New Regent Street Precinct — Attraction in Christchurch

New Regent Street in Christchurch is a charming, historic pedestrian mall in the heart of the city centre. Renowned for its distinctive Spanish Mission architecture and pastel-coloured shopfronts, it is arguably one of New Zealand’s most beautiful streets and a major tourist attraction. Lined with individually owned shops, eateries, and quirky boutiques, New Regent Street offers a delightful range of shopping and dining experiences not found elsewhere in the city. The street is also home to the Christchurch heritage tram, which adds to the lively and picturesque atmosphere as it passes right through the mall. With its pedestrian-only layout, vibrant atmosphere, and beautifully restored facades, New Regent Street is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a coffee, or have lunch while soaking in the historic...

The site now covered by New Regent Street and its terraced shops was once the location of the Colosseum, a building designed by Thomas Cane and erected in 1888. This building was first an ice skating rink, then a boot factory, taxi rank and finally, in 1908, Christchurch's first picture theatre.

Built as a private development in the early 1930s with 40 shops in Spanish Mission architectural style, it is one of the city's major tourist attractions.

One of the few streets not seriously damaged in the 2011 mega earthquake.

These two rows of shop houses give a quaint oldy worldly feel enhanced by the vintage trams passing through on a regular basis. The street is now full of cafes and restaurants which charge tourist prices Look out for the early 20th century tiles on all...

New Regent Street is undeniably charming, with its picturesque vibe amplified when the tram rolls through. It offers a variety of restaurants to choose from, making it a potential spot for a quick meal or coffee. However, the overall experience fell short of expectations. The street looks a bit rundown, and there was an odd smell that detracted from the visit.

While it’s worth a brief stop if you’re already in the area or flying to/from Christchurch Airport, it’s not a must-visit destination. If your travels take you to Queenstown Airport instead, you won’t be missing out. A nice photo opportunity, but not a highlight...