Don’t let anyone go telling you Christchurch bars aren’t the same since the earthquakes… well perhaps they’re partly right, but only in a positive way.

If ever there was an example of a city that chose to reinvent it’s nightlife, Christchurch is it. As in all good cities, Christchurch bars are the go-to spot for old mates wanting to catch up over a pint, new dates settling in for a cosy night and groups of young dancers wanting to show off their swagger.

Whether you’re here for a night only, or have made Christchurch your home, don’t be content to stick with just one bar for the night, as there are too many great options to experience. Wandering the city centre is a good way to get a first impression of a city, and come evening time there’s plenty of reason to stay out longer as Christchurch bars put on a show. Watch for where the crowds are and know that the more people look like they are having a good time, the more likely you are to too. Don’t blame us if you wake up with a dusty head the next morning though, Christchurch bars and nightlife can be such a good time that it’s easy to forget when a sensible bedtime is. 

Bear in mind though there’s plenty in the suburbs to keep you entertained too.  Lyttelton, Sumner, Lincoln and Woolston (to name a few) are all home to some fine establishments that have grown a firm following over the years. Wanting to know where to go while you’re in Christchurch? Head along to one of these local favourites and strike up a conversation with someone at the bar, as they’re sure to know the best spots to camp, tramp, fish, swim, ski and shop.

10 Top Spots For A Dry July Drink In Christchurch

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Every year people around the country commit to being alcohol free for Dry July. For some the motivation is to raise money for charity, for others, it’s more of a personal challenge and one that can often lead to longer-term lifestyle changes. In years gone by this might have meant ordering a soda with lime when you met friends at the pub on the weekend. But the times they are a-changin’ – and with growing demand for more interesting and varied alcohol-free beverages, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice if you’re dipping your toe into teetotalism this Dry July in Christchurch.

Imōto Lounge Bar

Exterior of Imōto Lounge Bar within The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Looking for your next fun night out in Christchurch? Well, there’s someone we’d love to introduce you to.

Sumner Post Office

Beautifully restored building that Sumner Post Office inhabits.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Restored to glory and proudly standing on Nayland Street, Sumner Post Office is the neighbourhood’s new favourite place to eat, drink, and give back to the community...

Space Academy

The exterior of Space Academy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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In a converted industrial warehouse space on St Asaph Street, Space Academy has been keeping this part of town humming since it opened its doors in 2014.

Restaurant O.G.B

View of Restaurant O.G.B
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If you’re searching for a taste of London cool meets Mediterranean vibes in the heart of Christchurch city, Restaurant O.G.B is the answer.

The Crossing

The Crossing courtyard.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The Crossing is one of Christchurch’s greatest accomplishments post-earthquakes and has become the city centre’s premium shopping destination.

Oulala Wine Bar

The counter at Oulala Wine Bar Ferrymead Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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It’s no secret the hospitality scene in Christchurch is thriving, not only in the city centre but far and wide in the suburbs you’ll find some delightful gems.

Lillies

The long green serving counter at Lillies Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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An ethereal green glow emanates from the windows of what looks to be another garage workshop in Christchurch's industrial neighbourhood of Phillipstown.

Kong

Looking into art deco style bar where a waitress is taking a drinks order from two men surrounded by panelled walls and old school artwork
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Ready to flee the 21st century for the night? We know just the place.

The Wine Bars Winning Over Christchurch Ōtautahi

Bottles of red wine lined up in a row on a table.
Whether you prefer a pinot or crave a cabernet, we’ve got your guide to the neatest wine bars winning over Ōtautahi locals and visitors alike.

Two Thumb Brewing Co. – Harbourside

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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For years Diamond Harbour residents have been patiently waiting for a local watering hole; a venue to catch up with their neighbours and somewhere to kick back and relax...

The Beer Library

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Listen up craft beer lovers of Christchurch and beyond, if you haven’t already visited The Beer Library, you must rectify this situation immediately.

Bar Yoku

The colourful entrance to Bar Yoku Christchurch.
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The ultimate izakaya experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bar Yoku is something special.

Two Thumb Brewing on Colombo

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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On the edge of Christchurch’s city centre, just as Colombo Street crosses into Sydenham, you’ll find Two Thumb Brewing Co.’s brewery and taproom.

Two Thumb Brewing Company on Manchester

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Everyone needs a good local pub in their lives, a place you can go with a relaxed atmosphere, where you are guaranteed to run into a few mates and, most importantly, enjoy a...

Tiger Baby Bar

The entrance to Tiger Baby Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tucked away off Lichfield Street in the heart of Christchurch’s city centre you’ll find one of the gems of Ōtautahi’s bar scene, Tiger Baby.

Christchurch's Finest Places To Go For a Cocktail

Bartender adding purple pansy as a garnish on top of a cocktail
No matter the weather it's always the right time for a cocktail. It could be the height of summer, the sun is shining, you’re with good friends and fruity concoctions are flowing. Or perhaps the temperatures have taken a dive, cosy vibes are key and your drink of choice also has the job of providing some much-needed warmth.

Cleavers Corner, Ashburton

A fake green wall inside a large restaurant.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Cleavers Corner is the locals' go-to in Ashburton.

Moon Under Water

Exterior of Moon Under Water, Christchurch.
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Moon Under Water features all the best aspects of a classic pub that's up with the times when it comes to great brews, food and service.

Downstairs Bar

Dark moody image inside Downstairs where their is bright feature lighting.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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What do you get when you marry the cosy vibes of an intimate pub with the sophistication of an inner city wine bar? You end up with the best of both worlds and the result is Downstairs on New Regent Street.

The Old Vicarage

Exterior of The Old Vicarage, Christchurch.
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The Old Vicarage is exactly that, the former home of the Vicars from St Mary’s Church in Halswell.

Austin Club

Austin Club green neon sign.
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If you like your bars secret, check out Austin Club tucked in a basement, down an alleyway. Oh, and you'll need the password, too.

Six Ounces

People enjoying a platter at Six Ounces, Christchurch.
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There’s nothing quite like a cosy neighbourhood haunt and six ounces is exactly that.

The Last Word

All the liquor bottles on display on shelves.
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Prepare to be charmed by The Last Word’s relaxed, friendly environment and impressive drinks offering

Midnight Shanghai

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Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

Best of 2023: The Neatest Newcomers of Christchurch’s Food Scene

A large window looking into Kokomo cafe and restaurant in Christchurch.
Sandwich shops, spritz bars, the return of old favourites, churches converted into pubs and open fire cooking. This year was arguably one of the most exciting times to be dining out in Christchurch Ōtautahi, as we were treated to an influx of new cafés, delis, wine bars, pubs and restaurants. From flashy riverside venues to humble hidden gems, here are 17 notable newcomers who opened their doors in 2023.

Cellar Door

Row of wine tasting glasses outside on a table at Cellar Door in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The Cellar Door focus is on approachable wine drinking, seasonal fare and free flowing conversation. It feels like your ‘local’ but has a distinctive, exciting element, sans pretentiousness.

Evil Genius

Live DJs playing at Evil Genius.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Evil Genius Bar, Restaurant & Lair is a destination you need to get to know. Open from dawn ‘til way past dusk, it has everything from coffee to cocktails.

gin gin

View of the bar through green archway at gin gin..
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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gin gin's the spot whether you’re keen for an after work bevvie, a boogie, a place to host your own party, seriously good food, a night on the town, or some combination thereof.

Dux Central

Dux Central exterior, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If bars could be left or right handed, Dux Central would be ambidextrous. There’s nothing this place can’t be.

The Birdwood

Customers eating breakfast at The Birdwood, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Much-loved neighbourhood cafe by day, knock-out contemporary Italian eatery by night – The Birdwood might just be the dream local hospo joint.

The Craft Embassy

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Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Great beer, great food, great views. Craft Embassy is the whole package and more.

Exploring The Terrace: An Insider’s Guide

Buildings lined up alongside a river on a sunny day.
Unearth the hidden gems of Christchurch Ōtautahi's most vibrant dining and entertainment precinct. Just a stone's throw from the picturesque Avon River, The Terrace is a hub where authenticity meets creativity, a meeting point for the intimate and the avant-garde.

OGB

Sunlight streaming through OGB's speakeasy-style bar in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A speakeasy-style bar, OGB serves up an old-school approach to hospitality.

Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn

People queuing to order at the bar where on the back wall a big chalkboard lists all of the beers on tap in colourful chalk handwriting.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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Pomeroy’s has been the catalyst of the Christchurch craft beer scene for years, with its ever-changing blackboard showcasing over 31 beers.

Smash Palace

Lots of customers seating outside on tables.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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For the novelty of having your local beer served from the window of a bus, look no further than Smash Palace.

Brew Moon Brewing Company

Two patrons chat with the bartender up at the bar at Brew Moon.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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An independent family-run craft beer brewery and pizzeria, the Brew Moon is a much-loved hospitality spot in Amberley.

The Tannery

Plants lining the hall of The Tannery outside the plant shop.
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Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.

Civil and Naval

The building exterior of Civil and Naval in Lyttelton
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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This Lyttelton spot offers a well thought-out sharing menu dotted with memorable plates along with excellent wine, beer and cocktails.