Exploring The Terrace: An Insider’s Guide

Anchoring the first level of The Terrace, Craft Embassy is your destination for all things finely brewed. This award-winning bar has its pulse on New Zealand's craft beer scene, offering an ever-changing array of 30 independent, locally brewed beers on tap. The carefully curated selection features everything from the crisp tang of pilsners to the dark richness of stouts - a feast of flavours that keeps the discerning beer-lover coming back for more.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is just a beer haven, though. The Craft Embassy's charm is its friendly inclusivity. Even if you’re completely hops-averse, you will not leave disappointed. The cocktail of the week is always an impeccable choice, and their Aotearoa-heavy wine list simply cannot be faulted. 

Live music Friday nights at The Craft Embassy are definitely a highlight. Think carefully curated acoustic selections while you kick back with some mates over a pint, and you’ve got the vibe. Not to be outshone, the food menu, full of classic favourites done exceptionally well, is 100%  worth checking out. The burgers are bangin’, the vege options are deliciously innovative, and honestly, the whole menu is pretty damn fine.

Hidden amongst Christchurch's vibrant nightlife on The Terrace, Little Andromeda Theatre is an intimate hub for innovative performing arts. Its small-scale seating capacity creates a personal connection with up to three performances each night, ranging from heartfelt plays to wild improv shows and top-tier comedy acts.

Run by local director Michael Bell, Little Andromeda is a champion of both emerging and established artists. The theatre's unique charm lies in its versatile offering of shows - from the monthly Dungeons & Dragons sessions led by comedians to intimate poetry readings, dance performances, and more. You can even just drop by to enjoy the vibrant theatre buzz in their bar, which opens two hours before the first show of the evening. 

Nestled amidst Christchurch's hippest restaurants and bars, Little Andromeda is a cornerstone of the city's performing arts scene, offering an experience that's not just entertaining but also heartwarming and memorable. Plus, knowing that 75% of your ticket price goes straight to the performers on stage adds a warm glow to your evening out.

Ensconced in the heart of the city, Amaterrace provides a vibrant escape into a world of culinary mastery. This Japanese steakhouse and Teppanyaki restaurant is a favourite amongst Cantabrians for its exceptional quality and authentic tastes. Showcasing an array of fresh and traditional Japanese dishes, Amaterrace brings an electrifying experience to your table. The atmosphere, livened up by the brilliant teppanyaki chefs at work, is a spectacle in itself that enhances the overall dining experience. 

The mood is elevated by the intimate nooks and the enchanting views of the Avon River from the upstairs balcony, creating a setting that's as flavourful as the food. The diverse menu, featuring a comprehensive selection of sushi, sashimi and grilled fare, is sure to entice the taste buds of even the most discerning diner. Carving out an exclusive spot in the central city, this eatery has solidified its status as a must-visit locale for food lovers and those seeking a unique dining experience. Amidst the ambient hum of satisfied diners and sizzling steak, one thing is clear - at Amaterrace, dining is not just a meal, it's an event.

Photo: Stock by Anna Briggs

The Avon River Park Terraces serve as a tranquil oasis in the middle of Christchurch's bustling city centre. This spot is more than just a pretty face, it's a lesson in landscape engineering, a testament to the city's commitment to harmonising urban development with the native ecology. The shared zone along Oxford Terrace, once a typical street, is now an inviting riverfront promenade, encouraging pedestrians to linger and savour the unique vibe of the garden city.  

Overlooking the river, the terraced structures are a visual treat. Crafted from stone, they echo the dialogue between city and river, providing spaces for public gatherings and quiet contemplation alike. Step onto these terraces, and you're not just closer to the water but part of the city's rhythm.  

The beauty is in the details - with the innovative rain gardens subtly enhancing the cityscape and Te Reo seamlessly incorporated into signage and place markers, subtly emphasising the city's rich cultural heritage. Encompassing the iconic Bridge of Remembrance, this revamped outdoor space is no ordinary park - it's a celebration of Christchurch's past, present, and future, all intertwined within an intimate, vibrant cityscape.

Tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of The Terrace, King of Snake serves a captivating blend of Euro-Asian cuisine that's earned a special place in the hearts of Ōtautahi locals. The restaurant's chic interior, featuring an exotic mix of South-East Asian influences, creates a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere that mirrors its refined culinary offerings. 

Even before you enter, the allure of King of Snake starts to unfold. With its strategic positioning, it's more than just a dining destination, but a vantage point capturing the lively pulse of the central city. Open 7 days a week from 12pm till late, this local institution invites you to delve into its luscious food landscape or simply unwind with a drink at the bar.

The tastefully curated selection of dishes captures the spirit of South East Asian cuisine while adding a unique, modern twist, resulting in a combination that’s truly mouthwatering. Innovative takes on classic dishes, paired with their sinfully good signature cocktails, have made King of Snake a favourite for both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. And, knowing that it's the restaurant's second iteration, locals and first-time visitors alike can attest to the continuous evolution of King of Snake's culinary legacy.