Riverside Market is an indoor market in the heart of central Christchurch, beside the Avon River, and it is one of the best places in the city to eat, snack and watch Cantabrians go about their day. The tourism board describes it as open seven days a week, with locally sourced food, global flavours and dishes from numerous restaurants all under one roof. It is part of the rebuilt city centre, replacing the old market district with a modern hall that mixes fresh produce stalls, specialist food sellers and counters serving everything from quick bites to full meals. There is no entry fee, so you can walk through, look and decide, which makes it a flexible stop for a short break between sights or a relaxed lunch. The riverside setting adds to the appeal, since you can take your food out to the water on a fine day. It is a good choice for groups with different tastes, because everyone can find something that suits them.
What to do
Walk the whole hall before you buy, since it is easier to choose when you have seen the options. Look for local produce and ingredients to take back to your accommodation, graze on small dishes from several counters rather than committing to one meal, and try something from Canterbury if you can. Coffee and baked goods suit a morning visit, while lunchtime brings the widest choice. If you have dietary needs, ask at the counters, because many sellers are happy to explain what goes into their food.
Planning
The market is open every day, but individual stalls and restaurants keep their own hours, and the tourism board does not list opening times, so check the market's own information for the current schedule before you travel. Entry is free and you pay only for what you buy.
It is indoors, so it works in any weather, and its central position means you can reach it on foot from most city hotels or by a short tram ride. Weekends and lunchtimes are the busiest periods, and it is easier to find a table at off-peak times.
Fitting it in
Allow an hour for a snack and a browse, or longer for a leisurely meal. It suits a stop between the Arts Centre and the Christchurch Art Gallery, which are both close, and it is a good place to refuel before an afternoon in the Botanic Gardens.
Visitors on a budget can eat well by sharing dishes, and those with more to spend can treat themselves at the restaurant counters. For a different kind of market, the Christchurch Farmers' Market takes place on Saturday mornings at Riccarton House, and it complements the indoor hall with a more traditional outdoor feel.
What to expect
The experience
A free-to-enter indoor food market beside the Avon River with produce, global food and counters run by local restaurants.
Best time
Visit at lunchtime for the widest choice, or mid-morning for a quieter browse.
How long
One to two hours, depending on whether you eat a full meal.
Tips
Walk the whole hall first, graze across several counters and check stall hours before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and groups who want variety in a central, weatherproof setting.
- Families
- Easy with children because everyone can choose their own food, and there is room to move.
- Couples
- A relaxed lunch spot, with the river outside for a walk afterwards.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Arts Centre and the Christchurch Art Gallery, both close by.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is Riverside Market free to enter?+
Yes, you can walk in and browse for free and pay only for the food and goods you buy.
When is it open?+
The tourism board describes it as open seven days a week. Individual stalls set their own hours, so check the market's own information before you go.
Where is it?+
It is in the central city overlooking the Avon River, close to the Arts Centre and the art gallery.
What can I buy?+
Locally sourced food, global flavours and dishes from numerous restaurants, as well as fresh produce.
Is there a farmers market as well?+
Yes, the Christchurch Farmers' Market runs on Saturday mornings at Riccarton House.
