and chipotle aioli.
What sets Cocopelli apart is not just its food but its vibrant atmosphere, complete with live music events, making it a popular spot for a relaxed night out. For campervan travellers, there's convenient parking available at the Palms Shopping Centre car park, ensuring easy access for an easy Italian meal out.
King of Snake
King of Snake offers a culinary adventure through Southeast Asian cuisine, with a menu that's as bold and dynamic as the restaurant's decor. The "Crispy Egplant" is a dish that captures the essence of King of Snake's innovative approach, perfectly cooked to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior, served with a spicy caramel sauce that balances sweetness with a kick of heat.
King of Snake's speciality lies in its ability to create a sensory dining experience, from the striking interior design to the meticulously crafted cocktails that complement each dish. For those visiting in a motorhome, the Tuam St Car Park offers convenient parking a short distance away, making it easy to enjoy an evening at this culinary hotspot.
Bessie
Bessie in Christchurch is a haven for meat lovers looking for restaurants in Christchurch that specialise in high-quality, locally sourced meats prepared with expert precision. The standout dish, the "Dry-Aged Ribeye," showcases Bessie's commitment to quality. Each steak is aged in-house to enhance its flavour and tenderness, then cooked on an open flame for a smoky, tender finish. It's served with a selection of house-made sauces and sides, allowing diners to customise their meal to their liking.
Bessie's unique selling point is its open kitchen concept, inviting diners to watch as their meals are prepared, adding an element of theatre to the dining experience. This, combined with Bessie's elegant yet comfortable interior, makes it the perfect spot for a special evening out. For campervan hire NZ enthusiasts, Hereford Street Parking provides ample parking space nearby.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Exploring the vibrant foodie scene and restaurants of Christchurch is an adventure that calls for a comfortable and convenient base. For those travelling in a campervan, staying at a holiday park in Christchurch not only offers a place to park your camper rental but also serves as a perfect retreat after your culinary adventures. Let's look at two top choices for your stay.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Christchurch Holiday Park
Christchurch Holiday Park, nestled in the serene surroundings of Christchurch, stands out as an ideal base for campervan travellers. Known for its lush, expansive grounds and excellent facilities, this park is a haven of tranquillity. Location-wise, it's strategically placed to give you easy access to both the city's bustling centre and the natural beauty of the Canterbury region.
Facilities at the park include a modern kitchen and dining area, laundry services, free WiFi, and a BBQ area perfect for those evenings when you wish to dine under the stars. For families, there's a playground and a heated swimming pool, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
North South Holiday Park
North South Holiday Park, located a short drive from Christchurch Airport, offers a convenient and comfortable base for campervan travellers. With its peaceful setting and range of facilities, it's an excellent choice for those looking to explore Christchurch and its surroundings.
The park boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay, including a heated swimming pool, BBQ facilities, a children's playground, and an arcade room for some leisurely fun. Additionally, the park's location offers the advantage of being close to major roads, making it easy to venture into the city for a meal or to explore the wider Canterbury region.
Eat your way around Christchurch with maui
Christchurch's food scene is a testament to the city's resilience, innovation, and passion for quality. From the morning's first sip of coffee at a cozy café to an evening of gourmet dining, Christchurch offers plenty of great restaurants to add to your New Zealand road trip itinerary.
Ready to eat your way around Christchurch? Book your maui motorhome online today and pick it up from any maui branch. Whether you're looking to indulge in brunch, explore local markets for fresh produce, or enjoy a meal that's a feast for the senses, Christchurch is a city food lovers won’t want to miss!