The Top 10 Thing to Do and See in Papanui, Christchurch, New Zealand
Papanui, like the rest of Christchurch, is slowly but surely recovering from the damage caused by major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. A whole host of attractions, sights, and eateries are cropping up or reopening after restoration work. Here are 10 of the most interesting things to see and do in the neighborhood.
Strawberry Fare, part of the Carlton Mill Hotel, is one of Christchurch’s top new restaurants. They serve a particularly interesting brunch menu, with both classic breakfast items and imaginative new dishes. Try the duck confit with butter, or spicy corn and capsicum fritters with tomato jam. Strawberry Fare uses only the freshest, seasonal, and mostly locally sourced ingredients.
This 4 hectare park at the heart of Papanui is among the most picturesque green spaces in the neighborhood. Aside from its playground, cricket pitch, and soccer fields, a major reason to visit St. James are the thousands of monarch butterflies that gather on the park’s trees during the winter.
St. Paul’s is the area’s oldest church, established in 1853 and rebuilt in 1877. It was damaged during the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, but has been restored to its original condition since then. Protected by its official conservation status, St. Paul’s gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the early days of Papanui settlement, when the it was a small sawmilling village.
Club 22 has an interesting history. 24-year-old founder Liv Boote was inspired to set up this suburban nightclub in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake in order to revitalize the Christchurch nightlife scene. In addition to a dancefloor, Club 22 also has a pool room and large leather couches. Come here for some crowd-pleasing tunes and a youthful, relaxed mood.
In addition to serving fantastic bistro fare and scrumptious desserts, Chillingworth Road cafe offers a great selection of cookery and baking lessons for reasonable fees. Try out the three bread masterclasses, in which students learn to make anything from pizza bases to rye bread. The cake decorating and pastry making classes are always a hit with dessert lovers.
Opening hours: Mon – 7.30am – 4pm; Tues – Fri 7.30am – late; Sat 3pm – late; Sun closed
Fans of cute antique trinkets and vintage knick knacks will enjoy Rose Cafe, where diners sit amid shelves laden with antique china, porcelain floral centerpieces, and fringed lampshades. Come in for a coffee or a light lunch, and leave with a unique gift or souvenir.
Aotea Yoga is a fitness studio with a focus on nourishing both the mind and the body. If you are staying in Christchurch for a couple of weeks it may be a good idea to enrol in one of their expertly taught Hatha Yoga courses, which combine Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Vinyasa principles. Pilates, child friendly and “gentle” sessions are also available, and you also have the option to take a one-off class.
Espresso bar Il Magro is proof that good things come in small packages. Tucked away behind a gas station and a pair of antique green doors, the espresso bar started off as a traveling coffee cart. Owners Mark and Carly set up shop recently in a tiny storage space, which they have transformed into a cosy nook offering top quality, hand-roasted coffee, and fresh baked goods.
The International Antarctic Centre is actually located in Christchurch airport, a brief drive from Papanui, but well worth a visit, especially if you are traveling with children. The interactive exhibits use New Zealand’s proximity to Antarctica as a jumping off point, taking visitors on an adventure involving penguins, a Hagglund ride, and simulated snowstorms.
The Art Box Gallery is a small gallery attempting to give the local art scene a boost after the events of 2010 and 2011, showcasing the work of Kiwi visual artists like Victoria Jones, Paul Smith, and Christine Lang. Previous events and exhibitions held in the gallery have included art appreciation evenings, women’s networking nights, as well as musical performances.
