Nestled in New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is a hub of culture, history, and a place charismatic with interesting and eclectic cafés. Here we reveal some of the city’s tucked-away treasures and unknown spots cutting the cake in Christchurch’s cafe scene.
One such hidden gem is the ‘The Caffeine Laboratory’. Situated on New Regent Street, it has established itself as a go-to spot for local coffee aficionados. Settled within a charming and historic venue, it offers a fantastic menu with a wide selection of light meals, artisanal bread, and exceptional, locally roasted coffee blends. Its understated and cosy atmosphere makes this cafe truly one of Christchurch’s silent stars.
Stepping away from the centre into the suburb of Sydenham, you’ll find ‘The Colombo’. This venture is essentially a mall, but marching to the beat of a different drum. Amongst an array of boutique stores, cinemas and fitness studios, you’ll also find the ‘Supreme Supreme’ café. One of the city’s most stylish espresso bars, it has become quite a favourite hideout for the locals. The laid-back atmosphere combined with its modern, chic ambiance makes it the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch coupled with delicious, heavenly coffee.
Next up is ‘Addington Coffee Co-op’, tucked away quietly in the suburb of Addington. This café is not just another coffee shop; it’s a cause. The place operates with a social conscience, with profits funding local and overseas projects. You can not only savour their fair trade organic coffee but also relish in the fact that your delectable treat is contributing to the greater good.
At the base of Christchurch’s Port Hills, ‘The Cup’ is another local secret. With breath-taking views of Christchurch cityscape and Lyttelton Harbour, coupled with high-quality coffee and food, it’s a must-visit. Their selection of treats showcases New Zealand’s seasonal produce. It’s popular with locals both as a literal ‘coffee stop’ before heading uphill for a walk, and as a breakfast café christchurch or brunch spot to enjoy the stunning vistas.
Lastly, located at St. Asaph Street lies ‘C4 Coffee’. For coffee purists, this is the ultimate stop. Operating as a café and a roastery, C4 Coffee prides themselves on their meticulous process of sourcing and brewing the best beans from around the world. You can learn about different coffee varieties, brewing techniques and even pick up a bag of beans to take home and enjoy.
These cafés are among the unexplored treasures of Christchurch. They might not be on the top of a tourist’s must-visit list, but that is what makes them so special – they are the secret haunts for locals, the hidden gems of the city. However, with their unique appeal, high-quality coffee, fascinating menus and distinctive atmospheres, we believe these cafés deserve recognition among coffee lovers and foodies worldwide.
So next time you find yourself in Christchurch, step off the beaten track and dive into the blissful world of these hidden gems. After all, nothing compares to the joy of stumbling upon a special spot off the tourist radar. As they say, adventure (and caffeine) begins at the end of your comfort zone!