In the years since the earthquakes of 2010 and 2012, Christchurch has undergone an amazing transformation with a variety of new structures going up, and modern renovations taking place. The events scene has also experienced a revival, with some of the country’s best food and wine, music, and conference events all taking place in Christchurch.
We’ve scanned some of the city’s best new and existing venues to bring you our pick for top five event spaces in Christchurch for 2017.
Not in Christchurch? Check out our Top 10 Event Venues in Auckland instead.
The Tannery
A hub of retail shopping, restaurants, cinema bars, brewery, and boutique event spaces; The Tannery opened in 2009 with a history that dates back to 1894 as, you guessed it, the city’s leather tannery.
The Tannery has four event spaces for hire. There’s Atrium, that seats 600 guests and is decorated in Victorian-era French tiled floors, mahogany shop fronts, stained glass, bespoke iron arches and iconic glass roof. There is the 180 sqm conference facility Metropolitan Lounge that opened last year, Blue Smoke bar is for reception-style events for up to 200 guests, or the AGA Kitchen private dining room by Cassels & Sons Brewery for larger functions.
With 170 car parks, additional conference parking facilities, and convenient shuttle and coach accessibility, The Tannery is just a short ten-minute drive from the CBD, Christchurch’s beach suburbs and the recreational grounds of the Port Hills.
https://thetannery.co.nz/functions/
The Atrium In The Park
Atrium In The Park is a Christchurch staple for formal events. It has three spaces, the Oak Room, Acorn Room, and the Fern Room. Everything is catered in house by the Victoria Food Service and can seat anywhere from 12 to 200 people.
Why choose The Atrium? It has spectacular views across Hagley Park, and can take on anything from a formal wedding to a work conference. Everything is done in-house and for those wanting a one-stop shop for their event planning, this is it. These guys have been in the game for a long time, and know what you need.
Omarino Wine Park
Christchurch is surrounded by plenty of world-quality vineyards, but one stands out as an excellent event venue – Omarino Wine Park, just a twenty minute drive from the heart of Christchurch.
Unlike inner-city venues, heading out to Omarino Wine Park gives you a rural setting overlooking a lush garden and fully functioning vineyard. The newly built marquee can seat up to 200 people, and is ideal for a summer wedding, food or wine celebration, and even live music events.
Britomart
Christchurch’s luxury new development is so new that parts of it are still not open to the public. Lying between the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland’s lower CBD, Britomart is a 6.5-hectare waterfront precinct of heritage buildings, new developments and open and intimate public spaces.
Inside the Britomart compelx is the ‘Quay’ Building Project – a multipurpose event space that offers beautiful panoramic views of the Waitemata Harbour. High ceilings and exposed beams create a cool, raw function space that is perfect for art shows and product launches, as well as dinners and Christmas parties.
Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, this unique space is ideally located for after-work drinks and cocktails. Quay Building Project is a blank canvas that with a little imagination can be transformed into an area that will offer an event to remember.
Arts Center Great Hall
Like something out of Harry Potter, the Christchurch Art Center’s Great Hall is a venue that guests are unlikely to forget. The newly-restored Great Hall is a magnificent venue for special events, offering a unique heritage setting with proven acoustics and wonderful surroundings.
With polished wooden floors, stained glass windows, and soaring arched ceilings; the Great Hall has host festivals, night markets, formal sit-down dinners, and music events. The dramatic setting is a great backdrop to just about any event, and has only recently been made available for hire.
https://www.artscentre.org.nz/hire/hire-the-great-hall/
Image via www.artscentre.org.nz
With world-famous vistas, a young and energised population, and massive offering of innovative and exciting new venues, New Zealand is leading the way with globally-recognised events market. For more inspiration for local functions, check out The Top 10 Event Venues in Auckland 2017.
