Christchurch’s Art Galleries and Where To Grab a Drink Afterwards

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is the ultimate blockbuster when it comes to art galleries in Ōtautahi. Inside you will find a host of international and local artists to satisfy your penchant for sculpture, painting, multimedia, ceramics and more. Once you’re acquainted with their collection, wander about 10 minutes down the road to Victoria Free House a quintessential English pub serving up pints and charm in equal measure.

There’s a lot to appreciate at the Centre of Contemporary Art, affectionately known as CoCA. The promise of the radical and the reactionary is perhaps the biggest drawcard. Showcasing contemporary art since 1880, CoCA does what it says on the tin. Bringing the city a revolving door of artists that shock, delight, question and bewilder us in equal measure. Swing into nearby Miro for a cocktail of your choosing to truly digest the artistic spectacles you have just witnessed.

In a former engineering workshop in Sydenham, you’ll discover Jonathan Smart Gallery. Although the neighbourhood is typically more manufacturing than Monet, the industrial undertones mean the gallery is spacious and light-filled. And better yet, dripping with contemporary artworks. Jonathan Smart Gallery has a broad remit; painting and photography to sculpture, installation art and moving-image work. Afterwards, slip into Two Thumb Brewing on Colombo for a laid-back drink. With small-batch brews, local wines, and a beer garden, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Not to mention their burgers and hand-stretched pizzas make for some excellent post-gallery eating.  

Nestled within the neo-gothic architecture at The Arts Centre is The Central Art Gallery. The ethereal and welcoming space lends itself to an ever-changing display of contemporary artists. The dealer gallery focuses on exhibiting established contemporary New Zealand artists, but also keeps a keen eye on those up-and-coming in the art scene. Once you’ve had a perusal, seek out Canterbury Brewers Collective in Riverside Market for a crafty beer to bookend your art session. Famously coined “The Beer Man”, Chris Ruske will happily quench your thirst with a tasty brew.

Photo credit: The Central Art Gallery 

You may think you’re reading the wrong list with the inclusion of Absolution, but rest assured, you’ll find more than body art in their central city studio. Absolution boasts a gallery space with a rotating exhibition that changes every 4-6 weeks, and who knows, you may see some permanent art being scribed during your visit. Where to next? Cellar Door, just a skip, hop and a jump away. Take a wine flight and consider your next investment art piece (needles optional).

The Physics Room, with its beautifully leafy exterior, is a notable art space incubating innovative works from across New Zealand. Tucked away within The Arts Centre, the gallery seeks to promote artists’ works as a valuable voice in wider societal and political debate. Once finished, the Frances Nation Wine Bar (open in the summer only!) will be waiting for you.

The National has been celebrating contemporary art since 2004 and luckily for us, shows no sign of slowing. The dealer gallery is a delight to explore, specialising in jewellery and objects by New Zealand and selected international artists. Director Caroline Billing's objective has always been to exhibit both established and emerging artists, and the curious will appreciate the more experimental pieces at The National. A short walk away is Kokomo for New Zealand, Pacific and Asian cuisine with a twist. This place is great if you're in a group or a couple, so it would be rude not to indulge just a little.

For those wanting to flee the city for art, head to Little River Art Gallery on the Banks Peninsula. The gallery has a multitude of artistic disciplines from sculpture to painting, jewellery to photography for sale. There’s literally something for everyone to pour over and admire. Grab some takeaway craft beers from the Little River Store on your way out, and head over the hill to one of the picturesque bays for a drink with nature.