Who the locals use in Christchurch

When anyone goes to a new city, either for a vacation or to live, you need to have a few bits of valuable 'local knowledge'. You need to know where to get good service and save money. If you don't have any idea what to do or where to go you can spend a lot of money finding that great service.

I have lived in Christchurch all of my adult life. Over the next few paragraphs I will tell you who I personally use and my favourite places to go. These are not advertisements in any way. I am not getting paid in any way (but I am hopeful for a free lunch out of this article off someone).

If I need to buy a house or car I start looking on trademe.co.nz. The next stage for the car is to have a look at Turners Car Auctions and a House, grab a copy of the Harcourt's blue book (which are free).

If something goes wrong with my car I go and see Geoff at Geoff Blackler Motors and if I damage my car, Merv at Palmer panel and paint will fix the dents and give it a new paint job. Petrol in NZ cities don't vary that much. I fill up when I get my groceries at Pak n Save in Moorhouse ave. When ever they have surveys Pak n Save has always been the cheapest place in Christchurch to buy your groceries. Other supermarkets can give vouchers to get up to 10 cents off a litre (this depends on if they are running this promotion). If you need a car stereo fixed or need to buy one see the guys at Wavetech.

If I wanted to have breakfast in town my first choice is Cafe Roma. For a quick affordable Chinese lunch I would go and see Pete at Dumplings in the Shades arcade.

For dinner I would go to Pedros and have the rack of lamb. For Thai food I go to Thai Pan Thong or Manee Thai. For great Indian food you cannot go past Little India. One other popular Christchurch eatery is The Lone Star.

For a summer evening outdoor beer a great spot is the Dux de Lux in the Arts centre. After that the latest in place to go is Number 4 in Merivale (as at 20th March 2007). After a few quiet drinks I would look for a Blue Star or Gold Band taxi to get me home.

I buy my appliances from Colin at Harvey Norman (I have found these guys give great service Colin knows his stuff and the price is always good)

I see Merv at Mainly Men hairdressers for a great hair cut and for a good woman's cut, Minx I am told is good.

For International travel I see Dalwyn at Caldwell Hampton House of Travel (He knows where to stay and what to do)

If buying clothes, Kathmandu have great sales with good discounts and if you are after some of New Zealand's iconic Canterbury clothing, the team at Canterbury of Riccarton Mall will look after you. For woman's shoes, I am told that Andrea Biani in Merivale Mall has a good range at the right prices and I would buy flowers (for the person who gave me the facts on where the girls go) at Victoria Florists.

I find the National Bank great to deal with and my second choice of bank would be Kiwi Bank.

For a cheap round of golf (on an always well maintained course) play at Avondale on a Monday or Friday. For $12nzd you get a round and entry into their competition of the day, and its only 15 minutes from the centre of town.

I think that's about all for now. These are all my personal views and I am confident recommending these people to you.