now, i know that christchurch is a city + not a cafe… but after absolutely loving my recent visit to this spectacular city i’ve decided that an out-of-the-ordinary blog post is warranted! after being decimated by a severe earthquake around 3 years ago, this city is very busily rebuilding. sure, there is plenty of construction around + the roads and footpaths are still cracked + uneven… but despite all this, christchurch has this very cool [friendly, arty, foodie] culture going on.
so here are my top four brunch spots that i discovered whilst i was there:
1. christchurch farmers markets at riccarton house
held each saturday morning, this is easily the best farmers market i’ve been to! (sorry melbourne you still do them well but chc have trumped you!) set-up alongside a gorgeous creek (complete with baby ducks in the spring) + the famous riccarton house, this farmers market is on from 9am – 1pm. offering everything from fresh produce to cooked food, i was in heaven! if i could’ve brought it back into australia i would’ve spent up big at the salami guy, but instead i settled for a VERY big multi-course breakfast!
- first-up chc farmers market coffee (soy latte) – delish
- next up: posh porridge (slow-cooked organic oats topped with lemon curd, rhubarb strawberry compote + crumble) which was absolutely divine!
- then on to: freshly juiced super green smoothie – wholesome + satisfying
- and lastly: berry + custard yoghurt doughnuts – drool!
and this is only a portion of what’s on offer. seriously, if you’re ever in chc… do NOT miss this!
located on the corner of a funky shopping strip called new regent street there is plenty of rebuilding going on around this district + also heaps of public art installations to check out while you’re in the area. close to cathedral square + some of the nicer hotels in town it is in an ideal location for tourists. the coffee is excellent + the bircher muesli absolutely delicious!
3. hummingbird cafe re:start mall
you may know of the “shipping container mall” that was established not long after the christchurch earthquake. well it seems the re:start mall is here to stay. it has some great shops to browse through, but i also highly recommend the hummingbird cafe. the bacon benedict is pretty close to the most perfect benedict i’ve ever had + the coffee (their own roast + blend) is sensational!
a great industrial space located on the south-east side of the side near the polytech (tafe/college) + the business district, this busy cafe was serving up delicious coffee as well as fresh baked rolls, slices + tarts. the breakfast + lunch menus are also extensive – you won’t be disappointed by checking out this place!
overall, my favourite solo travel to date – and i’ve totally chewed off my husband’s ear telling him all about how much i loved it… i’m pretty sure he’s sick of it! christchurch is a gorgeous city full of beautiful friendly people, it’s hard not to fall in love with it!
verdict: easily my favourite city in new zealand + i can’t wait to go back!
find: www.christchurch.org.nz
inlovewithbrunch 
Christchurch is a great city, though it’s sad seeing how much rebuilding still needs to be done. Those doughnuts look amazing too. Hope you had a great trip!
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