Sports bars in Christchurch
There's a specific kind of joy in watching a big game shoulder to shoulder with strangers who instantly become friends when your team scores. Christchurch has 11 sports bars where you can do exactly that. Below are the real spots — names, addresses, what kind of place each one is — plus how to pick the right one for game day. Names you'll see below include The Loft Bar, Wilsons, Robbies Riccarton Sports Bar & Restaurant, and 8 more across town.
The sports bars scene in Christchurch
We indexed 11 sports bars in Christchurch. The scene leans Bar and Café. You'll find them in Rolleston, Rangiora, Christchurch Central. The Loft Bar (Sports Bar) on Christchurch 8011. Wilsons (Sports Bar) on Christchurch. Robbies Riccarton Sports Bar & Restaurant (Sports Bar) on 87 Riccarton Road.
Sports bars in Christchurch
The Loft Bar
A sports bar 0.1 km from central Christchurch.
Wilsons
A sports bar 2.2 km from central Christchurch.
Robbies Riccarton Sports Bar & Restaurant
A sports bar 2.7 km from central Christchurch.
Shirley working mens club
A sports bar 3.4 km from central Christchurch.
Cashmere Club
A sports bar 3.4 km from central Christchurch.
Woolston Club Inc
A sports bar 3.8 km from central Christchurch.
New Brighton Club
A sports bar 8.1 km from central Christchurch.
Pulses Palace
A sports bar 21.5 km from central Christchurch.
The Brook Bar
A sports bar 23.4 km from central Christchurch.
Monza Sports Bar
A bar spot 0.7 km from central Christchurch.
Spectators Bar & Bistro
A café spot 3.1 km from central Christchurch.
How to pick a sports bar in Christchurch
Screens beat everything.
Count the TVs before you count the taps. A good sports bar has sightlines from every seat — if you have to crane your neck, keep walking.
Sound matters for big games.
Playoff games and finals deserve a bar that turns the sound on. Call ahead if the game matters to you; the best bars advertise which matches they're showing.
Arrive early for the big ones.
Championship games, derbies and rivalry matches fill sports bars an hour before kickoff. The regulars know this. Now you do too.
Food is part of the deal.
Wings, nachos, burgers — sports-bar food is its own cuisine. Kitchens get slammed at halftime, so order before the break.
Common questions
What is the best sports bar in Christchurch?
The honest answer depends on your team and your vibe — some bars are built for football crowds, others for hockey or basketball nights. The listings above show you every option with its address so you can pick by neighborhood and style.
Do sports bars in Christchurch show live games with sound?
Most do for major matches, but policies vary by venue and by game. If sound matters, call the bar ahead of time — especially for finals and rivalry games.
Are sports bars in Christchurch family-friendly?
Many are restaurants first and bars second, especially earlier in the day. Evenings and big fight nights skew adult. When in doubt, go before 7pm.
Photos: Michal Klajban via Wikimedia Commons. Venue listings by 
Foursquare.