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Christchurch has an exciting foodie scene, and many new restaurants, cafés, and bars have opened in recent years. Restaurants are usually open every day; if they do close, it’s either Sunday or Monday. Outside Christchurch, restaurants are more likely to close on Monday and Tuesday and during the winter.
The Waipara Valley is seeing a surge in exotic food production. North Canterbury is now a key producer in the country's fledgling black truffle industry. Locally sourced saffron, hazelnuts, manuka (an indigenous kind of tea tree) honey, olive oil, and ostrich meat are making their way onto area menus.
It's worth the climb 27 steps to this stylish European bistro, consistently rated one of New Zealand's best and situated on New Regent Street's heritage row. The welcoming staff delivers stand-out dishes (including several excellent vegan options) made with a wide variety of fresh local produce, including Canterbury beef, lamb, Te Tapu venison, and Akaroa salmon. A generous wine cellar, with an emphasis on Waipara locals, is tucked into the snug cocktail bar.
Right in the middle of Mt. Hutt Village, the Blue Pub and Brown Pub sit on opposite corners. This one offers reasonably priced bistro-style meals, and a European-style courtyard on the street, where you can enjoy a cold beer while watching the world go by. The venue hosts live music most weekends and is a local hot spot for late-night fun.
Like Blue Pub, you can't miss this big brown building in the middle of town. This country pub serves a classic menu, albeit slightly limited, of all the Kiwi favorites—like steak, burgers, steamed mussels, and fish and chips. You can sit inside by the roaring fire on sprawling hardwood tables, or outside in the beer garden.
Built from limestone blocks, The Hurunui, New Zealand's oldest continually licensed hotel (since 1860), refreshed weary drovers bringing sheep down from Marlborough; it's still a great place to rest yourself with a beverage. The restaurant with its old-fashioned pub serves à la carte dinners and a succulent selection of beef steaks, including angus, sirloin and home-smoked ribeye. You can dine in the pub, where there is a roaring fire in winter, or outside in the tree-lined beer garden.
