What to do and see in Christchurch, South Island: The Best Nightlife

January 31, 2022 Weston Hennigan

Christchurch abounds with arts, adventure, and optimism. It's the gateway to the beautiful Canterbury region, featuring dramatic vistas and adventure sports set against a backdrop of lofty peaks. In the central city, more and more attractions and businesses reopen to the public each day.
Restaurants in Christchurch

1. Paint & Sip Studio

The Arts Centre Level 1, 1 Hereford Street Central, Christchurch 8013 New Zealand +64 3-351 0879 [email protected] http://www.paintnsip.co.nz
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Paint & Sip Studio

Paint 'n' Sip Studio is Christchurch's one and only paint & sip destination! Start with a blank canvas and sip your way to a one of a kind masterpiece. A local artist will guide you step by step to complete the featured painting of the night while socialising with friends over a wine or beer! Fun, easy and no artistic ability or experience necessary! Scheduled sessions are Tues-Sat 7pm - 9pm. Painting calendar changes monthly.

Reviewed By ALWAYSTRAVELON - Christchurch, New Zealand

Fun night. Great leader that showed us many techniques that we needed. Great platters and full bar available. They are moving to the art centre next week which will be better for business. Highly recommend. I am really impressed with my painting.

2. Red Light District

123 Victoria Street, Christchurch 8013 New Zealand https://www.facebook.com/redlightdistrictbar/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Red Light District

3. Orange Studios

1063c Ferry Road Unit-3, Christchurch 8023 New Zealand +64 3-365 7974 [email protected] http://orangestudio.co.nz/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Orange Studios

This unique venue is a recording studio by day and at night hosts a wide variety of concerts, shows and events: jazz, rock, reggae, folk, or stand up comedy! Local and international touring acts stop by the studio to perform and record their music live in front of a small audience. Come along to be part of an exciting, live recording in a fun, friendly and supportive studio and performance space.

4. The Slate Room

160 Lichfield Street Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand http://www.facebook.com/The-Slate-Room-1413595048728082/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

The Slate Room

5. Catnap Cafe

391 Colombo Street, Christchurch 8023 New Zealand +64 3-260 2287 [email protected] http://www.catnapcafe.co.nz
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Catnap Cafe

Located in Christchurch, New Zealand, Catnap Cafe is the South Island's first cat cafe. Their mission is to provide a safe, fun and relaxing environment where cats and people can enjoy each other’s company and to increase adoption rates of rescue cats. They also offer all of the key aspects of a traditional cafe such as great coffee and delicious cabinet food.

Reviewed By VonRuski

Catnap is a truly special spot. Offering not only perfect coffees, other hot drinks, and delicious vegan and gluten free food but also the perfect environment for an incredible afternoon. The cat area, with its adorable and friendly residents is the perfect place to relax and unwind. A cuddle and play with any of the resident or adoptable cats can turn even the worst of days around and make a wonderful day even more memorable. This atmosphere is insured by the wonderful staff who are always friendly, warm and accommodating, popping into the area often to make sure not just you, but also the cats, are happy and enjoying yourselves. The cats are clearly the stars of the show here and every effort is made to make sure they are happy and cared for in every possible way. All but a few resident cats are rescues or strays from local charities that are adopted out to loving homes by Catnap. Their policies surrounding adoption are stringent and follow a cat needs focused mantra which is GREAT. This is also seen in the rules and organisation of the cat area. The number of people allowed in at once is limited to stop it from becoming too stressful and likewise you are not allowed to pick up the cats or attempt to force interaction with them, although every time I have visited they have happily jumped up on my lap for a cuddle so don't worry about missing out on affection. They also have high towers to climb and a separate cat only area to go if they have had enough of people. As an animal and cat lover it is great to see their needs being put first and their well being put so highly. The owners and staff will bring food and drink into the cat area for you and deliver it to your table when it is ready, and are more than happy to answer any queries about the cats and chat with you. The cabinet food is delicious and there are both savory and sweet options, I heartily recommend the chimichanga. There is a wide variety of plant based milk available, and even soy ice cream for the iced drinks if you are non-dairy. There are even souvenirs you can buy to remember your trip, including adorable postcards with paintings of the cats by a local artist. Depending on the time of day the cat area can get filled so booking is ideal, and luckily quite easy through either their website or giving them a call. While there are a few tables outside the cat area where you can have a "normal" cafe experience that is missing out on all the fun offered here. I would recommend booking in advance and making use of the whole 50 minute slot playing with feline friends and enjoying the wonderful refreshments available. Whilst I have always gone here on dates with my wife the families I have seen there have enjoyed themselves, and the cats seem like a great distraction for the kids to give parents a quiet time to sit and enjoy the ambiance.

6. Spanish Driver & Guide / Guia y chofer en espanol

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Spanish Driver & Guide / Guia y chofer en espanol

We are a Tourist Operator Company. We have our own vehicles and drive and guide on both islands. Our company adapts to our clients' itineraries. We also create travel itineraries adapting to the needs of our passengers. We have more than 7 years of experience and visible references in social networks. We are professional guide drivers for large or small groups as well as private trips.

7. The Court Theatre

Bernard St, Christchurch 8140 New Zealand +64 800 333 100 [email protected] http://courttheatre.org.nz/
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

The Court Theatre

Hidden in Christchurch’s suburb of Addington is New Zealand’s largest theatre company. In its post-earthquake refuge - an old grain shed – is a magical world of happiness, laughter, drama and intrigue, where numerous productions are staged each year. The Court Theatre is your theatre. Whoever you are.

Reviewed By chrishL8568UL - Bristol, United Kingdom

Whilst visiting family in Christchurch we were treated to an evening at the Court Theatre. What a lovely place – easy access, easy parking, nice spacious area for drinks and a freshly made pizza before the show and an excellently produced and acted production – Easy Money.

8. darkroom

336 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand +64 3-974 2425 http://darkroom.bar
Excellent
75%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

darkroom

Christchurch's premiere live music venue specialising in original alternative music from Christchurch, New Zealand and around the world.

9. The Poplar Social Club

Poplar Lane, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand +64 3-943 7831 [email protected] http://www.thepoplarsocialclub.co.nz
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

The Poplar Social Club

Here, at The Poplar Social Club we are completely dedicated to and somewhat obsessed with the craft of the cocktail in an environment with more than a tip of the hat to days gone by when ladies were dames and men were gents. This is a speakeasy, an establishment borne from the time when Prohibition was in force and selling alcoholic beverages was fraught with danger. Speakeasies were unlicensed saloons, so called because of the practice of "speaking easy" about such a place in public, or when inside, so as not to alert passing constabulary or neighbours. Speakeasies sported elaborate warning systems, yet despite these precautions, were frequently raided by Bureau of Prohibition agents and police and therefore required concealed passageways to provide escape. These hidden escapes were designed to lead patrons out to street level up to a block away to evade arrest. Many were so profitable they flourished despite being illegal and secretive. Selective memberships were sold to a "Social Club" as a ruse to purchase alcohol within the establishment.

Reviewed By Global794102

We visited this bar after having an average meal at Dux Central next door. This place more than made up for the average service and food we’d received at Dux. Max, the barman, made it such a good experience. He was friendly, charming and very knowledgeable about cocktails. Made us all a drink to suit which were all delicious. Will definitely go back here when we’re next in Christchurch.

10. Let's Roam Christchurch

Let's Roam Christchurch

Let’s Roam is an adventure and tour company committed to helping curious explorers discover new things and connect with others. Through digitally-guided scavenger hunt tours, scavenger hunts, virtual games, team building activities, and custom events, Let’s Roam guarantees memory-making experiences at your fingertips.

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