Exploring the New Brighton village
Come and explore Christchurch’s most creative neighbourhood.
New Brighton has always been a little different.
Over the years, the village has evolved through the Christchurch Earthquake, changing fortunes, community-led projects, creativity and reinvention.
That history has helped shape a colourful village centre full of personality and a strong community vibe.
Scratch the surface and you’ll find some true hidden gems.
Brighton Mall
Brighton Mall is the heart of our coastal community. This isn’t a polished shopping precinct filled with chain stores and big brands. It’s packed with independent retail stores, colourful street art, local cafés, creative spaces and community projects.
Wanderers are rewarded in New Brighton, many of our best shops are hidden in indoor malls, cooperatives, or alleyways.
Whether you’re hunting for vintage treasures, grabbing a coffee after a surf, exploring murals, browsing local shops or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the mall offers a side of Christchurch that’s completely unique.
The Village Green - Te Haito Kuaka
Built by community for the community, the village green is a sun soaked communal space designed to meet, relax and hang out in. Surrounded by beach “huts” with pop up shops and a stage for performances, you never know what you might find here.
The green really comes to life during local events, especially the New Brighton Seaside Market, which happens every Saturday, 10am – 2pm in Brighton Mall
Where to shop in New Brighton
It’s easy to miss many of our top retail spots in New Brighton, as they might be hidden down an alley way, or in an inside mall.
Here’s some unique highlights you don’t want to miss.
The Village Green
Ever changing array of pop up shops in the beach huts. From dessert vendors to surfboards, there's always something different
105 Artist Emporium
A collective of creative retail stores under one roof. Hand made body products, gifting, vintage clothing, and more.
The Barn
A gorgeous little indoor mall with a wide variety of retail stores from pottery, skateboards and work wear to second hand books.
Vintage Shopping Heaven
For such a small place New Brighton is packing a serious number of quality vintage and second hand stores! Here’s just a few of favourites:
Seaside Vintage
Beautiful Vintage homewares and clothing. Famous for their retro orange kitchen ware. Tucked away in 105
Style Anthology
Curated, hand picked bohemian secondhand clothing
Menage A Trios
Vintage dresses, fur coats, jewellery, nick-nacks. A serious treasure trove!
Eat and Drink
Early morning coffee? Instagram worthy sweet treats? Or dinner and pints with your mates?
We’ve got all the best spots in Brighton for you.
North Beach Coffee Shed
The best spot to sip coffee while you watch the sunrise, right on the beach. Don't forget your keep cup!
North Beach Beer Garden
Tacos and beers, in the coolest little rustic beer garden. New Brighton down to a tee.
Switch New Brighton
A quirky, edgy cafe with locally roasted beans, cold drip coffee, and a packed cabinet.
Saturdays
The most Aesthetic all day menu in town, right by the beach and hotpools
Southpaw Brewing Company
Enjoy a pint brewed right where you're sitting. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Chanakya South Indian
The locals favourite underground dinner spot - make sure to order the Dosa!
Sweet As Waffle Hut
For the perfect sweet treat. Delicious Belgian waffles, and real fruit ice cream.
Yak and Fern
For something a bit different check out this spot for Nepali-Kiwi fusion food and boba tea.
Dune Cafe
South New Brighton's cafe for cracking cabinet food and the best cake and coffee around.
World Class Street Art
Many buildings and almost every alley way in the centre of New Brighton boasts an array of high class street art by local and international artists.
With so many empty buildings after The Christchurch Earthquakes, the city gained a new personality in street art, which remains today, and New Brighton is a hub for this.
Make sure you come and explore our outdoor gallery when you come to visit.
Use our Street Art map to find all the key pieces around the village, and learn a little more about the art, and artists.
Whether you’re here for a morning coffee, a treasure hunt through vintage stores, an afternoon exploring street art or a full day by the beach, New Brighton Village rewards curiosity.
Slow down, wander the laneways, meet the locals and discover why this little seaside village has become one of Christchurch’s most creative destinations.
