Set Tails A-Wagging: Dog-Friendly Places in Ōtautahi Christchurch
This one goes out to all the good boys and girls of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
If you’re on the hunt for dog-friendly spots to take your four-legged pal (or simply want to be surrounded by happy, wagging tails), here’s our definitive list of cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants and more that welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Whether it’s a strong coffee and flaky pastry after a park walk or a pint and a bowl of hot chips with friends, you shouldn’t have to live with the guilt of leaving that sweet puppy face at home. Heck, they might even score a dog-approved ice cream or beer while they’re at it.
Frances Nation Cafe
Ozone Coffee
Soulful Coffee Shop Diamond Harbour
The Lil Brew
Dog-Friendly Cafés in Christchurch
Frances Nation Cafe
Located at The Arts Centre, Frances Nation is a great place to go after a spot of fetch in Hagley Park. There are dog treats available to buy at the counter, with plenty of space to sit outside and a big bowl of water for thirsty pups.
Ozone Coffee
A light and bright converted warehouse space with lots of room to lie and receive pats from passing patrons.
Peaches
The sibling of Frances Nation, this neighbourhood café in Linwood is dog-friendly too. Perch at an outdoor table with a coffee and Bellbird pastry after walking along the new City to Sea Pathway.
The Lil Brew Espresso Bar
Owned by the people behind Cocomutt Ice Cream, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that The Lil Brew in Redcliffs is pro-dog. Find their natural, plant-based dog ice cream in the freezer and then grab a sunny spot in the courtyard to lap it up.
Dune
Based in New Brighton, you’ll spot many four-legged friends ending their morning beach walk here.
Beat Street
For the cool city hounds, Beat Street (corner of Armagh and Barbadoes Street) could not be happier to make them a pupperchino.
Soulful Coffee Shop Diamond Harbour
Take your dog on a roadie out to Diamond Harbour, soaking up the stunning Banks Peninsula views along the way and park up at Soulful Coffee Shop. They make incredible smoothies and a smooth matcha.
Grizzly Buchan Street
This Grizzly location is outdoors only, making it great for dogs to gather while their owners order from the bakery window and proceed to smash a pain au chocolat.
The General Post
An idyllic destination out in Tai Tapu. Order a coffee and baked treat then head out with your furry mate to enjoy the morning sun on The General Post’s wraparound porch.
Smash Palace
Pomeroy's Pub
Scoundrel
The Church
Two Thumb Brewing Co
Dog-Friendly Bars, Pubs & Restaurants in Christchurch
Pomeroy's
This old English-style pub has an amazing atmosphere and heaves all year round (so just make sure your dog is cool with the bustling vibe).
Moon Under Water
These guys know how to treat their four-legged customers. There’s dog beer, treats, water bowls, and even a whole photo wall dedicated to their loyal and very cute regulars.
Scoundrel
A repurposed mechanics workshop that has been transformed into a neighbourhood eatery. Open from coffee until margarita hour, come any time of day with your pooch in tow.
The Church Pub
Constructed in 1875, this church has since been converted into a dog-friendly pub. Hallelujah. You might spot Winston, the very big (and very friendly) resident dog.
Smash Palace
Undeniably one of Christchurch’s greatest institutions, and the doggos agree. Owners drinking beers and happy dogs lounging in the sun. A glorious sight indeed.
Lillies
You won’t find many restaurants around that are dog-friendly, but this one certainly is. Expect your dog to get a lot of love and pats from the team. Expect yourself to sip delicious cider and wine, and eat some incredible food.
Punky Brewster
For lovers of craft beer (and local wine too), you can’t go wrong with a visit to Punky Brewster in Addington. A great spot for your pup too, if they love a friendly, buzzing atmosphere.
Two Thumb Brewing Co
You’ll be delighted to know all of Two Thumb’s brew bars are dog-friendly. So whether you’ve decided on Manchester St, Diamond Harbour, Colombo St or Redcliffs, you needn’t leave your friend at home.
Civil & Naval
On Lyttelton’s main drag, Civil & Naval has a strong ‘come one, come all’ policy that extends to your pet. Bring them along for a civilised evening – they may meet some new friends at the neighbouring tables.
The Laboratory
This charming Lincoln pub is loved for a lot of reasons. Great beers, wood-fired pizzas, a roaring fireplace, a sunny beer garden, boutique cinema… And they love dogs (big green flag).
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