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 Top bar in the heart of the city |
130 Oxford Terrace Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 377 9898 |
This is one of the hottest and most popular nightclub on Oxford Terrace. This is a fiery bar/nightclub, and the resident DJ Cyan definitely livens things up with his blend of Commercial House and Trance. Friday and Saturday nights are the best if you are after some packed dance floor moments, and you will be lucky to find the bar some nights, such are the crowds. When you finally find the bar, there are some very tasty drinks waiting for you, including "KGB", "Tattoos" and "Vodka and Ice" for only NZD3. They also stock a range of New Zealand beers—Steinlager, Canterbury Draught, Export Gold and the like. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fine New Zealand wine with rustic ambience |
South Quad of the Arts Centre Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 0566 http://www.annieswinebar.co.nz |
Noted for its fine selection of New Zealand wines, this charming wine bar and restaurant is housed in a picturesque Victorian building that forms part of the old University. A successful blend of casual appeal and refinement, Annies exudes warmth and rustic charm. Subdued lighting complements an interior featuring native timbers, recycled brick and stained glass feature windows. The cuisine is eclectic, revolving around the Pacific and the Mediterranean. A good, affordable supper menu is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Littlefield |
 Vital arts and crafts market |
Market Square Christchurch Arts Centre Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 0989 http://www.artscentre.org.nz/W... |
Every weekend, the people of Christchurch head for market day at the Arts Centre, to soak up its charm and relaxed atmosphere. In the summer, crowds swell to over 20,000. Alongside the many live performers, colourful stalls set up in the Market Square offer a dazzling variety of arts and crafts, from handmade candles to hammock chairs. There is also an International Food Fair, with stalls selling inexpensive food from Thailand to Lebanon. The market spills out onto Worcester Boulevard, where local artists and woodcarvers have their works on show along the Arts Centre's exterior walls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ana cerveira |
 Photo: amitbanerjee_in |
 Ye Olde English Inn |
86 Gloucester St (Cnr of Oxford Terrace) Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 377 1493 http://www.bardonavon.co.nz |
An archetypal English pub in the most English of New Zealand's cities, the Bard would not look out of place in Shakespeare's own Stratford. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jen Tidman |
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Top local and international techno talent |
674 Colombo St Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 377 7149 |
This is one of the most respected clubs in the city for showcasing local talent, as well as top national and international acts. There are plenty of resident DJs, all with their own distinct sound, from Hawkes, Pooley and Lippa (Trance and Hard House), to the "Drum n Bass" stylings of B-line, Pots, D-tour, Mr Steel and Solidstate. If you are looking for Commercial House-type of music, then you are certainly in the wrong place; Oxford Terrace is more your style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Best coffee in town |
150 High St Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 1917 http://www.c1espresso.co.nz |
A contemporary, go-ahead coffee house that markets its own special brand curiously named C4 Krank. They have a skateboard as a door handle and old worn chairs with formica tables to match. Beside the counter there is an astounding collection of coffee makers and grinders. C1 Espresso is a busy, funky little place that is relaxed and friendly (with a designated area for smokers). Here you will find arguably the best, cheapest coffee in town, with an espresso costing just around NZD2.50. There is an all-day breakfast and a small but good array of standard cafe fare: flatbreads with pesto and gourmet sandwiches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Music for the soul |
86 Kilmore St (Christchurch Town Hall) Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 355 7581 http://www.chambermusic.co.nz |
Chamber Music New Zealand has been bringing artists of international repute to New Zealand for decades. Past visits have included artists such as the Amadeus and Wihan Quartets, Yehudi Menuhin and the Nash Ensemble, as well as the New Zealand String Quartet and New Zealand Chamber Orchestra. Christchurch receives five concerts a year, with New Zealand works always featuring in one or two programmes. The quality of the performances ranges from the very good to the brilliant, and thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand tickets are affordable, with concessions for those under 26 years of age. Admission: A Reserve NZD40; B Reserve NZD30; concession NZD16 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Elegant boutique setting for a wager |
30 Victoria St (PO Box 4141) Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 9999 http://www.chchcasino.co.nz |
This boutique casino has a special dress code of smart attire that helps to give a touch of class to a night of gambling. Restaurants and bars provide a range of food from light bar snacks to sumptuous meals. Open 24 hours, the casino provides a free, evening shuttle service to and from local hotels. Patrons can try their luck on the gaming machines, Blackjack, Roulette, Stud Poker, Tai Sai, live Keno or at the Money Wheel. The casino has a wide range of classy entertainment. It is a great place to visit even to enjoy a meal in the opulent surroundings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nachitavaldes |
 A satisfying symphonic experience |
47 Hereford Street Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 3 379 3886 http://www.chsymph.co.nz/ |
Since the mid-1990s, with the recruitment of a number of players from Eastern Europe, this semi-professional orchestra has achieved an impressive level of performance, delighting audiences with repertoire ranging from the Baroque to the present day. Currently the orchestra plays around 15 concerts a year, divided into four series, at the Christchurch Town hall. The programmeming includes the more serious Masterworks concerts, centring around a major symphonic work and concerto, and feature artists with international standing, such as Julian Loyd Webber and Vladimir Kamirski. There are also the lighter and more varied programmes of the Proms. Make your bookings online at https://www.ticketek.co.nz. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ioniriq |
 The best in contemporary cinema |
Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Arts Centre Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 0167 http://www.artfilms.co.nz |
This is a truly modern arthouse theatre—small and intimate with a good-sized screen, showing high quality contemporary foreign films. Nestled opposite the Southern Ballet Theatre at the heart of the Christchurch Arts Centre, the theatre was originally built as an Electrical Engineering Workshop for the old University of Canterbury. Later, it witnessed the first television network broadcast in Christchurch. You will find the bare essentials only when it comes to movie treats at the snack bar. Cash payments accepted—no credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Entertaining professional theatre company |
20 Worcester Blvd Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 963 0870 http://www.courttheatre.org.nz |
Established in the early 70s, the Court Theatre is a fully professional theatrical company under the expert direction of Cathy Downs. The company comprises an outstanding group of actors, and stages around nine plays a year, ranging from lively productions of Chekov and Shakespeare (for which they have received international acclaim) to the work of contemporary playwrights. The venue is comfortable and spacious, and has two theatres: one seats around 300 people, while the other more intimate theatre space is used for alternative productions. The facilities include a bar and coffee bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Artiii  |
 Photo: Bobs World |
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Popular inner-city night spot |
126 Oxford Terrace PO Box 222-79 Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 3 366 6055 http://www.coyotes.co.nz |
By day, this relaxed restaurant transforms into one of the most popular nightspots in the city, and claims to 'howl to the break of dawn'. Dine outdoors or indoors overlooking the beautiful Avon River in an award-winning, adobe-style environment. The interior design resembles that of a saloon with clay-like textured walls and open ceiling beams. Meals range from New Zealand-flavoured entrees, such as West Coast Whitebait Omelette, to mains such as Canterbury Lamb. Also on offer are a delicious range of salads and desserts, and a fully stocked bar full of a fine selection of New Zealand wines, as well as beer and top-shelf spirits. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Promoting local talent |
Merivale Community Auditorium Aikmans Road, Merivale Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 337 2783 |
This is a well-established community theatre group that has been around since 1948. Mounting four major productions a year, with a mixture of comedy and drama, Elmwood Players like to encourage talented young local playwrights and regularly enter a home-grown one-act play in the New Zealand Theatre Federation Festival of Community Theatre. The productions are staged in the Merivale Community Auditorium, a flexible performing space with semi-circular seating for around 145 people, but this is 'staged down' when a more intimate setting is required. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Popular with the backpackers |
Corner Manchester and High Streets Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 9489 |
A former historic building, saved from demolition by the council several years ago, the Excelsior is a lively bar popular with Backpackers from the hostel upstairs and sports fans alike. Dedicated to sport, the bar has large television screens viewable from most angles. Rugby memorabilia, particularly involving the Crusaders, also adorns the walls. Very much orientated towards beer drinkers, the pub has a good selection of draught and bottled wines and spirits. Bar snacks available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wild West Theme Pub |
172 Cashel Street Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 371 9301 http://www.grumpymole.com |
Yee-hah! This is a theme bar with attitude! The Grumpy Mole Saloon evokes the days when men were men and the west was indeed wild. If you ever fancied sidling up to a bar and getting the bartender to slide a sipping-sour down the polished bar to you, then head on down to the Grumpy Mole. Wood everywhere! Yes, the Wild West theme is taken to the max, with Totem Poles and Tipees, Blunderbusses and Cattle horns all adorning the walls and ceiling spaces. Its very stylised, quirky, camp and strangely appealing to all. As you would expect, the place kicks into life come sundown with regular happy hours, drinks promotions and special offers enticing the customers. A variety of New Zealand and imported beers, cocktails, wines and spirits are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luke Gardner |
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Christchurch's premier park |
Riccarton Avenue Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 941 8999 (Tourist Information) http://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks/H... |
Magnificent Hagley Park, where Christchurch folk walk, jog and play, covers 161 hectares of the inner city. Almost every sporting activity imaginable is played here, from petanque to New Zealand's national game, rugby. In summer, outdoor concerts are held in this English-style park, with its many large, beautiful trees. Declared a public reserve in 1856 by European settlers, city laws state that the park must remain intact. Features include a fitness track, an outstanding springtime woodland area, a perimeter track for walkers and joggers, Lakes Victoria and Albert, a golf course, a quaint band rotunda, tennis and netball courts and a cricket pavilion which is believed to be the oldest in the southern hemisphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kebabette |
 Photo: Christian Morley |
 Photo: Sandy Fish |
 Photo: Maureen Pierre |
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 Photo: kebabette |
 Photo: Wayne Roddom |
 Photo: Alasdair Milne |
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A display of flower power |
Various venues Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 5403 http://www.festivalofflowers.c... |
Experience Christchurch in full bloom. For a city internationally renowned as the Garden City, this annual event is a true celebration of its floral excellence. This upcoming show will feature more than 30 events in various venues around the city. There are some dazzling displays, including the Christchurch Cathedral floral carpet, where volunteers construct a living carpet down the aisle of the church. There is great family entertainment at the Botanic Gardens Big Day, and the flower fairy's magical garden. Also, garden enthusiasts can tour some of Canterbury's prized gardens for a practical demonstration of flower power. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Christchurch's premier sporting venue |
Stevens Street Phillipstown Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 3 379 1765 http://www.jadestadium.co.nz |
To Cantabrians (local people) it is Lancaster Park; to the rest of world it is Jade Stadium--the stomping ground for major sporting events such as Super 12 rugby, and international rugby and cricket. Jade Stadium is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment, aspiring to the title of the ultimate spectator stadium and sporting landmark. The ground currently holds up to 30,000 screaming sports fans, with all facilities catered for. Jade Stadium is notorious for its vibrant embankment, with many a visiting team wishing they were somewhere else. Average Admission: Adults NZD15-25 (Embankment), NZD25-35 (Stand); family concession available. Gates open up to three hours before an event. Telephone for match fixtures. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: This'll Do |
 Photo: Somerslea |
 Photo: Tom Norman |
 Photo: Marie Silvestre |
 Photo: Kaylor Russell |
 Photo: clarasamazing |
 Photo: Roy Bowen |
 Photo: mboadway |
 Photo: seitznz |
 Photo: Amanda Ross |
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Intimate theatre in Christchurch Town Hall |
86 Kilmore Street Christchurch, Christchurch New Zealand +64 3 377 8899 |
The James Hay is the smaller of two theatres situated in the Christchurch Town Hall complex, built in the 1970s as Christchurch's premier venue for the performing arts. Fan-shaped in design, it seats around 1000, and has a lovely, intimate acoustic ideal for theatrical productions and chamber recitals. Regular users include Chamber Music New Zealand, Christchurch Operatic and Canterbury Opera. The Town Hall also has excellent facilities, including conference rooms, and a restaurant and café where performers often gather after the show. Call for programme details. Bookings can be made at the venue booking office or online at http://www.ticketek.co.nz Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively bar opposite casino |
31 Victoria St Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 5635 http://www.jollypoacher.co.nz |
Situated opposite the Christchurch Casino, the Jolly Poacher is a lively pub popular with office workers. It offers live music, big screen television for sporting events, and a pavement terrace where you can observe the action outside. The richly-timbered ceilings, deep-coloured walls and roaring fireplace (in winter anyway) give the pub a cosy feel which belies its size. Major sporting events aside, the "JP" exudes a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Behind the bar there is a good range of New Zealand beers, together with Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, as well as the usual wines and spirits. Bar food is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Live theatre for children |
The Malthouse, 71 Colombo St Beckenham Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 332 3271 http://www.malthouse.co.nz |
Home of the Canterbury Children's Theatre, the Malthouse Theatre Company has operated for many years from the historic premises made prominent by the Company's name. If you are looking for a suitable way to introduce your pre-schoolers or school-aged children to live theatre, this is it. Lively "child-centric" productions are staged here, and occasionally Malthouse Theatre Company performs at larger venues on several dates throughout the year. The most well known are the "cushion theatre" events, where your child will be entertained for just long enough to thrill, but not long enough to get restless! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nate Cull |
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Stylish, upmarket multiplex |
94 Worcester St Christchurch Square Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 0140 http://hoytsnz.ninemsn.com.au/... |
Owned by Hoyts, this four-screen multiplex is a little more up-market than its family-orientated counterparts, and makes a nice alternative to the usual movie-going mayhem. Recline in comfortable sofas and chairs before the movie. Sit around coffee tables or on bar stools enjoying something from their select range of coffees and sweat treats. The movies tend to be a better class of mainstream Hollywood fare, and the theatres are comfortable and welcoming, with a good distance existing between the screen and the forward-most rows of seating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bohemian-style multiplex |
250 Moorhouse Avenue Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 374 9409 http://www.rialto.co.nz |
Attracting an audience that leans towards the bohemian, the Rialto has its own distinctive style—not too flashy, yet with a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere and young, friendly staff. There are three moderate-size screens. Films shown at Rialto occupy the middle ground between mainstream and art house cinema. The confectionery/cafe area is licensed, and serves a little more than the usual theater food, with an affordable selection of savories on offer. Comfortable foyer seating and good atmosphere make this an excellent place to take in a movie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cosy Irish theme pub |
150 Manchester Street Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 7790 |
This cosy bar is a nice addition to Christchurch's pubs, with real character and a genuine Irish feel. A pool table, table football and live bands give the pub lots of atmosphere--great for the craic! Many Irish images adorn the walls, with Guinness posters, maps and rural scenes predominant. A signpost points you to all the major Irish towns; it is easy to forget you are actually in the South Pacific. As you would expect, Guinness, Kilkenny's and Caffrey's beers are all on tap plus a few Irish whiskeys behind the bar. For those who want a break from the Irish theme, New Zealand beers and cocktails are also available. Bar snacks available, including samosas and fisherman's basket. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Non-stop Entertainment Season |
Various venues Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 371 1495 http://www.summertimes.org.nz/ |
Christchurch locals celebrate summer with a grand festival of free entertainment, from small lunchtime concerts to major events. Starting with New Year's Eve celebrations, SummerTimes keeps on entertaining audiences for more than two months. Some highlights include the Teddy Bears' Picnic, the Summer Theatre Season of Strawberry Fields, Melt, Opera at the Movies and Classical Sparks, plus lunchtime concerts every Friday and a series of brass and pipe band concerts. Events are held outdoors and, best of all, they are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The home of dance |
145 Gloucester Street Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 371 9452 / +64 0800 20 5050 (Freephone New Zealand) |
This is a classic French Renaissance style theatre, which exudes elegance and refinement. Built in 1907, its stylish interior features a central dome with Italian-style paintings of scenes from a Midsummer Night's Dream, and a marble staircase leading to the elevated dress circle. The theatre is probably best-known as a venue for dance, featuring regular visits by the Royal New Zealand Ballet. It also hosts productions by Christchurch Operatic and Canterbury Opera, as well as a range of international performing artists and touring shows. Facilities include a wine and juice bar and a sweets stall. Make your bookings through New Zealand Post outlets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Yolande Ruiters |
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Karaoke bar |
152 Manchester Street Christchurch, Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 0128 |
The Treehouse karaoke bar has been a run-away success in Christchurch. The decor is admittedly very '80s, and it is hard to tell whether this is a deliberate tongue-in-cheek move. Posters of Queen, Michael Jackson and Madonna adorn the walls. Maybe they are there to provide inspiration? The clientèle is rather surprising. Younger punters, especially the student community, have embraced the venue. It is one of those hangouts no one admits visiting—but everyone does. It offers a full selection of top-shelf spirits. Beers on tap include Steinlager, Export Gold, Canterbury Draught and DB. They offer very good drink specials, including $12 shakers and 2 for $8 twisty shots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine coffee with a touch of Italy |
86 Hereford Street Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 365 8248 |
This stylish, discreet cafe takes coffee drinking very seriously, with its own special blends roasted on the premises. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Casual dining in historic harbour |
42 London St (Lyttelton) Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 7077 http://www.volcano.co.nz |
Sample the seismic food activity at the hottest spot in Christchurch. Located in a former grocery store and adjoining fish factory, the harbourside café is a happy miscellany of contemporary art, sculpture and eruptions of greenery. Multi-coloured Formica tables and vinyl chairs have been bravely resurrected for seating. The door leading to the toilets is marked "lava-tory." Snacks include Fab Fungi and Salsa Mussels. Hearty appetites will appreciate the big helpings of Spanish Kidneys and Bacon or Deluxe Nachos served with a lava flow of guacamole. Bring your own wine only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Prophet Of Dom |
 Photo: Jordan Gillman |
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New Zealand's largest indoor stadium |
Jack Hinton Dr Addington Christchurch New Zealand +64 3 377 8899 |
Opened in 1998, this multi-purpose stadium is New Zealand's largest entertainment centre, with seating for up to 8,500 people. It is an impressive venue, already hosting some of the big names in the rock business, including Bob Dylan and Janet Jackson. Ice ballet is also possible here using a state-of-the-art retractable ice floor. This was used to excellent effect in a recent production of Cinderella on Ice. As well as being an important venue for the performing arts, the centre hosts frequent international and national sporting fixtures and trade events. The premises are licensed with facilities for light refreshments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively street entertainment |
Various venues throughout Christchurch Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 377 2365 http://www.worldbuskersfestiva... |
Want to laugh and gasp at total strangers in the street? It is a perfectly natural response to the pavement antics of Australasia's largest international street performers' festival. This annual event promises the most dynamic line-up of international and national street artists to ever perform in one New Zealand city at the same time. There are nearly 300 street and stage shows, from master magicians to trapeze artists, throughout the day at The City Mall, the Arts Centre of Christchurch (The) and Cathedral Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Kitschy bar & club with harbour view |
19 London St Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 8818 |
Popular with the alternative set, this bar and club in the seaport of Lyttleton is open till three every morning, with cabaret, disco and live music in "The Back Room" from Thursday to Saturday nights. The ultimate in kitsch—lampshades made of curlers and doll's heads; walls padded with velvet cushioning. The bar area features a pool table and table soccer, with spectacular views of the harbor and surprisingly, a peak inside a supermarket. It's a great place for a leisurely afternoon drink. A good selection of beers and bar food. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nemone caldwell |
 Photo: nemone caldwell |
 Photo: superlocal |
 Photo: Nicholas Burrowes |
 Photo: www.symbolizer.com |