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Where: Christchurch, on the east coast of the South Island, in the heart of Canterbury, is about a 90-minute flight from Auckland. The surrounding Canterbury plains are one of the most abundant food and wine districts in the country. But if you're keen on enjoying an indulgent gourmet weekend without too much trekking about, there's plenty to be found in and near the Christchurch city limits.
What: If chocolate is your drug of choice you must pay a visit to De Spa Chocolatier. Go to one of the retail stores dotted around the city, or to the factory at Ferrymead. Here you can see the chocolate makers at work and take tours through the factory, pausing of course, to sample and purchase the delicious hand-made Belgian chocolates.
To satisfy a different kind of sweet tooth, a visit to Berryfields Berry Farm - just 15 minutes from the city - is a must. In the right season you can buy every kind of berry, or alternatively you can relax in the quaint surrounds of Sweetheart Cafe - the morning and afternoon teas are spectacular.
If you're looking for something a little more savoury, try Canterbury Cheesemongers. From the shop in Salisbury St, Canterbury Cheesemongers sells a range of beautiful boutique cheeses and also other artisan grocery items such as free-range eggs, butter, oatcakes, preserves, olive oil and freshly baked bread, made on the premises. The perfect place to stock up for a tasty gourmet picnic.
If, after all this eating, you find it's time to quench your thirst, Christchurch has many options. First up try the Twisted Hop microbrewery in Lichfield Lane, right in the city centre - especially if you're a fan of English-style ales. Alternatively there's Dux de Lux microbrewery, at Christchurch's famous Arts Centre, which brews seven different beer styles on site.
For wine, head out to Rossendale, in Halswell, near the picturesque Lonsdale homestead. The restaurant and winery are also home to a working beef farm - and the home-grown beef features prominently on the menu.
Another winery to try is St Helena Wine Estate - the oldest commercial wine producer in Canterbury, located at Belfast.
It's the perfect spot to end your gourmet tour of Christchurch over a glass of sauvignon.
- Detours, HoS
