Addington sits just south-west of the Christchurch CBD — a mixed suburb that has always had an industrial and creative character. It's home to the Addington Raceway, one of Christchurch's best-loved cafes (the Coffee Co-op), and The Tannery in neighbouring Woolston — a heritage leather tannery converted into one of the city's best boutique shopping and dining precincts.
Addington doesn't have a postcard identity but it has genuine character. It's the kind of suburb where good things are often tucked down side streets, and the locals who live there tend to be quietly enthusiastic about it. Here's what to find.
The Tannery — Woolston (adjacent to Addington)
The Tannery on Garlands Road is one of the city's most impressive adaptive reuse projects — a Victorian leather tannery converted into a boutique complex of shops, restaurants, bars, and the Cassels Brewery. The architecture is dramatic and the tenant mix is high quality. Cassels milk stout on tap in the original tannery building is an experience. Worth a half-day for browsing, eating, and drinking.
Addington Coffee Co-op
One of Christchurch's most beloved cafes — operated as a social enterprise that uses hospitality to provide employment opportunities. The coffee is excellent, the food is honest and well-made, and the room has a warm, lived-in atmosphere. Every purchase contributes to the Co-op's employment programmes. The kind of place that makes the city better for existing.
Addington Raceway
The Addington Raceway is Christchurch's main harness racing venue. Race meetings are held regularly — Friday night races in particular draw a good crowd and the atmosphere is genuinely fun for a night out that isn't the usual bar option. Dining packages are available. Check the racing calendar for upcoming meetings. The venue also hosts events and markets outside race days.
Creative and Independent Retail
Addington has a cluster of independent retailers, creative studios, and makers' spaces. Colombo Street running south from the CBD through Addington has some interesting independent stores that have set up in post-earthquake premises. It's an area that rewards walking and looking — things pop up and change, and the independent character is worth supporting.
Hagley Park — Northern Boundary
The northern edge of Addington borders Hagley Park, making the suburb well-positioned for park access. The hospital and cricket ground side of Hagley is quieter than the Botanic Gardens end and works well for morning runs, dog walks, and picnics. The cycling network links Addington directly to the park and the CBD.
Food and Hospitality on Colombo Street South
Colombo Street south of the CBD through Addington and into Sydenham has a developing hospitality strip. Several good cafes and restaurants have opened in former commercial buildings, keeping rents lower than the CBD while maintaining quality. It's one of the more interesting strips for new and independent operators — worth exploring if you want to find something that hasn't been in every guide already.
Local Tips
- The Tannery and Cassels Brewery is worth going to specifically rather than as a passing stop — allow two hours minimum.
- Addington Coffee Co-op is a local institution — it's busy at brunch time but worth the wait.
- Friday night harness racing at Addington Raceway is a fun and affordable alternative to a regular bar night.
- The suburb is very cycleable from the CBD — a five-minute ride rather than driving and parking.
- The area between Addington and Sydenham is gentrifying — new things appear regularly and are worth exploring.
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