BEST COCKTAIL BARS CHRISTCHURCH

Kong on Hereford Street is an Art Deco-inspired cocktail lounge capturing the glamour of the 1930s prohibition era with contemporary touches and King Kong-themed elements. The sophisticated venue features leather booths, theatrical cocktail presentation with smoke bubbles and floating florals, and refined sharing plates designed to complement drinks. Located at 76 Hereford Street on The Terrace, Kong operates extended hours and accommodates events, with handcrafted cocktails prepared by expert mixologists creating a memorable nightlife destination.

Gin Gin on New Regent Street in Christchurch's heritage precinct is a specialist cocktail bar stocking over 100 gin varieties alongside local craft gins, New Zealand beers, and wines. The venue features Art Deco-inspired interiors with velvet seating, pastel furnishings, and whimsical décor creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Open daily from midday or 3pm depending on the day, it offers a full food menu emphasizing local and sustainable ingredients from local suppliers. Weekly entertainment includes live music every Friday and Saturday, plus jazz nights every second Sunday.

Vesuvio Jazz & Tapas Bar is a European-inspired venue located in Christchurch's only remaining original 1930s brick courtyard. Set within the historic Papanui Road location, the bar features a heated sheltered patio adjoining a relaxed lounge that transforms into a sophisticated evening destination. An extensive wine selection pairs beautifully with expertly crafted cocktails and delicious tapas offerings, while live jazz music plays throughout the week, enhancing the refined atmosphere. The sun-drenched courtyard becomes a sun-soaked lounge as evening falls, creating an ideal setting for wine lovers and those seeking quality tapas in an elegant, culturally-inspired environment.

The Dirty Land in Christchurch's central Victoria Street is a sophisticated cocktail bar housed in a meticulously-crafted space featuring exposed brick, heavy red curtains, and moody candlelit ambiance. The venue specializes in handcrafted cocktails, French Champagnes, and an impressive array of luxury international spirits, complemented by a nuanced wine list. Located at 131 Victoria Street, it operates Tuesday through Saturday with personable and professional service. Weekend live DJ performances, alongside connection to the adjacent Mexicanos restaurant, complete the refined drinking experience.

Austin Club is Christchurch's underground cocktail bar hidden beneath High Street in a converted disused underground station, accessed down a laneway beside Glassons. The 1950s-themed basement venue features dim lighting, dark wood, and a glamorous speakeasy atmosphere with a graffitied stairway entry. Operating Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm, it showcases premium bespoke cocktails with a seasonal rotating list, live entertainment nightly, an impressive array of atypical spirits, and exclusive cocktail club membership programs and masterclass experiences.

Red Light District at 123 Victoria Street in Christchurch is a hidden speakeasy bar accessed behind a laundromat facade, featuring striking Chinese-inspired interior design with beautiful red lanterns evoking turn-of-the-century Shanghai. The quirky venue combines the aesthetic of a secret opium den with an excellent cocktail program, offering unique and thoughtful drinks at good value. Open 5pm to midnight, it provides dim lighting and an intimate setting, with snacks available from the nearby You Hanoi Me Vietnamese restaurant.