Where to go in city on Sunday
OPINION: So you’ve decided to stick around Christchurch for the weekend instead of escaping to other South Island gems. Good call.
As the sun comes out and the buildings go up, is there a better city in New Zealand to explore than Christchurch? Sure there are still empty plots and road cones, but there are also freshly-paved footpaths and modern developments.
Let’s talk Sundays. You wake up, can’t face the kitchen on what is meant to be the most relaxed day of the week, so head into town for a bite and a flat white, maybe a wander and a window shop. Easy. But no, your favourite cafe is closed, as is the shop your friend told you about. Disaster.
Thankfully, champions of Sunday hospitality and retail exist, holding the fort for the weekend battlers. Even the walks between hubs of activity have become a pleasant experience as cones are replaced with functional urban infrastructure.
Kick off your sunday with a coffee and scrummy breakfast from one of a range of eateries that remain open on Sunday. Caffeine Laboratory, at the southern end of New Regent St, is a staple for mid-week coffees but comes into its own on a sunny weekend with its outdoor tables tentatively close to the tramlines.
Among other Sunday survivors are Unknown Chapter on St Asaph St, Hello Sunday on Elgin St next to The Colombo, and Good Habit on St Asaph St.
With its jubilant introduction to Christchurch, it’s hard not to suggest a Lime scooter ride to other central city destinations. The new promenade-style footpath along Manchester St is ideal scootering territory, particularly if you cut down High St, along Cashel St, and through to The Terrace. Smooth riding is guaranteed. One can only imagine how fun the twowheeled smile-machines will be once the City Promenade opens later this month.
Should it rain on Sunday, don’t let that stop you. The new central city library
Tu¯ ranga is open Sundays until 5pm. This massive civic building offers endless hangout spots and relaxing zones. The library’s cafe, Foundation, with counters on two floors, is open on Sunday. The ground floor option is best for food, although if you’re after a short black with your long read, head to its kiosk on the first floor.
It’s time to look past the mess still left from the earthquake and focus on what we have.
Our city isn’t perfect, far from it, but the pockets of development and life are slowly connecting up, creating a liveable city worth your time and your dollar.