The Hilltop Tavern offers stunning scenic harbour views, delicious wood-fired pizzas, great music and good old rural Kiwi hospitality. There is a fine selection of craft beer and cider and expect a hearty menu of pub favourites …
If you’re looking for a surreal camping experience where disco balls and lampshades hang from trees, unmade beds sit by a river and old cabins are decked out in retro finishings, then welcome to the Little River Camping Ground …
As the name suggests, this pleasantly picturesque little shop has its home in the old barn of a North Canterbury farmhouse, and hosts an interesting assortment of both new and vintage items, shabby chic, restored furniture, vintage fabrics, clothing, and bric-a-brac …
Waipara is not the easiest place to get to from Christchurch, but Black Estate at the Omihi Road end of the valley, is worth making the effort for. Cool minimalism is the order of the day here. Unconventional for a North Canterbury winery, Black Estate is laid back and hits a rather stylish note. The walls are painted black (of course) and the tables and chairs are reminiscent of those from your school days …
A bit of a hike north from Christchurch, Soda café is a colourful and stylish alternative to the Rangiora status quo. The eclectic interior is bright and open, with teal walls thoughtfully scattered with vintage iconography, and a fine view of a training racetrack (we are in the country, after all) …
A popular culture museum set in the unexpected location of the curator’s garage in Oxford, North Canterbury, Time Travellers is not your usual cultural offering. In fact, expect a rather surreal experience. Enter the museum through a Tardis and into a narrow hallway with walls covered floor to ceiling in original movie posters from eras gone by …
Leeston. Not a place that would usually feature high on the “must visit” list. However, this small farming town has recently become a destination in itself thanks to an ex Christchurch artist-cum-café owner, Missy Sharplin. A photorealistic painter and artist, Missy moved to Leeston to live in an old school and whilst there saw the opportunity to purchase a café on the main street …
A Sunday morning must do is a road trip out to Oxford, North Canterbury. There you will discover the wonders of rural living, a couple of great little museums, gift shops and the Oxford Farmers Market …
The emphasis at Twine Antiques and Collectables is very much on beautifully made curiosities and homewares. Indeed you will find that perfect wooden sideboard for your bedroom or that stained glass lamp you’ve been searching an age for … …
Dusk Gallery and Store makes for a refreshing change from the touristy shops of Hanmer, North Canterbury. You won’t find a possum fur handbag, scarf or hat anywhere here. Instead, Dusk offers you the chance to have that perfect, New Zealand themed home accessory, from stylish wall clocks to ceramic fantails for your mantel piece and vintage-styled tea towels …
Whether you are searching for a tin bath for your bathroom, or just looking to pick up a curio or two, you’re bound to find something inspiring for your home at The White Cat Emporium in Cheviot, North Canterbury …
Apart from its totally rad name, The Brew Moon Café should be a definite stop on any road trip heading north for its rustic charm, hand-crafted beers (brewed on site) and its kitschy, whimsical brand …
Waikuku is an idyllic beachside settlement just 25 minutes north of Christchurch. Before the turn off to the beach on the motorway is the Waikuku Mill, a spectacular brick building which was used to produce rope and twine in the 19th and 20th centuries …
For the coolest gifts the other side of Banks Peninsula, look no further than Lava Gallery. Facing the ocean with high ceilings, white walls and relaxed atmosphere, this store is an ideal place to buy affordable gifts, quirky prints, cute handmade jewellery, stationery plus inspiring homewares and knick knacks. …
Akaroa is a small French / English settlement 90 minutes out of Christchurch. The locals are friendly and evidently passionate about their town and proud of its French heritage. You can dine on cuisine from France, Thailand and the Mediterranean or pick up a sandwich from the Peninsula General Store on Rue Lavaud (yes, even the street names are French). …
Robe is one of the more original fashion boutiques in Canterbury at this point in time. What’s unique about the store is that the clothes are not age specific and there is not a single over-styled ruffle or feather in sight, which for a woman of any decade is certainly refreshing. …
Crema has arguably the best coffee in Rangiora. Crema is more than a cafe, it has now become a burger joint and they even roast their own (Custom Roast Coffee) beans on site. …
Wee Kiwi is a sweet little children’s store in Rangiora which sells clothes, toys, giftware and bedding for small humans, from very little tots to 12 year olds. …
What is with Rangiora-ites and the French? They’re obsessed! Another French inspired shop in this North Canterbury town is Femme de Brocante, which after an unsuccessful Google search and a quick text to a French friend, turns out to mean… well, I’m still trying to figure it out. But I can tell you what they [...] …
The Good Street Deli has to be good because the word is in its name, right? Well, yes it is. What it has going for it is the cabinet food (with more than one vegetable option, yes!), a small selection of cheeses and al fresco dining. …
If Willy Wonka was to visit Rangiora, The Gingerbread House on Good Street would be his first stop. There is even a resident Charlie (the owner’s son) for Willy to pass on his creative genius. …
Whatever bad stuff people say about Rangiora, they are wrong. Unless you have been there, you have absolutely no idea what you are missing. This quaint English-style town just 20 minutes north of Christchurch is buzzing with people, new store openings and livestock. …
Nestled on Main Street, Oxford in an art deco building once home to the Salvation Army, Emma’s at Oxford is a jam-packed gift store heaving with books, food stuff and kitchen wares. …
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