The Melbourne-esque nooks and crannies of Christchurch are rapidly becoming an explorer’s paradise.

Sizzling style, tiny treasures, mystical make-overs and classy culinary creations lie in wait around every corner. So don your best Dr Livingstone pith helmet and get out and explore the wilds of the inner city. You won’t need to tie a string to a pole to find your way out … you may not actually want to come out again! The best way to navigate the central city is by foot – find your ‘sole mate’ at one of the many great boot-iques. Sure, you can climb aboard a Lime, but there’s a lot to miss if you whizz by at 25kph.

If you haven’t swung by Christchurch institution Ballantynes for a while, it’s worth a good nosey around – it’s not the Ballys your Nana knew (well, not all of it. Nana will still be quite happy in the hallowed halls). Tucked away behind Ballys, you’ll find some of the funky new laneways that are turning the city into an adventure of discovery. Plymouth Lane is already home to the gorgeous Sweet Soul Patisserie and is the link between the city’s favourite department store and the river, providing access to what will be the brand spanking new Riverside development. Riverside Lanes and Riverside Market are set to burst into life and will see an undercover, seven-day-a-week farmers' market trading in local meat, seafood, produce, baked goods and more, with food outlets, retail stores, rooftop bars and restaurants locked in.

The Terrace has cemented itself as a hospo hotspot with its culinary and nightlife destinations, however the weaving laneways which have sprouted in and around the block are worthy of a meander too. The continuing development of these laneways means ease of travel from one hub to the next, and with a path linking to the BNZ Centre you can discover an array of treasures in the colourful and comfortable courtyard, fab food outlets and arguably one of the best bookstores in the country, Scorpio Books. A meeting place for the business and cultural community, the central spot gives Britomart a run for its money with the space occupied by casual seating, colourful signposts and boxed planters dotted throughout.

There’s plenty to see and do on the east side of Colombo Street as well. Make for the shopping mecca of The Crossing and discover a wonderful web of wicked finds. Swanky laneways and air bridges dominate this style maven’s haven and the architecturally progressive (read: ‘gram-worthy) destination effortlessly combines an industrial-chic-tinged aesthetic with cutting-edge new builds and restored heritage buildings. Fashion boutiques and culinary destinations abound, all inconspicuously tucked down their own laneways which radiate their own unique personality. With a rich and vibrant history, The Crossing brings together aspects of its historical past and integrates this within the modern structures through contemporary art and dedicated lanes. Kettlewell Lane tips its hat to Maurice Carter – previous patriarch of the Carter Group who initially developed the site; Market Lane is a nod to the early trade and commercial activities crucial to the development of the city and Addison Lane is branded as the ‘service lane’.

The SALT District is a punch of sass and grit, home to funky cafes, gorgeous bars, and a plethora of places to eat thanks in no small part to Little High. Taking its title from nearby streets St Asaph, Lichfield and Tuam, the name took hold as it relates to “the ideas of flavour, preservation, effectiveness and dependabilities.” Within the SALT District is Lichfield Courtyard, a collective of eateries encompassed by some seriously impressive and funky murals. 

From the river all the way down to Little High is the South Frame, linking the Health, Justice, Retail and Innovation precincts. Gorgeous art illuminates the urbane office buildings, funky gathering spaces, gardens and laneways along the Greenway. There’s still plenty to come, with Box 112 zooming along with The Yard – a super styly office, retail and hospo space that sits alongside other new and restored heritage buildings. The South Frame is set to become the place for getting together, checking out markets, finding a feed or chillaxing with mates.

South of the South Frame is one of the most exciting developments currently in the works. The Welder development on Welles Street – big ups again to the lads from Box 112 – is shaping up to be a thriving hub filled to the brim with an array of diverse and exciting projects from vegan eateries to fashion-forward boutiques dominating the space. One of the original great laneways of the city, New Regent Street is a feast for more than just the eyes. Rife with beautiful Spanish Mission-style architecture, gorgeous boutiques, unassuming watering holes and classy restaurants, New Regent Street has earned a reputation as one of the prettiest little streets in the country. Draped in history, the street formally opened in 1932 and has been at the forefront of destinations to peruse and stroll ever since.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is due to open next year and promises to be a scene stealer. The combination of Te Pae and the Town Hall brings a return of world class entertainment and conventions to the centre of the city. Want a good look at just how construction is going on Te Pae? Head up to the top floor of Tūranga for the best view in town. If you can’t bear to leave (and we wouldn’t blame you), there are plenty of options for spending even more time in the inner city. Stay overnight in one of the coolest little Airbnb offerings in the Boxed Quarter, or stay for good. The East Frame will be home to thousands in the next few years, with world class apartment and communal living from Fletcher Living.

With many homes within shouting distance of the best playground in the country (OK, we’re a tad biased, but can you blame us?) Margaret Mahy Playground, the pump track and mini putt, it’s going to be a family affair in the central city. And we can’t wait! So what are you waiting for? Get your walking shoes on and head into the coolest little city in the world to get a taste of what is and what will be. Take your sunnies, your camera and your curiosity because you never know what you might find.

An Exciting Future

“I love coming into our central city and seeing the new developments, the laneways, the Promenade and the new facilities coming to life with thousands of visitors flocking in. Central Christchurch is exciting to visit and explore. There are new shops, bars and cafes, while events such as the Lantern Festival and Bread & Circus World Buskers Festival have attracted people of all ages. Our residents are enthusing about the new facilities such as Tūranga, the ENTx movie theatre, the Riverside Promenade, and most recently the Christchurch Town Hall. The vibe is positive and infectious – our city is back.”

Lianne Dalziel – Christchurch Mayor