Christchurch: New City of Cool

Christchurch, once known for its gothic spires and English gardens, is fast becoming a city of innovation and a hangout for the seriously cool. The earthquakes, responsible for so much adversity, also means the city has been refashioning itself as a creative metropolis.

And, with New Zealand Cup and Show Week happening from 5 November, what better time to indulge in some race wear fashion, track-side action and discover some of the city’s most happening spots?

DO

New Zealand Cup and Show Week. Running from 5-12 November, this series of important races attracts some of the best horses in the business. Racing aside, there is some serious fashion-watching to be done, or race wear fashion competitions to take part.  The show, one of the best going, is a veritable extravaganza of animal showing, sideshow carnivals, a food and wine pavilion, pastoral delights and lashings of entertainment. Christchurch really comes alive over the week.

Lyttelton Farmers Market, London St, Lyttelton

Nestled into the Port Hills, Lyttelton is a working port town with a large artist population. From 10am-1pm every Saturday, the bustling market offers the best local produce from fruit and vegetables to honey, cheese, plants, juices, breads and fish. Have a coffee in one of the cafes, then admire the harbour view.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, cnr Worcester Blvd and Montreal St

Look up as you walk along Montreal St and you’ll see an enormous Ronnie van Hout pink hand with a face sculpture standing atop a modern glass building. You’re nearly there. Once inside, take the lift and you could find yourself in glitter artist Reuben Paterson’s black sparkly art work. You’ll also be able to take in From the Sun Deck: McCahon’s Titirangi and other substantial exhibitions.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Ave

Arguably the best 21 hectares of garden in the country. Founded in 1863, the Avon River winds its way through a vast collection of exotic and local plants, rose gardens, a Victorian glasshouse and plenty of other botanical thrills. Stop into the modern ilex Café, designed by Len Lye Centre architect Patterson Associates. Then, hire a kayak or rowboat from the wonderful old green and white-striped Antigua Boat Sheds to float your way down the river.

Ballantynes, Cashel Mall

Established in 1854, this is officially the country’s first department store. With a great cosmetics offering, food hall and decent fashion in its Contemporary Lounge, it could prove a worthwhile shopping stop.

Re:START Mall, Cashel Mall

Necessity really is the mother of invention. Re:START is the city’s temporary mall built from shipping containers post-earthquake. A quick wander will reap some great retail benefits, including Ruby and Indefinite Definite trading in Beau Coops, Cheap Monday and Twenty-seven Names.

The Tannery, 3 Garlands Rd, Woolston

This former tannery now houses 50 fashion and homewares stores, artisan food spots and even a cinema. A glorious dead ringer for Sydney’s QVB Building.

Day trip to Akaroa

An hour’s drive through Banks Peninsula is Akaroa. A cute French settlement on the sea, the colonial village has enough decent lunch spots to warrant a trip.

EAT & DRINK

Roots, 8 London St, Lyttelton

The Chez Panisse of the southern hemisphere, this plain-looking restaurant does seasonal degustation menus revealed one dish at a time. Ingredients are locally sourced and foraged, or from their garden. Not for nothing was it named Cuisine's Restaurant of the Year in 2015.

Mumbaiwala, 120 Hereford St

Dubbed an Indian street food kitchen, there is plenty of the usual suspects, such as sev puri and chana dal chat, but also wonders like a green apple pickle. The vintage metal chairs and aesthetically pleasing raw walls make it far more than a hole-in-the-wall Indian joint.

J’aime les Macarons, The Colombo, 363 Colombo St, Sydenham

Take a bite into a pear and ginger or bitter chocolate macarons from this patisserie and you’d swear you’re on the Left Bank.  While you’re there, check out some of the interesting homewares stores in The Colombo.

Black & White Coffee Cartel, 83 Victoria St

These guys are passionate about coffee micro-roasting and brewing everything from single origin to filter. They also serve hand-rolled Grizzly Bagels, Cakes by Anna and Bacon Brothers Sandwiches – who are obsessed with what goes between two slices of bread.

Strange’s Lane, corner High and Lichfield Sts

For a proliferation of bars and food offerings, Strange’s Lane has a courtyard that connects all venues in that high Melbourne style. A cocktail here is mandatory.

STAY

Heritage Christchurch, 28-30 Cathedral Square

This grand 1913 Neo-Renaissance building is a pretty swish residence and you won’t get more central than this.

The George, 50 Park Tce

A luxury hotel with a one-to-one staff-guest ratio and a stunning vista of Hagley Park. Prepare to be indulged at this multi award-winning boutique hotel.

Novotel Christchurch, 52 Cathedral Square

Bright, fresh, modern and ideal for laying your weary head.

FACT BOX