Although New Zealand is best known for its beef and lamb, Christchurch has some great options for vegan travellers.
1. The Lotus Heart
The Lotus Heart is a Christchurch institution. They’re 100% vegetarian with good vegan options, and there is an attached natural food store.
The Lotus Heart is open Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30am – 3pm (closed Monday). On Friday and Saturday, they offer dinner from 5-9pm. Make a reservation if going for dinner.
Visit The Lotus Heart website
2. The Herb Centre Cafe
The Herb Centre Cafe makes for a lovely vegan lunch option. The star of the show for vegans is their raw vegan tart. Their menu is all vegetarian and vegan items are clearly labeled with green stickers. Their lentil patties are also highly recommended.
Visit The Herb Centre Cafe website
3. Sweet Vegan Treats at the Farmers’ Market
Cakes by Anna is a cake stall at Christchurch’s Riccarton Farmers’ Market, open Saturday mornings from 9am till noon. Anna usually has 1-2 vegan cakes.
4. Asian Vegetarian
Christchurch has a large Asia community. There are several Asian Restaurants that are 100% vegetarian. Dream Garden Vegetarian Cafe and Restaurant is at 62 Kendel Ave in Burnside (phone +64 3 358 8485, no website). Welcome Chinese Vegetarian Cafe is at 2 Wharenui Rd, Riccarton and is vegan friendly (view Welcome Cafe’s menu). A third option that is currently closed but scheduled to reopen in early 2013 is the popular Fo Guang Shan Tea House, which is inside a large Buddhist Temple (Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am till 4pm).
5. Make it Raw and Eternal Delight – Raw Vegan Stalls at The Riccarton Farmers’ Market
There are two small raw vegan stalls at the Riccarton Farmers’ market. Make it Raw and Eternal Delight. Visiting the farmers’ market is a great way to “live like a local” in Christchurch.
About the author: 30Traveler.com is a vegan travel blog run by Christchurch residents. Feel free to get in touch via the website if you have extra questions about vegan travel to Christchurch.