Christchurch vegan: best cafes with vegan options
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Did you know Christchurch has nearly a thousand cafés? From creative plant-based menus to inclusive classics with vegan twists, the city's café scene is blooming.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve curated a list of top Christchurch vegan cafés (organised by neighbourhood) to help you find your next favourite spot.
Christchurch Central
Barefoot Eatery
About: Fully plant-based and organic café located at The Welder. Everything is made from scratch, free from dairy, additives, and refined sugar.
Vegan dishes: Buckwheat waffles, nourish bowls, veggie patties, cold‑pressed juices, smoothies, raw desserts, and chai teas.
Address: 20 Welles Street, The Welder, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011.
The Apron Café
About: Cosy café known for hearty breakfasts, soups, and lunch wraps.
Vegan dishes: Vegan curries, soups, salads, toasted sandwiches, and a vegan breakfast.
Address: 287/293 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013.
Foundation Café
About: Located inside Tūranga (Christchurch's central library), this licensed café offers inclusive, scratch-made food.
Vegan dishes: Caramel banana pancakes, raw snickers bars, nutty fudge, smoothies, toast, and salads.
Address: 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011.
Coffee Culture
About: A nationwide franchise with many Christchurch branches, known for accessibility and flexible menu options.
Vegan dishes: Vegan burgers, pancakes, tofu scramble, Thai noodle salad, doughnuts, and raw slices.
Address: Multiple locations; check Google Maps to find the nearest one.
C1 Espresso
About: Iconic Christchurch café with quirky service (coffee via pneumatic tubes), rooftop gardens, and a strong eco ethos.
Vegan dishes: Plant-based milks for coffee and several customisable menu options.
Address: 185 High Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8142.
Moment
About: A boutique café serving European-style fare with a minimalist interior and mindful food philosophy.
Vegan dishes: Vegan sandwiches, breads, cookies, and a variety of plant-based drinks.
Address: 87 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011.
Bohemian Bakery
About: Artisan bakery with Eastern European influence, known for its sourdough and flaky pastries.
Vegan dishes: Vegan sandwiches, artisan breads, vegan cookies, and dairy-free milks.
Address: 22 Welles Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011.
Addington
Portershed
About: 100% vegan café and grocery with a cosy feel and community vibe. Christchurch vegan lovers approve it!
Vegan dishes: Smoothie bowls, sausage rolls, danishes, burgers, sandwiches, juices, and rotating cabinet treats.
Address: 322 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024.
Addington Coffee Co-op
About: Ethical, staff-owned café in a repurposed laundromat, supporting fair trade and local producers.
Vegan dishes: Full vegan menu including a big breakfast, miso eggplant salad, banana bread, kumara hash, and scones.
Address: 297 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024.
Merivale
Six Ounces
About: Quaint local café and wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a fully vegan kitchen.
Vegan dishes: Hummus, pesto toasties, soups, pickled veg, vegan cheesecake, and sweet cabinet items.
Address: 178 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014.
Riccarton
Park Ranger
About: Chic and plant-filled café serving artisan dishes and excellent coffee.
Vegan dishes: Granola bowls, salads, customisable lunch bowls, and quality plant-based coffee options.
Address: 114 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041.
The Coffee Club
About: Global chain with a consistently good vegan menu across New Zealand.
Vegan dishes: Mushroom flat grill, loaded ciabatta, avo salad, potato rosti bowls, and a full vegan drinks list.
Address: Multiple locations (Riccarton, Hornby, Northlands, Airport).
Burnside
Terra Viva Café
About: Relaxed garden café tucked behind a plant centre, perfect for brunch after browsing the greenery.
Vegan dishes: Tofu laksa, beetroot & walnut salad, raw slices, and seasonal plant-based options.
Address: 242 Roydvale Avenue, Burnside, Christchurch 8053.
Your choice
Christchurch’s café scene is as diverse as its landscapes, and being vegan no longer means missing out on the city’s best bites. If you are looking for an indulgent brunch, a cabinet treat, or just a good oat flat white, there's something here for every taste and mood.
🌿 Know a great vegan-friendly café we missed? Drop us an email at info@newhermits.com and we’ll happily update the list.
Looking to pair your café crawl with some grounding time in nature? Check out our guide to the Best outdoor areas to meditate in Christchurch. It’s the perfect complement to mindful travel in Aotearoa.
About the author: Thaíz Lara is the creator behind New Hermits, a New Zealand-based storyteller who believes in the power of story and soul-filled travel. After living in 5 countries and exploring 60, she has come to understand that the most meaningful journeys often begin within. Learn more about Lara.
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Looking for delicious vegan eats in Christchurch? This curated list of Christchurch vegan cafés, organised by neighbourhood, makes plant-based dining easy and enjoyable.