Editor Pick
Christchurch Weekend Markets
- November 14, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
Markets are something that cities in New Zealand seem to do very well. There are two that really stand out amongst the others, in the south island at least, and Christchurch is one of those.
As you will quickly notice if you are visiting the city for the first time on the weekend, the thriving, buzzing café and restaurant culture of the city vanishes into void nothingness on a Sunday morning. You should keep this in mind if sampling the array of restaurants and cafes is high on your list to do in the city – don’t save it for a Sunday as it seems about 60% of them are closed.
But don’t despair if your palate is in need of further sumptuous delights from the delectable flavours of Christchurch, there is an easy remedy.
Just up the road from Cathedral Square, about a five minute walk towards the museums and the Botanic Gardens you will soon see where all the people in the city have gone, and why none of the restaurants are open.
The markets have a bit of a sprawling feel, and though they do start in Cathedral Square itself, the best and most interesting items and food stalls are near the Arts Centre on Gloucester Street.
Even if the idea of local markets don’t usually get your blood pumping, this is a really nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the city of Christchurch. Wandering just a few minutes down lovely tree-lined streets from the Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum you will find row after row of local products selling everything from jewellery and art made from the stunning local Paua shell to bone and ivory carvings and woollen clothes.
Work your way through the Art Centre itself while you make this trip, as they have an absolutely wonderful array of local artists work – most of which can be purchased for reasonable prices and which will make excellent alternatives to the traditional souvenirs. The wood carving area is probably the most impressive of the bunch, but there are many, many to choose from including a wonderful little chocolate and candy shop where all the friendly women who work there offering samples look like they’ve come straight out of a 19th century candy shop.
There is also a great food stall section which will more than make up for the lack of open restaurants on a Sunday. With limitless options of piping hot – cooked on the spot – food from delightful Asian dishes, falafels, German sausages and French pastries you won’t miss the café culture for a minute.
But, if you are still hankering for a relaxing sit at a table with a wonderful coffee, there is a café adjoining the Art Centre which has seating outside and will be open along with the market.
There is also a great selection of street performers scattered about the market area which keep things interesting. Finish the day off lounging, ice cream in hand, in the sunny Botanic Gardens for an extremely relaxing and pleasing weekend day in the city.
From journal So There's More to Christchurch than Just Great Restaurants...