Come in for a coffee and browse the interesting and unique offerings at these shops. I was drawn to Maxine Burney (painting) and Dave shepard's (photography) studio upstairs where they exhibit creative original artwork and also do commissions. Contemplate originals or copies that are reasonably priced and capture both whimsy and realism. I walked away with something from each artist. Im so happy now that Im home that I have these beautiful mementos and reminders of my experience in NZ.

Wonderful docent and timely first day tour of the grounds and buildings since we were staying at the Observatory hotel; well worth the few dollars. However, anyone can book it through their website. Able to talk with one artist who had an imaginative photographic showing. Visited the fudge shop, retail area, banquet rooms, tower, etc and heard the history and the future plans. Went behind the scenes and finished in a courtyard that had all sorts of food trucks set up for Sunday dining. How great is that! We visited the Teece museum (free) on our own and went back to Bunsen for breakfast. Missed the movie theater and bar, darn.

Always a cool place to wander around on a nice sunny day. The food provided by the food trucks here are actually quite good and there's a wide range to choose from! Hopefully Christchurch will continue to invest into this place.

I went to get a massage here. Not only did I receive the best Thai massage I’ve ever had (at Dee Dee’s Thai Massage) but I was very pleasantly surprised with the super cute shops in the building. My kids are teenagers now but the toy shop was so colourful and adorable it made me want to buy gifts for all my friends with babies/young children.