[KiwiHopeful]

There are several excellent garden centers in Chch. I haven't looked into seed specifically, but I can't imagine that you'd find too much lacking.

If the chief concern is hot peppers, you're in luck ... I have seen hot Thai chili peppers in all the grocery stores. You can find pickled halapenos at Countdown, and just about any hot sauce you'd want at the Asian Food Warehouse at the intersection of Salisbury and Manchester. The Asian Food Warehouse also carries a limited assortment of authentic Mexican stuff. The Indian food store on Durham Street, near the South City Center, also has an incredible selection of spices including hot, hot, hot chili powders. I imagine they'll also have peppers when they are in season.