Knead to Know: Christchurch’s Top 13 Dough-licious Bakeries
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: February 2024 When people ask me to name one of the best things about Christchurch, I usually say this: the city is a breadbasket overflowing with artisan loaves, pastries light as angels’ wings, and enough pies to make you weep—tears of joy, naturally.
Interested in weeping yourself? From sourdough to pastries, here are the best drool-worthy bakeries to check out!
1. Woolston Bakery
Address: 622 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 6 AM to 3:30 PM
- Sunday – 6 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 3 384 1602
Woolston is where it’s at for real Kiwi baked goods, the kind that makes your nana reminisce about good old days (and maybe pinch your cheek).
Their cheese and pineapple roll ain’t your supermarket’s plastic-wrapped monstrosity. We’re talking flaky pastry, big chunks of tangy cheddar, and a gooey pineapple centre that’ll make your tastebuds tango.
Or try the sausage roll. Woolston’s sausage rolls are plump with juicy, herb-flecked sausage, wrapped in a golden, buttery pastry that shatters in the best way possible.
Pro Tip: Forget fancy latte art and overpriced oat milk. Their cappuccino is a classic, no-frills cup of joe that’ll kickstart your day like a sheepdog on a caffeine bender.
2. The Great Pastry Shop
Address: Riverside Market 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
The selection at The Great Pastry Shop is like someone raided Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and threw in a Parisian patisserie for good measure.
Pain au chocolat oozing with rich, dark chocolate, and fruit danishes that explode with juicy goodness in your mouth.
They even have these epic sausage rolls the size of your forearm, stuffed with all sorts of gourmet fillings like brie and cranberry or lamb and rosemary.
Don’t even get us started on the cronuts. They’ll have you questioning your entire existence (in the best way possible).
Pro Tip: The Great Pastry Shop isn’t just about the sweet stuff. They’ve got savoury pies that’ll warm your soul on a rainy day, from classic mince and cheese to fancy lamb shanks and red wine numbers.
3. Bohemian Bakery Cafe
Address: 255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 3 PM
Bohemian Bakery Cafe is the kind of place where you instantly want to pull up a stool, grab a latte, and bury your face in a cardamom bun.
Speaking of buns, their almond croissants are legendary. They’ll turn even the most dedicated biscuit eater into a pastry convert.
Pro Tip: But hey, Bohemian ain’t just about carbs (even though we could happily live on their sourdough alone). They whip up seriously delish brunch, too. And on Wednesdays, they do these insane cheese scones.
4. Sweet Soul Patisserie
Address: 1/79 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +643 365 1919
Sweet Soul has all the classics down pat, from buttery croissants to cinnamon buns. They’re the Beyonce of the pastry world, always pushing boundaries and coming up with drool-worthy creations.
Think salted caramel éclairs that’ll make you question your life choices (in a good way), or raspberry and white chocolate muffins that’ll have you hoarding the crumbs like a squirrel.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their classic chocolate eclairs. They sell out quick.
5. Bellbird Bakery
Address: The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Phone: 032619434
Bellbird Bakery has been baking sourdough and French pastries since 2010. They’ve got a whole crew of sourdough loaves, from the classic white to the nutty rye, and their ciabatta is out of this world.
They also do these insanely good pain au chocolat and almond croissants that are, like, criminally buttery.
Don’t even get us started on the pies. They’re next-level delicious, with flaky crusts and chonky fillings.
Pro Tip: Bellbird does these bread and pastry boxes on Fridays and Saturdays. They’re like a mystery box of deliciousness, filled with whatever goodies the bakers whipped up that week. It’s the perfect way to try a bit of everything.
6. Sissy’s Keto Bakery
Address: 3A Wise Street, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Phone: + 64 27 563 2125
Sissy’s isn’t your average bakery. They’re all about keto-friendly goodies that are so good, you won’t even miss the carbs (gasp!)
From their fluffy almond flour muffins to their decadent peanut butter brownies, they’ve got something for every craving.
Pro Tip: Every Friday, Sissy’s whips up a small batch of something extra special, like keto cronuts or pavlova.
7. The Philippines Bakery
Address: 475A Papanui Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Phone: + 64 3 352 9783
When it comes to sweet treats, you can’t go past The Philippines Bakery. They have fluffy pandesal (something like dinner rolls) that melt in your mouth and ube-filled donuts so vibrant they’ll put your Christmas lights to shame.
The fruity options are great too. Their mango pie will transport you to a beach in Boracay, and the halo-halo is basically dessert roulette in a cup.
Pro Tip: Head there mid-week for a calmer experience and a higher chance of snagging that last ube donut.
8. Una Bakery
Address: 73 Centaurus Road, Huntsbury, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 8:30 AM to 3 PM
Phone: + 64 3 337 8214
Una’s all about artisanal sourdough, flaky pastries, and decadent desserts that’ll tantalise your taste buds.
Think fruit-studded loaves still warm from the oven, almond croissants that shatter with every bite, and chocolate brownies so rich, they’re practically illegal.
Pro Tip: Get there before 9 AM on a Saturday, and you might just snag a hot batch of their Danish pastries.
9. Aorangi Bakery
Address: 169 Wairakei Road, Bryndwr, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Phone: + 64 3 351 5349
Aorangi’s got all the classics you crave: melt-in-your-mouth pies, fluffy scones, and sourdough that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Their savoury pies are packed with chunky meat and veggies that’ll warm you up on a chilly Christchurch day.
And their cheese rolls? Forget supermarket puff pastry abomination—these are the real deal, golden and cheesy perfection.
Pro Tip: Skip the lunchtime rush and head there early.
10. Grizzly Baked Goods
Address: 22 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Grizzly Baked Goods sourdough is a thing of beauty, with a tangy crust and a pillowy-soft interior. They also have a killer selection of pastries, from flaky croissants to gooey cinnamon buns.
Honestly, they’ve got everything, from loaves of bread to cakes and cookies. Plus, they’ve got a lovely little cafe where you can enjoy your goodies with a cup of tea.
Pro Tip: Make sure you try out their hand rolled bagels! Don’t forget the cream cheese.
11. Cakes by Anna
Address: 149 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 12:15 PM
Phone: + 64 27 896 2655
From classic carrot to mind-blowing mango lime, Anna’s got flavours that’ll leave you wondering why you ever settled for supermarket sponge.
And forget those dry, crumbly things masquerading as cupcakes—Anna’s cupcakes are moist, melt-in-your-mouth heaven.
They are piled high with enough frosting to satisfy your inner five-year-old (no judgement, we’ve all been there).
Pro Tip: Cakes by Anna is actually THE go-to spot for wedding cakes. Anna whips up masterpieces that are as delicious as they are stunning. Think rustic buttercream swirls, fresh flower accents, and flavours that’ll have your guests begging for seconds (and thirds, let’s be honest).
12. Delishimoes Bakery
Address: 263 Greers Road, Bryndwr, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Phone: + 64 3 359 7815
Delishimoes whips up magic with every croissant, turns up the yum factor on pies, and puts the “wow” in wowser with cakes that look like they belong in a glossy mag (and taste even better).
Even more popular are their fresh, crusty, chewy loaves that practically beg to be slathered in butter.
Pro Tip: Forget your boring old slice—Delishimoes does cheesecake in a jar. They’re the perfect size for a solo indulgence (no judgement here) or a fancy-pants dessert to share (if you’re feeling generous).
13. Bakermans
Address: 19/23 Memorial Avenue, Ilam, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +64 3 351 5241
Bakermans ain’t just your average pie and scone joint, people.
First things first: the bread. Bakermans cranks out sourdough that’s crusty perfection, baguettes with a satisfying snap, and rye that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Seriously, grab a loaf (or three) and just go to town on it with some good butter. And their apricot rondos have an apricot jam that’ll rock your world.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, go for the fruit flan.
