This Spanish Mission-style walkway may be the prettiest street in Christchurch, but its real drawcards are all the speciality destinations packed into its 120-metre span.
New Regent Street was originally the location of Christchurch’s Colosseum. Our gladiators were armed with ice skates rather than swords, but it was still pretty cool. In the early 1930s, New Regent Street Limited developed the street in the Spanish Mission architecture we see today, with stylised gables and columns. It was a forerunner to modern malls, designed to group several small businesses together in a single themed development. In the ‘90s it officially became a walking street, though the space was to be shared with the tram. The street was shut down after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, but reopened in 2013 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.
Dine
Twenty Seven Steps and Story are the kings of cuisine on this royal street. The former is cosy and intimate with rustic European fare, and the latter specialises in global cuisine made with care and premium local ingredients. Rollickin Gelato regularly has a queue out the door, people waiting to try the latest exciting flavours. For a little-known and excellent Korean street food spot, check out New Regent Chicken & Chips. The Nook Thai Eatery is a little restaurant with big heart and all your favourite street foods from pad Thai to fried spring rolls. And then of course there’s the Waffle Haus, serving Belgian waffles stacked with sweet and fruity ingredients. Technically just around the corner, but worth a very honourable mention, is Francesca’s Italian Kitchen for the city’s best dine-in Italian cuisine.
Imbibe
New Regent is Ōtautahi’s speciality bar destination. We’re talking a brand new ‘wine pub’ experience at Downstairs, gin cocktail bliss at gin gin., a whole wall of incredible whiskies at The Last Word, Central American-style rum house Casa Publica, and craft beer and cocktails on point at the cosy speakeasy-style Institution.
Caffeinate
There are three lovely cafés, all in the northern half of the street. They all offer al fresco seating, and each has its own unique charm. Belle is the micro roastery on the corner with a picture-perfect à la carte menu and hot and iced drinks. At Café Stir you’ll be served quickly and with a smile at a sunny outdoor table or in the iconic New Regent interior. Coffee Lovers is a Parisian-style café for the true coffee lover, complete with prime people-watching location.