Peppermints and Diamonds

Located at 236 Centaurus Road , Cocoa Black’s St Martins café is a cozy and welcoming spot. It’s part of the popular Cocoa Black family and is known for its great coffee, freshly baked goods, and friendly service. Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily Contact: Phone: 03 337 3282 Menu Highlights: Freshly baked cheese scones Ham scrolls with sweet chili and cream cheese A variety of cabinet food items All food is prepared in-house to ensure freshness and quality. Customer Feedback: Locals love the consistent quality of the coffee, the warm atmosphere, and the welcoming staff. It's a favourite spot for breakfast, lunch, or a relaxing coffee break. How to Get There: It’s easy to reach by public transport, with the nearest bus stop on Centaurus Road near Ramahana Road, just a short walk away. Bus lines 17 and Orange Line service the area.

Overview: The Huntsbury Track is a popular shared-use trail in the Port Hills, connecting Huntsbury Avenue to Summit Road. It’s well-used by walkers, runners, and mountain bikers looking for a moderately challenging route with stunning views. Trail Details: Distance : Approximately 2.5 km one way Duration: Around 1 hour one way Elevation Gain: About 183 meters Difficulty: Moderate Surface : Starts as an earth-surfaced path, transitioning to a gravel 4WD track Access Points: Start : End of Huntsbury Avenue, Huntsbury suburb Finish: Mt Vernon car park on Summit Road Key Features: Panoramic views of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains Scenic open tussock grasslands Connects to other trails like the Crater Rim Walkway and Bowenvale Traverse Facilities and Info: Parking : Available at the end of Huntsbury Avenue Toilets/Water: None along the track – come prepared Dog Policy : Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash Tips: Good in most weather conditions; suitable year-round Can be...

C1 Espresso is an iconic café located at the corner of High and Tuam Streets in Christchurch, New Zealand. Established in 1996 by Sam and Fleur Crofskey, it has become renowned for its pioneering espresso, hearty breakfasts, and vibrant atmosphere.  History and Location Originally situated on High Street, C1 Espresso was forced to close after the February 2011 Canterbury earthquake. In November 2012, it reopened in the historic High Street Post Office building, one of the first central city businesses to do so post-earthquake. This relocation increased its seating capacity to approximately 350 and introduced features like a rooftop garden, beehives, and solar panels, emphasizing sustainability.  Unique Features A distinctive aspect of C1 Espresso is its use of pneumatic tubes to deliver food orders directly to customers' tables at speeds of up to 140 km/h. This innovative system was inspired by the animated series "Futurama" and adds a playful element to the d...

The Spur on Redcliffs is a popular café located in the heart of Redcliffs, Christchurch, at 87 Main Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch 8081, New Zealand. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu, it has become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Menu and Offerings The café specializes in New Zealand cuisine, offering a variety of dishes such as: Tasty pies Cheese rolls Sandwiches Muffins Scones French toast Beverage options include delicious lattes and great tea selections.  Ambiance and Service Guests have praised the café for its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and prompt service. The establishment offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy a meal or coffee.  Customer Reviews With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on platforms like TripAdvisor, patrons have highlighted the quality of food and the café's welcoming environment.  Contact Information Address: 87 Main Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch 808...

The Barnett Park to Cave Stream Walk is a short but adventurous walk in Redcliffs, Christchurch , leading to a small limestone cave with a stream running through it. Walk Overview Distance : ~3 km return Duration : 1-1.5 hours Difficulty : Easy to moderate Start Point : Barnett Park, Redcliffs End Point : Cave Stream and rock formations What to Expect Scenic Walk : The track starts at Barnett Park , following a valley surrounded by limestone cliffs and native bush. Gradual Ascent : A well-defined dirt path leads slightly uphill before reaching limestone formations and the cave entrance . Cave Stream Exploration : A small cave with a shallow stream running through it. You can walk a short way inside, but it can be dark and slippery , so bring a torch and sturdy footwear. Possible Extensions : Some walkers continue beyond the cave to explore other rock formations and ridges in the area. Things to Keep in Mind The cave can be wet and muddy , especially after r...

20 Fun Facts About Margaret Mahy Playground 1. Biggest Playground – This is the biggest playground in the Southern Hemisphere! 2. After the Earthquake – The playground was built after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake to help rebuild the city. 3. Children Helped Design It – 6,000 children gave ideas for the playground! 4. Named After a Writer – It is named after Margaret Mahy, a famous New Zealand writer for children. 5. Lots of Play Equipment – The playground has slides, swings, a flying fox, and climbing towers. 6. Water Play – There is a water play area where children can splash and have fun. 7. Safe but Exciting – The playground is designed to be safe but fun, so children can climb and explore. 8. Story Path – A special path tells stories from Margaret Mahy's books. 9. Easy to Find – The playground is in the city center, so people can visit easily. 10. Expensive to Build – The whole playground cost 40  million dollars to make. 11. Nature and Play Together – The playg...

Heirloom Café is located within The Colombo shopping center at 363 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch. The café offers a fusion menu that blends flavors from the Middle East, Mexico, the Mediterranean, and other regions. Their breakfast options include unique takes on classics, such as smashed avocado with butter bean purée, heirloom tomatoes, walnuts, and rocket on fig, fennel, and walnut sourdough, as well as an eggs benedict featuring smoked bacon, avocado crème, free-range eggs, and pumpkin seed dukkah. For lunch, they offer dishes like seafood chowder, 18-hour slow-cooked beef cheek, and a slow-cooked pork sandwich. The café also provides an extensive range of cabinet food for those seeking quick bites. They serve robust Underground Coffee and a selection of teas, including a refreshing strawberry and plum iced tea. Heirloom Café is known for its great service and friendly staff, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The café has received positive reviews, with a ...

LeBakermen Cafe & Bakery is a popular eatery located at 187 Wigram Road, Christchurch, New Zealand. They specialize in French-inspired baked goods with a unique twist, offering a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and hot pies. Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed on Mondays and public holidays The cafe is known for its fresh, daily-made items, including their own pie range and a selection of delicious breads like sourdough, baguettes, and honey-baked bagels. Their cheese scones, made with buttermilk, are particularly popular and often sell out by 11 AM. They serve quality Havana coffee, expertly prepared by experienced baristas. LeBakermen offers a dog-friendly environment with ample parking, making it a convenient spot for visitors. For the latest updates and offerings, you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook. 

Caribe Latin Kitchen is a vibrant eatery located within the Little High Eatery at 255 Saint Asaph Street in Christchurch. Specializing in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring dishes such as arepas, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more.  The establishment is known for its lively atmosphere, complemented by Latin music and colorful decor, providing an authentic dining experience. Patrons can enjoy a variety of beverages, including margaritas and a selection of Mexican beers.  Caribe Latin Kitchen has received positive reviews for its delicious food, friendly service, and reasonable prices. It's a popular spot among both locals and visitors seeking flavorful Latin cuisine in Christchurch.  For more information, including their menu and operating hours, you can visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. 

Penny Lane Records is a well-established music store located in Christchurch, New Zealand. As Christchurch's longest-established trading centre for new and pre-owned records, CDs, DVDs, videos, and video games, it is one of the largest of its kind in New Zealand.  The store offers a wide range of products, including vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and video games, catering to diverse musical tastes and interests. They also provide services such as buying, selling, and trading items, making it a hub for music enthusiasts and collectors. Penny Lane Records maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Facebook, where they engage with the community and provide updates on new arrivals, special offers, and events.  In addition to their physical store, Penny Lane Records participates in Record Store Day, an annual event celebrating independent record stores worldwide. This involvement underscores their commitment to promoting music culture and supporting the vi...

The Avon River Trail is a picturesque path that follows the Avon River (Ōtākaro) through Christchurch, offering a serene escape for joggers, walkers, and cyclists. Here’s more about it: Key Features: 1. Scenic Views: The trail meanders alongside the Avon River, providing views of tranquil waters, native plants, and birdlife. The landscape is a mix of urban greenery and natural beauty, with spots to pause and enjoy the surroundings. 2. Trail Highlights: Central City Section: Start near Victoria Square or Margaret Mahy Playground and jog past key landmarks like the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Worcester Boulevard. Residential and Quiet Areas: As you head toward Avonside or Dallington, the trail becomes more peaceful and suburban. Restoration Efforts: Parts of the trail showcase post-earthquake restoration, with wetlands and new plantings contributing to the ecosystem. 3. Trail Length and Surface: The full trail stretches around 11 kilometers from the city to Avon Heathcot...

The Book Barn on Ferry is a prominent second-hand bookstore located at 374 Ferry Road in Woolston, Christchurch. It's renowned for its extensive collection of pre-owned books, offering a vast array of genres to cater to diverse reading preferences. The store is particularly noted for its affordable pricing, with many books priced between $2 to $5, making reading accessible to a broad audience.  Adjacent to Steadfast Books, another esteemed second-hand bookstore, the Book Barn on Ferry contributes to a notable literary hub in the area. This proximity provides book enthusiasts with the convenience of exploring two rich collections in a single visit.  The Book Barn on Ferry is an extension of the Chertsey Book Barn, which began over a decade ago in Chertsey, approximately 8 kilometers south of Rakaia township. The original store was established in an old grain store, inspiring the 'Book Barn' name.  Visitors to the Book Barn on Ferry can expect a unique and exten...

Ernle Clark Reserve is a picturesque walking area in Christchurch, running along the Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River between Colombo Street and Barrington Street. The reserve features a well-maintained gravel path that winds through mature bush trees and open grassy areas, making it suitable for all ages and accessible for mobility walkers and wheelchairs.  The walk is approximately 20 minutes return and is buggy-friendly, making it ideal for families with young children. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the river, encounter swans and ducks, and find picnic spots perfect for relaxation.  The reserve is a shared-use walkway, so dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. For those looking to extend their walk, it's possible to continue along the river path, cross Cashmere Road, and reach Cashmere Valley Reserve, adding approximately 30 minutes to your return journey.  Local community groups, such as the Friends of Ernle Clark Reserve, actively partic...

Arion Farm Education Park, located at 890 McLeans Island Road in Christchurch, is an educational facility operated by the National Trade Academy (NTA). The park offers visitors the opportunity to see, touch, and feed a variety of farm animals, including sheep, llamas, alpacas, ponies, pigs, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry, and peacocks.  The park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except on Christmas Day. Admission fees are $17.00 for adults and $7.50 for children aged 2 to 16 years; children under 2 enter for free. Additional activities include purchasing animal feed for $2.50 per bag and pony rides for children under 6 years old at $5.00 per ride.  Facilities at the park include the Arion Farm Café, offering hot and cold drinks, ice creams, chips, and snacks, with sheltered seating surrounded by nature. Visitors can also enjoy picnics or barbecues in designated areas. The park provides options for children's parties and group bookings, featuring a speci...

Christchurch offers a variety of excellent running trails that cater to different preferences and fitness levels. Here are some popular options: 1. Avon River Loop This scenic route follows the Avon River through the city, providing a flat and picturesque path ideal for runners of all levels.  2. Rapaki Track Located in the Port Hills, this trail offers a moderate incline with rewarding views of the city and coastline, making it a favorite among local runners 3. Hagley Park As one of Christchurch's largest parks, it features numerous pathways surrounded by gardens and open spaces, perfect for both short and long runs.  4. Bottle Lake Forest Park This forested area provides extensive trails through pine plantations, suitable for flat, off-road running.  5. Taylors Mistake to Godley Head A coastal trail that combines beach and cliffside paths, offering stunning sea views along a moderately challenging route.  6. Christchurch 360 Trail This extensive loop ar...

The Christchurch Night Market at Hornby Mall takes place every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.  The market features over 80 stalls offering a variety of food and crafts, making it a great place to spend an evening with friends and family.  For the most current information, you can visit their official website or follow their Facebook page.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch offers a diverse array of wildlife experiences across three distinct sections: 1. Farmyard Section 2. New Zealand Section 3. Exotics Willowbank also offers special wildlife encounters, including opportunities to interact with capybaras and lemurs.  The reserve is open daily from 9:30 AM, with guaranteed kiwi viewing from 10:30 AM onwards.  Here's a detailed list of the animals and birds Mammals : Monkeys (Black capped Capuchin) Lemurs (Ring-tailed and Black-and-white Ruffed) Capybaras Otters (Asian Small-clawed)  Wallabies ( Bennetts) Birds : Macaws (Blue and Gold, Scarlet) Cockatoos (Sulphur Crested, Red Tailed Black) Lorikeet (Rainbow) Quail (Californian) Monai (Himalayan) Pheasant (Reeves) Parrot : (Sun Conure, African Grey) Iguanas ? Tortoises (Star and Leopard) Goats (Arapawa) Pigs : (Auckland Island, Kunekune, Guinea) Cows (Miniature  White Galloway) Horses (Clydesdales, Shetland) Sheep (Awassi...

Urban Eatery is a contemporary café located at 205 Cashmere Road in Christchurch, nestled among the trees and gardens of Oderings Cashmere.  Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Menu Availability: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Cabinet Food: Available every day until 4:00 PM Urban Eatery is known for its dog-friendly environment, welcoming canine companions both inside and in the garden area.  The café offers a variety of freshly made slices, savory items, and a diverse menu.  For reservations or inquiries, you can contact Urban Eatery Cashmere at 03 925 9726 or via email at cashmere@theurbaneatery.co.nz.  Additionally, Urban Eatery has other locations, including Suburban Eatery in Leeston and Urban Espresso in Moorhouse and Rolleston, offering similar dining experiences.  For more information, visit their official website: