Christchurch and Canterbury
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Christchurch and Canterbury - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Christchurch and Canterbury - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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...
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.
This sophisticated meeting place in Oxford offers a vast selection of wines and craft beers served alongside excellent gourmet pizzas and live music....
This sophisticated meeting place in Oxford offers a vast selection of wines and craft beers served alongside excellent gourmet pizzas and live music.
Hip music and top-notch craft beers go nicely together in this cozy southern USA–themed bar. Add great food and a heady cocktail list for a...
Hip music and top-notch craft beers go nicely together in this cozy southern USA–themed bar. Add great food and 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.
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...
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.
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...
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 al fresco 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,...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
The Coyote serves good food during the day and then transforms into a popular bar, with live music on Wednesday evenings. At this writing Coyote...
The Coyote serves good food during the day and then transforms into a popular bar, with live music on Wednesday evenings. At this writing Coyote is within the cordon but intends to reopen on the same site as soon as possible.
If cover bands don't inspire you and original music is your scene, then this is the place for you. Tucked off the street (behind the...
If cover bands don't inspire you and original music is your scene, then this is the place for you. Tucked off the street (behind the Mobil Station), Dux has an industrial feel but there are good vantage points from both levels to watch the bands play. There's an outdoors area, too, if the music's too intense. The trademark Dux craft beers are available on tap and (champagne aside), the wines are all from NZ. The bar serves pizza, burgers, wraps, and seriously good nachos. The music could be anything: jazz, rock, reggae, punk, alternative, and so on, so it's a good idea to check the gig guide on their website to make sure the genre suits your taste. Get here early for a good seat.
For some natural suds in the city center try the Loaded Hog Bar & Restaurant. This brewery produces excellent beers such as Hog Dark and...
For some natural suds in the city center try the Loaded Hog Bar & Restaurant. This brewery produces excellent beers such as Hog Dark and Hog Gold and the food's pretty good, too.
The Russian contemporary "machine" theme is carried through this nightclub in its artwork and vodka selection (from 19 different countries). Don't worry, there are plenty...
The Russian contemporary "machine" theme is carried through this nightclub in its artwork and vodka selection (from 19 different countries). Don't worry, there are plenty of boutique beers to choose from, too. Live bands generally kick off the evening followed by a DJ; there's no excuse not to hit the large dance floor, but there are comfy leather couches that beckon. It's worth keeping an eye on their Facebook page and website for theme nights and there's usually no cover charge. It's a venue with a strict "no casual streetwear" dress code and you must be at least 20 years old. Don't try to get to this nightclub through the casino. Its entrance is on Peterborough Street at the back of the casino. For some reason it doesn't have its own official address.
Head to Minx Dining Room & Bar for cocktails or an excellent meal. The vibe is elegant and exciting and there's a flamboyant, pink, retro...
Head to Minx Dining Room & Bar for cocktails or an excellent meal. The vibe is elegant and exciting and there's a flamboyant, pink, retro cocktail lounge connected.
The Base along SOL stays open until morning three nights a week and has a good selection of visiting DJs and house sounds....
The Base along SOL stays open until morning three nights a week and has a good selection of visiting DJs and house sounds.
The Viaduct, with its ancient Greek columns and mosaic-tiled counter front, alludes to a more hedonistic time. But it's an easy place to kick back...
The Viaduct, with its ancient Greek columns and mosaic-tiled counter front, alludes to a more hedonistic time. But it's an easy place to kick back if you like the music a bit quieter or if you want to enjoy good food with your drinks.
The Victoria Street Cafe in the imposing atrium of the Crowne Plaza Hotel is a good spot to unwind with a wine or coffee....
The Victoria Street Cafe in the imposing atrium of the Crowne Plaza Hotel is a good spot to unwind with a wine or coffee.
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