Christchurch will not out-cook Auckland or out-coffee Wellington, and locals know it. What it has instead is a rebuilt centre that finally works, the best raw ingredients in the country on its doorstep, and weekend markets that are local institutions.
Where to eat
Coffee
Good, and taken seriously, without the competitive intensity of Wellington. Flat whites are the default and every suburb has at least one café that roasts its own. Expect to pay NZ$5.50 to $6.50, and expect it to be better than almost anywhere you have come from.
If you are new to ordering here: a flat white is espresso with steamed milk and minimal foam; a long black is espresso over hot water; and asking for a "regular coffee" will get you a puzzled look.
Supermarkets, and the food you grew up with
New Zealand supermarkets fall into a few groups, and knowing the difference saves real money.
| Chain | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Pak’nSave | Cheapest of the big chains. Warehouse format, bring your own bags, bulk buying. |
| Woolworths | Mid-range and everywhere, with the best online ordering and delivery. |
| New World | More upmarket, better fresh and specialty range, slightly higher prices. |
| Four Square & FreshChoice | Small neighbourhood shops for top-ups. |
| Costco, Northwood | Bulk buying if you have the storage and a membership. |
- South Asian & halal — Riccarton and the central city have halal butchers and Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan grocers. Many supermarket lines are halal-certified; check the label.
- East & South-East Asian — Riccarton Road is the hub, with Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Filipino supermarkets carrying everything the big chains do not.
- British, Irish & European — the larger supermarkets stock most familiar brands, and specialty importers fill the gaps. You will pay a premium for nostalgia.
- African & Middle Eastern — a smaller but growing set of grocers, mostly in the central and western suburbs.
Markets
Weekend markets are part of everyday local life here. The Riccarton Rotary market on a Sunday is the biggest; the Lyttelton farmers’ market on a Saturday is the best for produce and the nicest to spend a morning at. Both are institutions, and both are how a lot of newcomers first meet people.
Shopping
Single-use plastic bags are banned nationwide — keep reusable bags in the car.
- Riverside Market first, Riccarton Road for the best value and variety, Lyttelton for a Saturday.
- Pak’nSave for the main shop — and the Canterbury Plains mean local produce and meat are good.
- Almost everything from home is findable. Ask the community groups rather than hunting supermarket shelves.