8 Best Bars in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand

Step into another world at this most Italian of nightspots, but it's good Kiwi live music you'll hear in the evening or on a Sunday afternoon. With its fabulous turquoise walls and ornate, carved wooden bar, first impressions are of Milan. Second impressions are that these people know their Italian food. A great place to go for lunch and dinner or tasty pizza and then stay on as it starts to rock as a bar. There's a big piazza-style courtyard and another bar out the back, complete with heaters to warm the evening chill. Later on the live entertainment changes from acoustic duos to DJs and a separate dance floor.

Be prepared for a taste of Southern American hospitality, complete with a well-stocked bar. The premise of boos is simple; whiskey, food, and music, and the experience here delivers on all three fronts. Add a heady cocktail list for a memorable night out. There's a good sharing plate selection, a huge range of bourbons, and excellent craft beers and wines. Don't expect to talk too much when the live music starts, as it can get pretty loud here. Open-mike comedy nights are fun, too.

This small Irish pub is a cozy spot to enjoy a night out, especially when the log fire is roaring. They're open until midnight every day and also feature the occasional live music act. Be sure to book if you're having a meal before a few drinks on the weekend, as it’s a popular spot. If you happen to be there on St. Patrick's Day, they put on a big night celebrating everything Irish.  

Christchurch's most popular jazz club is in a prime position on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Hereford Street. It boasts a big dance floor and top local and visiting artists every night of the week, from 6:30 pm and until late on weekends. This place is packed from around 9 pm later in the week, so it's worth coming early to get a booth and some of their tasty pizzas and New Orleans--inspired snacks. Make the most of the big beer selection, too.

Time for a wee dram anyone? Far from being a den for older whisky drinkers, The Last Word is, just as its name suggests, the ultimate place to go if you are an up-and-coming discerning drinker looking for something different. Christchurch's character-filled heritage row, New Regent Street, is the perfect location for this intimate whisky-and-cocktail lounge. There are dozens of hand-picked whiskies to choose from and some excellent cocktails, local wines, and beers on the menu, too.

Located in a charming neo-Renaissance building that overlooks Cathedral Square, this popular speakeasy-style bar relives a timeless yet bygone era of the inner city. Guests can dine alfresco while watching the trams and passersby, or, they can head for the opulent and dimly lit cocktail lounge, The Parlour.

The eclectic Saints Pizzeria and Bar is probably the closest thing to a nightclub in Hanmer Springs. It's open until 1 am Friday and Saturday, but it closes around 11 other nights. It has a dance floor and pool table and features a DJ some Saturday nights. It serves brunch and lunch, too, but not always during the week when it's quiet. Service can be a bit slow if it's really busy, but the wait is usually worth it.

Not your average bar, this Lyttelton institution prides itself on being different, some would even call it weird. Dolls' heads as lamp shades, a supersize Madonna, and 1950s newspapers on the bathroom walls give you an idea of the fun to be had here. There's live music just about every night. Pool and foosball tables will also keep you entertained as will the great views over Lyttelton port.