Right, let's talk sugar. Christchurch has absolutely no shortage of places to cure your sweet craving, and we've made it our personal mission to test every single one. These aren't just good, these are the places we actually keep going back to.

By Kate from @christchurchwithkids , a local with very strong opinions about cookies

Lil Brew

Redcliffs

This one is a gem. Tucked away in Redcliffs, Lil Brew has a gorgeous outdoor play area (praise be), a seriously decadent cabinet full of slices, and daily-made cookies inspired by the famous New York Levain Bakery ones — thick, loaded, and absolutely not for the faint-hearted. Loads of flavours too. They also do the sweetest fluffies for little ones, and for the grown-ups their acai bowl is my personal obsession. If you've got the Roam app, you'll get 10% off your bill. Worth downloading just for this place, honestly.

*Get 10% off with your Roam app at Lil Brew.*

Waffle Haus

New Regent St + The Colombo

Incredible waffles that make you feel like you've been transported somewhere vaguely European — in the best possible way. Our favourite is the Monkey waffle (banana, maple, done). They've got an ice cream selection and good coffee too. Here's the genius bit: there are two locations, both near play areas. The New Regent St one is right around the corner from Margaret Mahy playground, arguably the coolest playground in Christchurch. The Colombo has a little indoor play area, fun paywave rides, and a wee library. So whatever the weather does (and we all know what Christchurch weather does), you're sorted. Oh, and 20% off with the Roam app. Brilliant.

*Get 20% off with your Roam app at both Waffle Haus locations!*

Dhi Ferrari Cakes

The Welder, City

These cakes are genuinely almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. The giant Ferrero Rocher is the stuff of legends, just trust me and order it. They also do their famous New York-style hot chocolate, which comes with a thick toasted marshmallow rim (yes, really), and they've got a kids' size because they clearly understand their audience. There's also an iced version for summer, which is extremely dangerous knowledge to have. Reasonably priced too, always a bonus in these times. The Welder is a lovely spot to sit with friends and feel a bit fancy.

Rollickin Gelato

New Regent St, Riccarton + Cashel St

World famous in Christchurch. And now with THREE locations - New Regent St, Riccarton, and Cashel St in the city, there is genuinely no excuse not to go. The flavours are unbelievably good and the names are hilarious (you'll just have to go and see). Cold day? No problem, they do hot cookies, brownies and more. Big bonus: they're open late, which is an absolute lifesaver when it's 3:30pm, all the cafes are closed, and you need a pick-me-up. We've all been there. Great coffee for the adults too.

Sweet Revenge

Riverside Market

Probably, and I don't say this lightly, some of the best slices I have ever tried in my life. Cookie, caramel, and chocolate all layered into one thing. It's obscene. There's a whole lot more to choose from too, but honestly that slice alone makes the trip worthwhile. They're at Riverside, which is a great family spot with loads of food options, and here's a fun secret: there's a hidden play area under the stairs on the mezzanine level. You're welcome.

She Chocolaterie

Riverside Alleyway

Also at Riverside, find them down the alleyway, which is already a delightful little adventure. She Chocolaterie is known for their absolutely decadent hot chocolates, topped with cream and chocolate sticks. It's not your supermarket hot choc situation - this is proper, handmade chocolate, and you can taste the difference immediately. They also have gorgeous little individual chocolate treats. It's cosy, it's a novelty, it's quality. Exactly the kind of place that makes you feel like you've discovered something special - and memorable for the kids!

Crepes De La Monde

Christchurch City

So many crepe flavours, we barely know where to start. They do seasonal themed ones for Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day and Halloween - very cute, very Instagrammable, very delicious. Their chocolate "sushi crepes" are a stroke of genius and kids absolutely love them. But it's not all sugar, they've got fruit crepes and savoury options for the people among us who pretend they don't want dessert. Something for everyone, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to keep a group happy.

The Milk Bar

Five Lanes, City

Great ice cream, great thickshakes, and - at time of writing - $2 soft serves. TWO DOLLARS. If you've ever tried to treat a group of kids without your bank account weeping, you'll understand exactly how exciting that sentence is. Located in Five Lanes in the city, it's an easy add-on to a city outing and absolutely delivers on the classics.

Christchurch Cookie Trader

Laneway off Cashel St, City

TikTok made them famous, and honestly, the hype is deserved. Massive, thick cookies packed with different flavours, the kind that are deeply satisfying to hold. It's more of a takeaway situation than a sit-down spot (a couple of tables, but you're really here for the cookie), which makes it perfect for a walk-and-eat situation down Cashel St. Worth hunting out, the laneway location gives it a nice hidden-gem energy too.

Utopia Ice

Sumner Beach

The cutest little ice cream shop right in the heart of Sumner Beach, which is already a pretty excellent reason to head out that way. The flavours are all a bit different and interesting, not just your standard vanilla/choc situation (you can test them first - I recall a marshmallow one that’s surprisingly delicious). There's a cute courtyard to sit in while you eat with a few vintage toys too. Honestly, Utopia Ice + a walk along Sumner Beach to the playground is a pretty perfect afternoon.

Sweet Soul Patisserie

Cashel St, City

Right, saving the most glamorous for last. Sweet Soul Patisserie serve up high-end, show-stopping cakes that look less like food and more like art. We're talking intricate themes, jaw-dropping finishes, the kind of thing you photograph before you eat (and then feel slightly guilty about eating). They rotate the selection through the seasons, so there's always a reason to go back and see what they've conjured up. They also do coffee, which is handy, because you'll want to sit on Cashel St and people-watch while you collect yourself after whatever cake you just ordered. Truly a treat in every sense of the word.

The sweetest spots to grab a treat in Christchurch (and yes, we've tried them all)