Welcome to 2026!
Let us be your guide this year to explore what to do in Christchurch for a day.
We will introduce you to some places you could visit in the capital of the South Island of New Zealand!
A leisure day for a street lined with stores, a building full of food, a lustrous market, and a picturesque spot.
This article is a straightfoward quick recommendations of our selected places in Christchurch.
First stop: A visit to the Farmer’s Market, from 9 AM
Christchurch Farmers’ market (Saturdays only) or
The Riccarton Sunday Market (Sundays only)
165 Racecourse Road,
Broomfield,
Christchurch,
8042
Be introduced to the locals’ selection of stores, from food & produce, art & crafts, to secondhand items and more. Let the locals introduce the city through their products.
Second Stop: Christchurch Lavender
304 Hasketts Road,
Yaldhurst,
Christchurch,
7678
From 11 AM: (peak flowering season from late November through into January)
Explore the florist’s lavender garden, only a 7-minute drive from Riccarton Market. A great spot to take some family and anniversary photos.
The rows of blooming flowers, along with countless, harmless, plump, adorable bees, will welcome you into the summer of New Zealand
Third stop: A coffee break at C1 Espresso or the cafe of your choice
Old Post & Telegraph, Office building 185 High Street,
Christchurch Central City,
Christchurch,
8142
From 12 PM: sit and relax for a cup of coffee and some lunch at one of the cafes in Christchurch. Our pick is merely an example not a must visit.
Our picks may be one of the most popular coffee places, but it is popular for a good reason.
We have been to this place twice, mainly for the convenient location to our accommodation; however, we are also satisfied with the quality of food. (Great Americano)
Note: for C1 Espresso, the cafe can be busy during prime times, so we recommend only ordering drinks in that case, as the food can take a very long time.
Fourth stop: Explore the center of Christchurch and walk along the railroad
This includes the central shopping area of the city and some sightseeing!
Fifth stop: Visit the riverside market
Late afternoon-dinner
An indoor market with food stalls to fill your stomach and a roof to shelter you from the cold of the South Island.
Located right beside the main shopping area is a building that houses all the food and desserts in one place, including a seating area for dining.
Bonus stop: Sweet Soul Patisserie
Situated in the same area lies the last stop of this itinerary. Visit this place for one of the best patisseries in the city.
Entremet style cakes (multilayered small French cakes with a more complex taste), both visually inviting and tastefully flavored.
This place is one of our top picks for desserts in the city.
Travel Tegami