Christchurch’s Best Spots For A Cup Of Coffee

The Caffeine Laboratory is a Christchurch hotspot for pedigree coffee, lazy mornings and good company. Whether it’s a flying visit before work or a weekend catch-up with friends, you’re guaranteed a decent brew every time. The cappuccinos are beautifully balanced, with harmonious levels of bitterness and silky milk; the icing on the cake comes in the form of a fine dusting of cinnamon on top. If you’re after an actual cake, The Caffeine Laboratory has those available too. Alongside the Christchurch famous doughnuts and caramel slices. Our match made in heaven is an iced latte with a buttermilk blueberry scone – the latter was named Top 10 in the Ōtautahi scone competition, and we can understand the hype.

Once upon a time, you could find Coffee Traders serving out of a bright yellow shipping container on the corner of Victoria Street; nowadays, you’ll find the specialty brewing boutique nestled into a corporate building (still on Victoria Street). While the venue has changed, the coffee has stayed the same; strong, rich, and addictive. Each brew is made with locally roasted Underground Coffee, specifically the Revolution blend of Fair-Trade Mexican, Ethiopian and Colombian beans. These blends have bold personalities! To enjoy the full flavour profile of Coffee Traders exceptional extraction, opt for a shot of espresso. We all know you can’t visit Coffee Traders without securing yourself one of the legendary cheese rolls.

Whether you’re breezing through for a quick cup of morning motivation or settling in for a long lazy Sunday, Addington Coffee Co-op has a coffee waiting with your name on it. This quirky café is full of heart; they set up shop inside an old mechanic’s workshop to give back to the community and provide a safe space for everyone to enjoy. Sip away on a steaming mug of house-roasted Jailbreaker Coffee, and spoil yourself with something from their infamous brunch menu. The big house brekkie comes with all the trimmings from Hungarian sausages to Grizzly sourdough and poached eggs. Visiting Addington feels like coming home, and we can’t wait for our next reunion.

If a light, airy and sun-soaked café is where you like to be in the morning; Everyday Dose is all the reason you’ll need to get out of bed. We eagerly await the moment we can walk through the doors and be instantly welcomed by the warm embrace of their fresh coffee. From the velvety smooth milk to the golden crema on top, we are obsessed with Everyday Dose. Follow up your morning brew with a selection of sweet treats and cabinet food, the succulent gluten-free lemon and pistachio cakes are a crowd-pleaser, and the smoked bacon rosti never ceases to amaze.