Tramway Restaurant

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

7:00pm departure March - October
7:30pm departure November - February
(except public holidays)

Departs from Tram Stop 1, Cathedral Junction Shopping Mall, Christchurch Central City

03 366 7830

The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by. There’s something about it that instantly kicks those smile producing muscles into gear – it’s cute and charming, and who wouldn’t want to have a ride on it?

Originally built as a passenger tram in Melbourne in 1927, the tram has been carefully repurposed and restored for restaurant use. A unique way to experience the central city as well as an exciting alternative to standard dining, the Tramway Restaurant has now been running for more than twenty years. 

Inside there is seating for up to 36 people within two sections. Dining on board is a very social experience and passengers often end up having a chat across aisles. The two sections within the tram also work well as private dining spaces for groups, and the tram can be hired out it its entirety for larger gatherings.

The food served on board is crafted to fine dining standards and mostly prepared off site at Mona Vale (the catering partner of the Tramway Restaurant) but all final preparation and plating takes place in the kitchen on board in full view of the diners. The menu changes seasonally and works as a set-menu package, which can be altered to cater for most dietary needs. Wine and beer on board is local and the meal is finished off with tea and coffee, and a dessert created by local Sweet Soul Patisserie.

If you feel like giving something a little different a go, the Tramway Restaurant is a must try. There’s nothing quite like sightseeing the central city at dusk and enjoying a great meal in good company.

Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

Departs from Tram Stop 1, Cathedral Junction Shopping Mall, Christchurch Central City

Nearby Places

Fluffy Bake Shop

Customers ordering at the counter at Fluffy Bake Shop.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Christchurch-dwellers or visitors to the garden city with a penchant for pastries, Fluffy Bake Shop needs to be at the top of your must-visit list.

Fiddlesticks

Close up of food being served Fiddlesticks in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

With a focus on modern New Zealand cuisine where presentation is key, there are plenty of creative menu choices from breakfast through to dessert.

Smash Palace

Lots of customers seating outside on tables.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

For the novelty of having your local beer served from the window of a bus, look no further than Smash Palace.

Restaurant O.G.B

View of Restaurant O.G.B
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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.

Similar Places

Civil and Naval

The building exterior of Civil and Naval in Lyttelton
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

This Lyttelton spot offers a well thought-out sharing menu dotted with memorable plates along with excellent wine, beer and cocktails.

Child Sister

Costumer at the wooden counter ordering.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Seeking a calm environment with aesthetically-pleasing interior decor, complete with incredible coffee and delicious food to match? Then look no further, Child Sister has...

Tom's

A sandwich and menu sitting on a blue table.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

If you are a sando aficionado and find yourself in the South Town area of Christchurch city centre, keep an eye out for the striking cobalt blue hue of Tom’s.

Swoon Store

Two women browsing the shelves at Swoon Store Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Everything you need to know about this store is in the name.