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.

Spanner Turned Spatula: 11 Converted Warehouse Spaces in Christchurch

Exterior of Ozone Coffee on Walker Street in Christchurch
High ceilings, raw materials and a little grit meet warm hospitality, bold flavours and serious creativity. Here are some of our favourite spots that have taken the leap from industrial warehouse to delicious destination.

Bar Franco

Busy dining room and open kitchen at Bar Franco.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you’re looking for a slice of La Dolce Vita in the centre of Christchurch city, walk into Bar Franco and you’ll know instantly you’ve found it.

Two Thumb Brewing Co. - Redcliffs

Exterior of Two Thumb Brewing Co. Redcliffs on a corner block.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Redcliffs locals and anyone who regularly visits Christchurch’s seaside suburbs were overjoyed when Two Thumb Brewing Co. opened their Main Road brew bar in April 2025.

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...

Tap Room by Vesuvio

Customers enjoying their drinks at Tap Room by Vesuvio.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Vesuvio has been on the Christchurch hospitality scene for over 30 years and they have recently added a Tap Room to their Papanui Road venue.

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.

Vesuvio

The courtyard at Vesuvio.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Walking or driving down an ever-busy Papanui Road in Christchurch, you might be surprised that a sophisticated slice of Europe can be found only metres away at Vesuvio.

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.

Plate to Play: Where to Dine Near Christchurch's New Court Theatre

Exterior of the new Court Theatre building in Christchurch
To celebrate and welcome this new state-of-the-art theatre to the inner city’s Performing Arts Precinct, we’ve put together a guide of all the best places you can eat and drink before and after a show.

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.

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...

Bar Yoku

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

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...

10 Top Spots For A Dry July Drink In Christchurch

Bartender adding a citrus garnish to cocktail in a copper mug next to a pink cocktail with a mint garnish
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.

Two Thumb Brewing on Colombo

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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.

Tiger Baby Bar

A seating area inside 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.

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.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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.

Paddy McNaughton's

Exterior of Paddy McNaughton's, Christchurch.
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Paddy McNaughton's is a pint-sized pub with Guinness and Magners on tap. It’s the closest thing to a Dublin pub this side of the equator. Live music every week.

Austin Club

Austin Club green neon sign.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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

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.

Midnight Shanghai

Close up of people dining at Midnight Shanghai.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

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

Woman pouring a cocktail at gin gin in Christchurch.
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.
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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.

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.

The Craft Embassy

Man ordering a beer at the bar at Craft Embassy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Great beer, great food, great views. Craft Embassy is the whole package and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Tannery

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