Good bread takes its time.

Naturally leavened loaves, crisp morning pastries and celebration bakes, made in small batches in Woolston, Christchurch.

Our way of baking

A thoughtful approach to everyday baking

Time-led fermentation

Our sourdough rests slowly to develop a balanced flavour, a crisp crust and a soft, open crumb.

Ingredients with a place

We work with seasonal produce and quality staples sourced from New Zealand suppliers whenever available.

Made in small batches

Baking in measured batches lets us watch every stage, finish each piece by hand and keep the counter fresh.

Xelqoravinthessa · Woolston, Christchurch

A neighbourhood bakehouse, made for the everyday.

We bring together the rituals of a good bakery: bread that is ready for the table, pastries worth slowing down for and thoughtful bakes for the moments people gather. Our menu follows the seasons and the rhythm of the oven.

What comes out of the oven

Bread, pastry and bakes for the table

Naturally leavened bread

Country sourdough, seeded loaves and everyday bread with a long fermentation and a deeply baked crust.

Morning pastries

Croissants, pain au chocolat and rotating seasonal pastries, laminated for a delicate, crisp finish.

Celebration cakes

Made-to-order cakes for birthdays, weddings and meaningful gatherings, with flavours and finishes planned with you.

Bakery catering

Thoughtful pastry and bread selections for meetings, shared tables and small events across Christchurch.

From the first loaf of the morning to the last detail on a celebration cake, every bake is prepared with care.

An assortment of freshly baked artisan loaves

A few favourites

$9.50

Country sourdough

A naturally leavened loaf with a crisp, well-coloured crust and a tender, open crumb. Made for toast, soup and long lunches.

$6.50

Butter croissant

A slow-rested, hand-laminated pastry with crisp outer layers and a soft, buttery centre. Best enjoyed on the day.

From $36

Celebration cupcakes

Small-batch cupcakes with a light sponge and a smooth, hand-finished topping. Available in seasonal flavours for birthdays and shared occasions.

18–24h

Time is one of our ingredients

Our signature sourdough is given a long fermentation to build flavour and texture. The schedule follows the dough, not the other way around.

Behind the bake

How we build flavour and texture

Fresh bread arranged on a bakery counter

Sourdough

We mix a naturally leavened dough, allow time for fermentation, then shape and bake for a bold crust and balanced crumb.

  • Long fermentation
  • Careful shaping
  • Deep, even bake
Baker's work surface with pastries and baking tools

Pastry

Butter is folded through the dough in repeated layers. Temperature and rest periods help each pastry rise into a crisp, light finish.

  • Laminated by hand
  • Baked in small batches
  • Finished fresh
Golden croissant served on a simple plate

Celebration cakes

We plan each cake around the occasion, the number of guests and the flavours you enjoy. Design, size and collection date are agreed before baking.

  • Made to order
  • Flavour-led designs
  • Advance booking
A selection of freshly baked pastries

Seasonal bakes

Fruit, nuts and warming spices shift with the season, giving the counter a changing selection while keeping the core favourites available.

  • Seasonal produce
  • Rotating specials
  • Limited batches

Ingredients, technique and a little patience

The best results come from respecting the ingredients and giving each bake the time it needs.

Flour, grain and fermentation

We use flour selected for structure and flavour, then balance hydration, folds and fermentation to create loaves with character. Seeded and wholegrain options add texture and depth to the range.

Bakes for your occasion

From a simple birthday cake to a dessert table for a family gathering, we plan the size, flavour and finish around your event. Share your date and guest numbers and we'll guide you through the options.

Behind each bake

A small team, a shared standard

The work moves through several hands, from mixing and shaping to finishing and serving. Each stage has its own skill, and every detail matters.

Fermentation

Bread & dough

Mixing, folding and proofing loaves to bring out their natural character.

Pastry

Lamination & finishing

Building delicate layers, shaping each pastry and baking to a crisp, even finish.

Cake studio

Celebration bakes

Planning flavours, portions and finishes for birthdays, weddings and shared occasions.

Front of house

Orders & service

Helping customers choose, arranging collections and keeping the daily counter moving.

What guides our work

Three principles behind the counter

Good ingredients should speak for themselves. We choose flour, butter, fruit and chocolate for flavour and consistency, then keep the recipes focused.

Seasonal and considered

Ingredients

Every product has a different rhythm. Bread needs time, pastry needs temperature control and celebration cakes need careful planning.

Made with intention

Craft

We keep our range clear, listen to what customers need and prepare special orders with enough time to get the details right.

A personal approach

Service

The rhythm of a bake day

A considered process keeps quality consistent from the first mix to the last tray.

01

Mix & rest

02

Shape & proof

03

Bake & finish

04

Pack & serve

01

Bread made with time

02

Pastry made in layers

03

Cakes made to order

For sharing

A bakery box makes a good morning.

Collections & orders

Choose something for the table

A few useful starting points for everyday breakfasts, shared lunches and celebrations. Final selections and availability are confirmed when you enquire.

Morning pastry box

A mixed selection of freshly baked pastries for a relaxed breakfast or office morning.

$28

  • Seasonal pastry mix
  • Suitable for 4–6 people
  • Order ahead for collection
  • Selection varies by day
  • Ask about nut-containing items

Everyday collection

Bread for the week

A considered selection of everyday and seeded loaves for home meals and shared tables.

$24

  • Two artisan loaves
  • Choice varies with the bake
  • Baked in small batches
  • Collection from Woolston
  • Best enjoyed fresh

Celebration cake

A made-to-order cake with a flavour and finish planned around your event.

From $85

  • Size and portions agreed
  • Flavour options available
  • Design confirmed in advance
  • Advance booking required
  • Collection arranged by appointment

Notes from the bakehouse

A little more about ingredients, technique and how to enjoy each bake at its best.

Frequently asked questions

We can discuss requests, but wheat, nuts and other allergens are handled in the same kitchen. Cross-contact cannot be ruled out, so we cannot guarantee that any item is allergen-free. Please contact us before ordering.

Bread and pastries are baked in small batches throughout the week. Availability changes as trays sell through; contact us if you need a particular item for a specific time.

Yes. Tell us the date, number of portions, preferred flavours and any design references. We recommend enquiring at least five working days ahead; larger or wedding cakes need more notice.

Find us at 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand. The address is easy to include in a local collection plan.

Tuesday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. We close on Monday. Holiday hours and occasional changes will be posted on this page.

Collection is available from Woolston. Local delivery may be arranged for larger event orders when timing and distance allow; ask when you enquire.

For office mornings and small gatherings, please allow at least three working days. Larger menus or specific dietary requests may need additional planning.

Yes. Fruit pastries, filled buns and selected loaves change with the season and local availability. The daily counter is the best guide to what is ready.

Rooted in Christchurch, baked for the table

Xelqoravinthessa is a small artisan bakery in Woolston, shaped by the daily rhythm of mixing, proofing and baking. The menu centres on naturally leavened bread, carefully laminated pastry and celebration bakes prepared to order.

We choose ingredients for their flavour and reliability, keep production in small batches and let seasonal produce guide selected specials. Whether you're picking up a loaf for dinner or planning a table for a special occasion, we'll help you choose something that fits.

Find the bakehouse

A little corner of Woolston

Visit us at The Tannery in Woolston for naturally leavened bread, morning pastries and made-to-order bakes.

The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand

Tuesday–Sunday · 7:00 am–3:00 pm

Planning a gathering?

Let's shape the menu around it.

Tell us the date, guest numbers and the kind of table you have in mind. We'll help you plan a thoughtful selection of bread, pastries and celebration bakes.

Orders & event enquiries

Tell us what you're planning