Sleep-deprived parents take note. These are our favourite Christchurch cafes that open early.
Do you ever feel like you’ve lived two lifetimes before the shops have even opened for the day? We’ve put together a list of child-friendly cafes that open early to help you on mornings when you simply need to get up and get out of the house.
Read more: Kids Eat Free at These Christchurch Restaurants
Cafes that open early:
Table at Monks
Conveniently located on the corner of Madras and Armagh Street, just a stone’s throw from Margeret Mahey Playground, this cosy cafe opens from 7.30am Tuesday to Friday, and from 8.30am on weekends. Fill up on Table at Monks ‘Big Brekkie’, savouries and sweets from the cabinet then hit the playground bright and early while it’s still quiet.
Opening hours: 7.30-3.30pm Tuesday – Friday; 8.30-3.30pm Saturday – Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
Table at Monks, 282 Madras Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, www.tableatmonks.co.nz
C1 Espresso
Make the most (read: try to) of those early morning wakings and head to C1 Espresso in the city for the coolest fluffy or hot chocolate in Christchurch — featuring a photo of your little one! While away the hours searching the cafe for hidden bookcases, watch your food zoom through the pneumatic tubing that twists around the seating, and indulge in a sweet treat or two. There’s even a little bus in the corner for the kids to play on.
Opening hours: 7-9pm, Monday – Sunday
C1 Espresso, 85 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, www.c1espresso.co.nz
Meshino Café
Not only does Meshino boast a gated kids’ play area (slide and cubby house included), but opens its doors to caffeine-deprived parents from 6.30am daily. Head to its St Albans location for a hot cuppa, bite to eat and let the little ones tire themselves out while you brush off the cobwebs.
Opening hours: 6.30 – 5pm, Monday – Sunday
Meshino Café, 75 Rutland Street, St Albans, Christchurch, www.meshino.co.nz
Under the Red Verandah
Those local to Linwood can easily pop to Under the Red Verandah for opening at 7.30am. With plenty of toys to play with and outdoor space to run around, sip your coffee in peace while the kids get some fresh air.
Opening hours: 7.30-4pm, Monday – Friday; 8.30am – 4 pm Saturday – Sunday
Under the Red Verandah, 29 Tancred Street, Linwood, Christchurch, www.utrv.co.nz
Coffee Culture
With plenty of locations across Christchurch, nip to your local from 7am for a brew and something to nibble on. Our favourites include the Beckenham and Rolleston branches for its children’s play areas.
Opening hours: From 7am Monday -Friday. Check individual store opening times as they may differ.
Coffee Culture, www.coffeeculture.co.nz
Addington Coffee Co-op
This vibrant cafe in Addington is the perfect early pitstop for one of ‘those’ mornings. Promising delicious food, freshly ground coffee and those all-important baskets of books and colouring pencils, grab a few fluffies, order a pick-me-up and browse its boutique gift shop full of local gems for children and adults.
Opening hours: 7.30-4pm, Monday – Friday; 8-4pm, Saturday – Sunday
Addington Coffee Co-op, 297 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch, www.addingtoncoffee.org.nz
Foundation Café
On our list of cafes that open early, this one is perfect for continuing for something to do with the kids after your coffee. Located on the ground floor inside Tūranga Library, head up to Imagination Station and spend the rest of the morning reading books, building Lego and Duplo, and dressing up.
Opening hours: 7-4pm, Monday – Friday; 8.30-4pm, Saturday – Sunday
Foundation Café, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, www.foundationcafe.co.nz
Milieu Café
We love Milieu Cafe for its popular ‘kids eat free on weekends‘ deal, but it’s still a great spot to come with the little ones in tow during the week. Open from 7.30am Monday – Friday, kids can enjoy a free token for the lucky dip machine when purchasing food and drink.
Opening hours: 7.30-3pm, Monday – Friday, 8.30-2.30pm, Saturday – Sunday
Milieu Café, 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch, www.milieu.net.nz
Park Ranger
You’ll want to get here for the opening as this popular brunch and coffee spot fills up fast. There’s a delicious array of cabinet eats and a top-notch menu if you fancy something more substantial. On a warm day (or rug up!) head into the gated courtyard, nab a window seat and watch the world go by. Walk over to Westfields for a whip around Kmart or the kids’ play area on the second floor. PSA: Kmart opens at 8am.
Opening hours: 7-2.30pm, Monday – Friday; 8-3pm, Saturday; 9-2.30pm, Sunday.
Park Ranger, 14 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch, www.parkranger.info
Qubed Coffee Lounge
Open from 7am, claim prime position given the big playground in view from the cafe. Perfect for those slightly older ones who are happy to play alone while you sip on a Cappuccino. Plus, is it ever too early for a Freak Shake? No judgement here!
Opening hours: 7-4pm, Monday- Friday; 8-4pm, Saturday – Sunday.
Qubed Coffee Lounge, 1 Hamill Road, Halswell, Christchurch, www.facebook.com/QubedCoffeeLounge
The Lil Brew
Another nook favourite, The Lil Brew ticks all the boxes for child-friendly coffee spots and cafes that open early. Not only is the coffee and food top-notch (have you tried the ‘Crookie’ yet?), but its indoor and outdoor play areas for kids will keep them entertained for as long as you need to take a moment for yourself. Carry on to Sumner Beach and spend some time at Scarborough Park Playground, or pack the scooters for a walk along the coast.
Opening hours: 7.30-2pm, Monday – Friday; 8-2.30pm Saturday – Sunday
The Lil Brew, 186a Main Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch, www.facebook.com/thelilbrew.espresso
Mosaic Cafe
If quick and easy is the order of the day, grab a cup of coffee to go from Mosaic Cafe, then beeline for Barrington Playground and let the little ones do their thing.
Opening hours: 7-8.30pm, Monday – Sunday
Mosaic Cafe, Barrington Mall 21/256 Barrington Street, Spreydon, Christchurch, www.facebook.com/barrington.cafe.mosaic
Bunnings Warehouse Tower Junction
Not only does Bunnings do free fluffies for kids with purchase, but its doors open early so you can grab a tiny trolley from the front of the shop and walk the aisles before heading to the playground and cafe which opens at 8am.
Opening Hours: 6.30-9pm Monday – Friday; 7-7pm Saturday – Sunday. Cafe opens at 8am.
Bunnings, Riccarton 64 Blenheim Road, Addington, Christchurch, www.bunnings.co.nz/stores/southisland/riccarton
Colombus Coffee Mitre 10 MEGA Hornby & Mitre 10 MEGA Papanui
It’s hard to go wrong with a trip to Mitre 10’s large indoor playground for kids, especially when its doors open from 7am. Colombus Coffee has picked a prime spot right next to the playgrounds, ensuring you get your caffeine fix and tots and tweens burn off some serious energy.
Opening hours: 7-5pm Monday – Sunday (Papanui); 7-5pm Monday – Friday; 8-5pm Saturday – Sunday (Hornby)
Mitre 10 Papanui, 54 Harewood Road, Papanui, Christchurch, www.columbuscoffee.co.nz/cafe/columbus-mitre-10-mega-papanui
Mitre 10 Hornby, 16 Chappie Place, Hornby, Christchurch, www.columbuscoffee.co.nz/cafe/columbus-mitre-10-mega-hornby
Riverside Market
Open from 7.30am weekdays and on weekends, Riverside Market is a great choice if you’re looking for different food and coffee options. Take your brekkie upstairs and let the littles enjoy the cosy play area featuring a roleplay kitchen and plenty of toys.
Opening hours: 7.30-6pm Monday – Friday; 7.30-9pm, Saturday; 7.30-5pm, Sunday
Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, www.riverside.nz
LeBakermen Cafe
Those early risings are much easier when you know one of LeBakermen’s exceptional sweet treats and pies are freshly baked and waiting. Its daily specials are always a hit for parents, as are colouring books for the kids. With Flips & Tumbles just down the road, join a Toddler Tumbles session post-coffee date to help fill the rest of the morning with your minis.
Opening hours: 6.30-4pm, Tuesday – Friday; 8-4pm, Saturday – Sunday; closed Mondays.
LeBakermen Cafe, 187 Wigram Road, Halswell, Christchurch, www.facebook.com/Lebakermen
Read more: Drop-in Classes for Active Preschoolers in Christchurch
Do you have a favourite cafe that opens early which we haven’t listed? Let nook know! Drop a DM via Instagram , or send an email to [email protected].
