7 Unique Date Night Ideas in Christchurch

Head to St Asaph Street for a bite to eat and some live music. Start your evening at Space Academy and grab a slice from Pizza Trap, the in-house pizza joint serving hand-thrown sourdough pizzas. Once your belly is full, groove to the indie beats at this cosy little venue. From there, head across the street to Darkroom, a dimly lit bar and live music venue that’s a long-time favourite for local gigs and a good drink.

Just be sure to check online (social media is best) to see what’s on, as live music isn’t guaranteed every night.

If you’re feeling really fancy, book a table for dinner at Otahuna Lodge in Tai Tapu. Once reserved for overnight guests only, the historic estate now opens its dining room to outside visitors, serving a four-course, chef-prepared menu in your own secluded space. The menu changes daily with the seasons, with many plates coming straight from the lodge’s own garden and orchard. There are only a table or two available each night, so book well ahead - it’s one of Canterbury’s most coveted reservations.

If you’re in the mood for something low-key, why not try a beer over a board game? Dice and Slice in the SALT District calls itself Christchurch’s board game bar, with more than 250 games ranging from family favourites like Guess Who? to cult classics like Catan. Pair your game with artisan pizza and local craft beer or wine, then grab your date and prepare to battle all night. It’s worth booking a table, especially on weekends. Afterwards, pop a few doors down to Duck Island for a scoop of their small-batch ice cream.

Swap dinner and a movie for getting your hands dirty at Pottery Capital, a light and earthy ‘studio by the sea’ in The Barn at New Brighton Mall. Book a taster session on the wheel or a relaxed paint-and-sip session, where you can glaze and paint your own ceramics with a drink in hand. It’s fun, a little messy and a great way to unwind together - and you’ll each have a handmade keepsake to take home once your pieces have been fired.

You don’t need to travel far to take a distillery tour at The Spirits Workshop in Sydenham. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of the whiskies and gins made on-site, learn about the process and meet the makers too. Tours run Monday to Saturday and are best booked ahead, and you can even take home a bottle to enjoy later.

This charming central city street has all sorts of curiosities to keep your evening light and fun. Start with a lingering dinner at Twenty Seven Steps, or around the corner on Gloucester Street at Francesca’s Italian Kitchen, where you’ll enjoy expertly prepared meals and a dazzling array of wines. From there, wander over to a show at the Isaac Theatre Royal. This beautifully restored theatre, first opened in 1908, is enough of a marvel to simply stare at - let alone enjoy a concert or play inside. With musicians, ballets, comedies and plays taking centre stage, there’s something to entice everyone.

You’ll want to cap off the evening with something sweet, so head to Rollickin’ Gelato on Cashel Street for homemade artisan gelato in unique flavours, open late seven days a week. If you still can’t let the night end, head back to New Regent Street for a nightcap at The Last Word. With hundreds of whiskies and plenty of old and new world cocktails, you may need to stay for two. If the cosy lounge atmosphere doesn’t get you, the whisky will!

If art is your thing, you’re in luck in Christchurch. CoCA, the Centre of Contemporary Art, and Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū sit just around the corner from one another in the central city, and both have regularly changing exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Entry to the Art Gallery is free. Afterwards, stroll over to the Arts Centre and treat yourselves to a flight of hand-selected wines at Cellar Door.

With so many great experiences to share with your partner in Christchurch, think outside the box and try something new.