ECO VILLA RECOMMENDS

We have put together customized Google lists (best viewed on mobile) and an interactive Google map (best viewed on desktop) of our favourite places to help you explore Christchurch from a local’s perspective.

Also below is a transcript of our ‘what to do in Christchurch’ minimap guide. Grab yourself a map from the front desk and get exploring.

Click on one of the images below to go to our curated Google Lists. Or scroll down to use the map with all of them.

This is our Eco Villa Recommends Map with all locations on it:

• This ‘Google MyMap’ works best from a laptop or PC

• Click on the icon on the left hand side to expand the key with all of our recommendations in one list

• Press ⭐ to save the map to your own Google Maps App

• Press the square symbol on the right to expand the map

• Press the share icon (the three dot linked together) to share the map to your email or other means.

Eco Villa Recommends - A Christchurch MiniMap Guide

The Eco Villa sits at 251 Hereford Street, just down from the Cardboard Cathedral. We are very close to the center of town, to get there, just turn right at the end of the driveway. It’s worth checking out the Transitional Cathedral. This modern Cathedral was designed pro bono by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. It was originally designed to be temporary and made entirely out of cardboard but it was changed to a permanent structure and has been completed using cardboard tubes, timber and steel and eight shipping containers forming the walls. There you will find volunteers there who speak many languages and would be happy to show you around. 

A good spot to visit after that is New Regent Street. Located only 8 minutes walk from the Eco Villa, walk through Latimer square to cut through on a diagonal. This is a pedestrian only street that has lots of great cafes and restaurants and tables and chairs out on the road, it may remind you of home if you’re European!. 27 Steps is a favourite restaurant among our guests, best to book in advance, you can wander down and view the menu and make a booking there and then. There’s quite a few other small bistros and restaurants on that street like newcomer Story and Francesca’s Kitchen, wonderful Italian fare just around the corner. If you like whiskey you’re in luck there’s The Last Word which boasts over 320 different whiskeys to try in this small bar street side.

The Christchurch Tram Line runs through New Regent Street and into the glass covered Cathedral Junction, this is a good place to hop on for a tour of the City. The Tram drivers are very knowledgeable and will give you further insight on different attractions around the city. The whole trip is a 50mins loop but you can purchase a ticket on board and hop on and hop off as much as you like during the day. Adults are $15 for a day ticket and children ride free! 

From near New Regent street you can access the Avon River, or Ōtākaro. A new promenade built after the earthquakes winds around the river and makes for a wonderful way to see the rest of the inner city by foot or by bicycle. The Promenade will take you past the bridge of Remembrance to the Riverside Market. A perfect spot for lunch. Open everyday (a few less vendors on Monday’s) from 9am - 6pm with late night on Fridays and Saturdays this is a new undercover market that showcases some of the best the Canterbury region has to offer. You can browse local organic produce, sample local cheese and baked goods. Choose from the many delicious hot food options like Herba Gourmet, the famous Dimitris Souvlakis and local success story Indo Tempeh. There is something for everyone here; great coffee, delicious sweet treats and many creative cocktails for your Friday night drinks. There is also a lovely selection of retail stores in the alleyway, check out Shopolgy for a selection of New Zealand made gifts. 

A good place to head after lunch is down Worcester Boulevard. If you’ve taken the tram tour you will recognise this street. Here you will find the Christchurch Art Gallery and Museum. Both are free to visit with many permanent and temporary displays. A prominent feature of Worcester Boulevard is also the Arts Center which is full of independent arts and craft shops as well as local artists in residence. On Sundays from 10-4 is the Mākete, a mixed market of local artisans showcasing their homemade goods as well as hot food and local handmade delicacies. A lovely way to spend a Sunday. The Arts centre is also home to Lumiere Cinemas, one of the many small independent cinemas in the city.  And before you leave consider checking out Rutherford's Den to learn about New Zealand's most important Scientist. 

At the end of the street by the museum you will find an entrance to the Botanical Gardens. Give yourself some time to wander the extensive gardens from the New Zealand natives section to tropical hot houses and cactus displays. If you decide to go by bike you can bike all around Hagley park, there are bike parks at the Botanical Gardens footbridge as you can't bike inside the gardens. Near here is also the Quake City if you want to dive deeper into what happened in the Christchurch Earthquake of 2011. This is an interactive exhibition and a great way to really grasp the severity of this event. Entries are $20 for adults and $8 for children. 

You can continue to wander around the river to visit the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial. From here you might like to wander down to the Salt District. Named after the roads at the centre of it (Saint Asaph, Lichfield and Tuam) this area is known for it’s hip and trendy vibe, amazing graffiti artwork and delicious food. We love a new alley called The Welder. A Melbourne style alley called the wellbeing hub. Discover Barefoot Eatery for plant-based, all-vegan, organic, and completely gluten-free cafe, GoodFor refillery for all your zero waste pantry needs, Grizzly Baked Goods for pastries and homemade sourdough bread and for beautifully locally made homewares and gifts you must look at Sollos gift store. They only stock ethically-sourced products by local artisans, perfect for a special gift for someone back home! 

A great place for casual dining in the evening is Little High Eatery. A selection of a whole lot of different restaurants under one roof, there is bound to be something for the whole family here. Order from a range of vendors and bring the different food to your table, this place is open everyday from 12-10pm and has a great local vibe. The funky Smash Palace bar is the perfect place to sample a locally made IPA in the sunshine. We have lots of other recommendations for where to eat in Christchurch from vegan & vegetarian offerings to fine dining, casual and authentic asian cuisine. Check out our Interactive Google Map for our favourite picks for where to eat in Christchurch. Or if you’re using a mobile the best way to view is through our series of google lists which you can find above.

Finally if you’re looking for somewhere to get some groceries while you are here there are many supermarkets and organic shops in walking distance from the Eco Villa. Our favourite is Liberty Market on Fitzgerald Ave. This organic store has an extensive range of produce, pantry items, convenience food and bathroom essentials. Ask at the office to borrow our 10% club card and make sure you pick up some of our reusable shopping bags at the door before you go. Fresh Choice in the city is our closest supermarket and there is a large one called Countdown on the coroner of Moorhouse and Madras Street.

Have fun! Love the Eco Villa Team