Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Rainbows and sheep, oh my! Pack your bags, honey, because we’re headed to Gay Christchurch, New Zealand! This city is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and trust us, you’ll never run out of things to do and see.
From the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps to the quirky street art and bustling markets, Gay Christchurch is a city that caters to all kinds of travelers, including us fabulous queers. But what truly sets this city apart is its diverse and accepting community.
You’ll feel right at home here, as you explore the many gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments, attend events and festivals, and soak in the local culture.
However, let’s get the sad news out of the way first by stating Gay Christchurch has still yet to fully recover from the deadly 2010 and 2011 earthquakes (and we are not sure it ever will…)
To be clear, the city was never a mecca for gay life in the way Sydney, Melbourne or even Auckland are, but when 80% of buildings in the central city needed to be demolished after the quake – so went much of the gay establishments in Christchurch.
Today, however, curious LGBT travelers will not only be rewarded with a chaotic, re-invigorated and surprising urban landscape where new attractions and dining destinations are opening almost weekly – but will also find a small yet tight-knit queer community working to ensure LGBT people in NZ continue to enjoy equal rights in all aspects of life.
When most gay bars and clubs in Christchurch were damaged in the earthquakes, the gay community here flocked to other venues and realized they felt just as comfortable – thus today, the one gay bar in Christchurch to re-open, if almost gay in name only and the old gay scene is unlikely to return anytime soon.
Christchurch Pride is trying, however, and is getting bigger and bigger every year, and is already worth planning a trip around – So we wish them the best of luck continuing this!
None of this is to say Christchurch is not worth a visit, and there are plenty of cool speakeasy bars, friendly locals, foodie hot spots and beautiful gardens to keep you busy for a few days. If that is not enough, why not hire a car within 2 hours of Christchurch? You can ski, bungee jump, hike, mountain bike, raft, surf, swim, golf, visit wineries, and see whales, dolphins, and seals!
What’s not to love about that?
In this article we will cover...
What To Do In Gay Christchurch
Are you ready for a gay old time in Christchurch? This city is ready to welcome all the fabulous queers, regardless of orientation, with open arms and a vibrant nightlife. And let’s not forget, exploring a new city is always a hoot and a half!
So, lace up those dancing shoes and get ready to sashay through Christchurch’s iconic landmarks, art galleries, and museums. Admire the stunning architecture, frolic in the parks and gardens, savor the local cuisine, and attend cultural events like festivals, concerts, and shows. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s culture and get to know the locals.
And don’t worry, we won’t judge if you still want to just wander around like a regular tourist. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than learning about a new city in a more traditional way. So, let’s go, cuties! Let’s explore Christchurch and all it has to offer!
P.S. You will probably need to hire a car to see the best nature in Christchurch, but there are many fascinating attractions in and around the city to keep most people happy for a few days.
Attractions in Gay Christchurch
Christchurch’s newest and most unique space to eat out. Experience eight different local and family-run businesses inside a modern marketplace with plenty of shared seating. One of the most popular nights out, and with delicious food to suit every taste!
Experience New Zealand’s rich cultural and natural heritage, and see rare Maori artifacts while learning the fascinating stories behind them. Not to be missed is Fred and Myrtle’s Paua House, a shell-adorned home living room.
An incredible exhibition tells the stories of heroism, hope, and loss from the Canterbury earthquakes. It explains the science and the phenomenon of liquefaction – when the shaking liquefied the ground and it bubbled up, burying streets and sinking buildings. A must-see in Gay Christchurch.
A showcase of the best street art in New Zealand helping to liven up what is an otherwise often dire landscape post Earthquake. Don’t expect anything like the insane laneways of Gay Melbourne, but the talented street art and mural have now become a strong element of the city’s ever-changing streetscape! Find the best pieces using this map.
Explore the Canterbury Plains scenic train, journey through the Waimakariri Gorge, visit a sheep farm and admire native birdlife in the foothills of the Southern Alps. A taste of South Island beauty all on one easy day trip!
A historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Sure, the secret might be out, and it can be pretty crowded on weekends, but its historic buildings, magnificent harbor, and passion for fine food will leave you entrenched. Best to hire a car for this one!
Founded in 1863 when a single English Take was planted, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens today is now one of the best in the world and contains an astounding array of plants that tempt visitors all year round. The rose gardens, conservators and water gardens are particular highlights.
Visit Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Ring’s fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Even if you are not a fan of the film, standing at the summit of Mt Sunday for 360-degree views over alpine lakes, mountain peaks, and high-country farmland is something you will never, ever forget!
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Christchurch city and beyond from the peak of Port Hills. Soak in the 360 degrees views, from the Christchurch skyline and Canterbury Plains on the west side to the sparkling Lake Ellesmere in the South and even out to the Pacific Ocean in the north.
Swim with Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphin in the world, on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In the clear waters of Akaroa Harbor, you’ll get to experience an intimate connection like no other – frequently rated one of the world’s best animal encounters.
Relax and unwind at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools just 90 minutes from Christchurch, where you can soothe your muscles at the Aqua Therapy Pools or cleanse your skin in the Sulfur Pools.
Summer or winter, they are perfect for visiting all year round (and for extra romance, you could consider staying overnight at Heritage Hanmer Springs – or just head to Gay Queenstown and their fabulous winter pride ski week.)
Indulge in a half day of wine tasting along the Waipara wine trail, renowned for its warm, dry climate and limestone-rich soils — ideal for growing the premium quality grapes that produce some of New Zealand’s most distinctive wines.
Gay Things To Do In Christchurch
The most active gay group in Christchurch, organizing monthly drinks, brewery tours, and coffee and movie events around the city. Bears Christchurch is a diverse and welcoming social group for gay men of all ages and their friends, so why not head along? WOOF!
Christchurch Gay Social Groups
There are a variety of LGBT social groups in Christchurch that might be of interest to travelers or longer-term residents. Bike riding, vegetarian dining, AIDS support and more.
Canterbury’s only gay and inclusive rugby union team. An inclusive team with the goal of enabling players to come together to participate and enjoy rugby in an open and supportive environment. Consider joining or going along to watch a match!
The Lambda Trampers and Lambda Lattes
A fun social tramping and walking group for LGBTQ+, and their friends, living in and around Christchurch. The Lambda Trampers go on day tramps of varying difficulty, while the Lambda Lattes go on shorter walks of about 2 hours and usually have a coffee at the end.
The second biggest Pride in New Zealand, after Auckland, is held annually in March. Inspiring, educating, commemorating, celebrating, and revitalizing the diverse LGBT+ community in Gay Christchurch, this is one event worth planning your trip around.
There is really something to pique everyone’s interest, including yoga, art shows, films, drinks, parties, seminars, dog parades and plenty of parties. Christchurch pride also organized other gay events throughout the year, which is always worth checking out.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Christchurch
In this very LGBT-friendly country, every hotel and hostel in Christchurch can be considered gay-friendly – after all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about providing friendly and open service and welcoming everyone with open arms!
There are no exclusively gay hotels in Christchurch. However, a few fabulous and inclusive hotels in Christchurch are well-known hot spots for gay travelers to stay, thanks to their location and style.
Many new hotels have opened in New Zealand recently thanks to the ongoing tourism boom, bringing a breath of fresh air into an otherwise tired sector – and this is doubly true in Christchurch, where new hotels have opened after the devastating earthquake.
Expect better amenities, international design and more competition, although there is still a hotel room shortage in Christchurch and across New Zealand as a while resulting in relatively high prices and limited supply in the peak period.
The following gay-friendly hotels and accommodations in Christchurch are only the most popular with gay travelers, but there are also hundreds of other hotels in Christchurch if you don’t find quite what you are looking for.
Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or a designer high-rise option to sip chic cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – Gay Christchurch is something for everyone!
A multi-award-winning luxury boutique hotel, and our favorite place to stay since there is no gay hotel in Christchurch. The essence of supreme comfort, the George is renowned for offering a personalized stay and attentive staff – all in the heart of Christchurch, overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avon.
Here will find a peaceful oasis with contemporary and elegant rooms, a gym, and two specialty restaurants… all just steps from the cultural precinct and key attractions of Christchurch. Impeccable service in an intimate ambiance is guaranteed at The George, which is also the only Christchurch Hotel with a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio.
An upscale, all-suite hotel with classic old-world vibes – effortlessly blending European flair with contemporary style. Unique in design and beautifully finished, Hotel Montreal offers stunning accommodations with refined elegance and muted tones.
There is also plenty of modern art, delicious food, and wine, all carefully orchestrated to provide a remarkable setting for your time in Gay Christchurch.
An Edwardian-era home on a residential street, this upscale bed-and-breakfast offers friendly service and plenty of unexpected touches to make your stay memorable. Heartfelt personal service and an easygoing at-home atmosphere are provided by Barry and Angela, probably explaining why Dyers is one of the best-reviewed B&Bs in Christchurch.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch ☆☆☆☆
A newly opened hotel in one of the tallest buildings in Christchurch, this hotel focuses on what’s really important – comfort, style, technology and free Wi-Fi! With stunning interiors and design features, spacious and modern hotel rooms and surreal views, everything here is bound to impress.
There are even three dining options, including a wine bar, all the latest in technology and surprisingly low prices most of the year compared to other hotels in Christchurch.
6 lovely, individually decorated B & B rooms in a Heritage Grade II-listed Victorian mansion built entirely of the strong native timbers Kauri and Totara. Tastefully decorated bedrooms of individual character, all with private en-suite bathrooms, affordable prices and warm owners.
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square ☆☆☆☆
A contemporary hotel in a concrete tower, close to the city center and the only gay bar in Christchurch. Very affordable, with clear, conservative rooms that all provide gorgeous city views, + there is a 24-hour bar, restaurant, fitness center, and games room.
A DoubleTree by LGBT-friendly Hilton brand hotel which provides a tranquil, resort-like stay on a 5-acre property – boasting a moat, a vineyard, and a beautiful rose garden. A charming escape from ordinary life, why not splash out on a suite with a jetted tub for a truly romantic stay?
An independently owned and operated contemporary boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch. Based on the boutique-style hotels found in the major cities of Europe, such as London, Paris, and Berlin, Hotel 115 stands out from the larger hotel brands by providing guests with a feeling of warmth, comfort and an element of surprise with each visit.
For something a little different, why not spend the night in a jail cell? Set in a former, Gothic Revival—style prison dating from 1874, this unfussy hostel offers basic dorm and private rooms at great prices, with the bonus of being easily able to meet up with other travelers.
If you are in Christchurch solo, want to save some money and don’t mind sleeping in a potentially haunted room, the Jailhouse Accommodation is a great choice!
Christchurch Gay Nightlife Scene
This city might not be the shining star on the gay travel map, but trust us, there’s still plenty of sparkle to be found.
With a progressive society, you won’t have to hide your love and affection in public. In most places, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Of course, there may be the occasional grump who doesn’t understand the beauty of love, but who needs those rain clouds on a sunny day?
Christchurch is full of LGBT locals who don’t feel the need to be confined to just one gay bar – which is good since there is only one! They prefer to mix and mingle with the rest of the city, making their mark on the nightlife scene. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of opportunities to have a wild and fabulous gay night out! And with the occasional visit from Theta Project from Auckland, the party just gets even better.
If you’re flying solo, don’t fret! The gay hook-up app scene is thriving and is a great way to make new friends, get invited to exclusive house parties, and join a group for a night out on the town. So go ahead, indulge in all the queer fun that Christchurch has to offer!
Gay Bars in Christchurch
Oh honey, Christchurch’s only gay bar, Cruz, is open Wednesday to Sunday, but let’s not get too excited. The DJ spins tunes from the 70s to the latest releases, but you’ll probably feel like you’ve heard them all before. And on Friday and Saturday nights, they roll out an “amazing” 80s-themed dance club upstairs, complete with disco and lighting effects that are, well, something.
In theory, it’s got all the makings of a fab gay club, but let’s be real – it’s lost alot of its sparkle. Much like the Family Bar in Auckland or Ivy Cabaret in Wellington, Cruz has become a bit of a straight hangout of late. This got even worse after the Earthquakes since it was one of the few clubs left standing. But don’t worry; the rainbow flags and weekend drag shows are still there to remind you that, at one point, this was a safe-queer space.
Now, here’s the tea: Cruz has a bit of a reputation for transphobia, which is just a bizarre and sad vibe for a gay venue. They actively promote anti-trans rhetoric on their signs outside and seem intent on splitting our beautiful rainbow community. With the rising violence against transgender people, it’s important to know that this place might not be the safest spot for our trans friends. So, if you’re still set on going, keep your expectations lower than a limbo bar at a pride parade, and remember that not all that glitters is gold.
Recommended Bars in Christchurch
A Christchurch institution with cold-craft beer, delicious food, and fun cocktails. There is a nice outdoor terrace, speak-easy with a discreet entrance, an Emerald cocktail space, and an old-school industrial brew bar. Day or night, whatever you are after – The Dux Central is always a good choice!
A southern-USA-styled bar & restaurant with a distinctly New Zealand twist. Exceptional cocktails, a large range of domestic and international craft beers, a hand-picked wine list and the largest selection of Bourbon Whiskey in New Zealand.
Try the Gingerbread Man Grown-Up Milkshake: Frangelico, Licor 43, gingerbread syrup, vanilla ice cream, topped with a hazelnut crumb and chocolate syrup!
Probably the most popular Jazz Bar in New Zealand, it re-opened again recently after the turmoil of the earthquake. Check out their Facebook page for events, which are anything but dull. In the same complex, there is also the popular restaurant Original Sin and the 1930s-themed cocktail bar, Kong.
Bears Night @ Volstead Trading Company
On the third Thursday of every month, the Bears Christchurch hold their monthly evening event, with a large selection of craft beers on tap, cocktails, and Mexican food.
A hyper-classy bar with mood lighting, great vibes, and high-quality spirits. They have procured an impressive array of imported beers, so you don’t need to visit Guadalajara, Cancun or Monterrey – but for us, you just can’t go past their insanely delightful cocktails. They can also procure fabulous Mexican food straight from Mexicanos next door!
A speakeasy-style bar & restaurant housed in the historic Old Government Buildings with old fashion service, carefully crafted food & drinks and live music. One of the most-talked-about new locations in Christchurch – and for good reason!
Arcadia Retro Arcade and Pinball Emporia
Are you looking for a gay-freindly bar with a twist? Look no further, because the Arcadia Retro Arcade and Pinball Emporia in Christchurch are ready to serve up a heaping helping of gay-friendly fun with a side of nostalgia. This electrifying establishment combines a classic arcade with a fully-stocked bar, making it the perfect spot for a night out with your besties or a hot date.
Get ready to relive your childhood as you relish in all the classic arcade games from the 80s and 90s. But don’t let the retro vibe fool you, this bar is fully equipped with all the latest and greatest pinball machines, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. And the cherry on top? The drinks menu, with everything from craft beers to cocktails and mocktails, will keep you lubricated for hours of gaming and grooving on the dance floor. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your quarters and hit up Arcadia Retro Arcade and Pinball Emporia for a night of fantastic fun!
Gay Sauna in Christchurch
Halleloo! Unlike Queenstown and so many USA destinations we visit … Austin, Nashville, Santa Cruz, Honolulu… there is actually a gay sauna in Christchurch. And it is pretty good!
While Grindr and other gay hookup apps have led to a closing of gay saunas and bathhouses worldwide, we are happy to report that that gay sauna in Christchurch is still rather popular! Use our gay map of Christchurch at the end to get a better look at the layout and to decide where to stay.
First time in a gay sauna? Take a look at our guide! And please, don’t try public gay cruising in Christchurch – it is illegal and not very safe. The most well-known locations are now frequented by police or have security cameras at them.
The only gay sauna in Christchurch now that the Box has closed, but luckily even with no local competition, Menfriends is still one of the best gay saunas in New Zealand. Located just out of the city center in Phillipstown, this is a relaxed space for men who are interested in other men, with friendly staff and laid-back clients.
A mix of all ethnicities and ages, though, like many gay saunas worldwide, it does tend towards older guys. At Menfriends, you only pay once and can stay as long as you like + they even offer a Pass Out service if you need to go do something else.
Spread across two floors, you will find lockers, a casual lounge space, a cruising floor, a hot tub, a sauna + steam room, a relaxed outdoor garden and a small adult sex supply store separate but in the same building called Alt Sex Cafe.
Events are held frequently and kept up-to-date on their website, but the most popular is their Sleaze Party. It’s big, and it goes off! Held on the first Saturday night of every month from 8 pm, it tends to get a younger crowd, and sexy guys in Nude / Fetish / Jock looks!
Gay Map Of Christchurch
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Gay Christchurch? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!