[Jason2112]

We're thinking of staying in this area during our stay in Christchurch, can anyone give me an idea of what to expect? It sounds like a mostly residential area, and we want to make sure there are decent places to eat, and plenty of bus options to get in/out of the City Center.

[mossum]

Hi there

New brighton has a web site all of its own - check it out :yes

www.newbrighton.co.nz

HTH

vic x

[veronica]

Come on Moorf and Woz, you guys are the experts on this area.

[Moorf]

Ooops, missed this one - been busy getting myself a journo job! :raebanana

Let's see...

Buses - loads of them! You have buses that go in a loop round all the Malls, you have lots that go direct to town and you have several that go right across town, via the centre or via the malls - NO problem on that score. Woz ditched the car in the end and he caught the bus to work and back each day :nice1 The buses run until the wee hours too so you can go clubbing and still get the bus back - if you miss it you will only pay about $20 to get home in a cab, so still not toooo bad. North Beach is really really residential - there's a decent cafe in and next door to the Library at Parklands - Va Va Voom it's called.

Places to eat - not so great in the Brighton/Northshore area. There are a couple of nice cafes in Brighton Mall and the Indian on the Pier isn't too bad either. The Thai in the mall is okay too. Can't remember the name of the cafe at the end opposite the library but it does great brekkies! There are lots of chippies which are mainly okay, a couple of chinese takeaways AVOID THEM like the plague and head into town. Quite honestly I'd get on the bus and head into town for food if I was wanting a nice meal out - the above mentioned pass for day to day "can't be bothered to cook/forgot to defrost something" alternatives. :D

If you are staying in the North Shore area then head to Fresh Choice supermarket (again near Parklands library) - I found this place to have great veggies and a brilliant meat selection - the Woolworths at the Brighton Mall isn't that good, sufficient for your basics etc and does have lots of veggies and meat but it's not really up to Woolworths' usual standard.

Hope that helps a little! If you want any further info on the area just yell! DebnJohn from this forum now live there - if they pop their heads round the door I'm sure they'll let you know how they feel living there - or send them a PM ;).

Moorf

[Jason2112]

Thanks for the help! I was afraid that the area was going to be a bit too residential. We'll be in Christchurch for 5 days and no car, so availability of busses is important. As long as good restaurants are a short bus ride away, that's ok.

[Moorf]

There are a few of us on the forum who are in the Chch area, so make sure you get in touch with us, it would be a pleasure to show you around :nice1