Culture
27 March 2025
Best boutique cinemas and theatres near Christchurch
Check out these epic boutique cinemas and live theatre experiences you can’t get anywhere else.
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Get your theatre fix in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Before the latest blockbusters were screened at the local Hoyts, there was an Odeon, Regent, Empire or Majestic in just about every town across the country. And as the excitement of movie-going grew during the mid-20th century, the appetite for live performances exploded alongside it.
Not much has changed these days. We still love a good dose of escapism from the real world, whether it’s from a screen or stage. Check out these epic boutique cinemas and live theatre experiences you can’t get anywhere else.
Lumière Cinemas, Christchurch
On the outside, The Arts Centre is a stunning collection of Gothic Revival-style buildings dating back to 1877. But on the inside, you’ll discover Christchurch’s first university is now full of galleries, museums, retailers, and an arthouse cinema!
Nestled in the West Lecture Block, Lumière Cinemas screen a boutique line-up of local and international films. Soak up the vintage ambience after a brew or cocktail at their in-house bar.
Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
At the heart of Christchurch’s arts scene is an iconic venue that’s hosted a spectacular range of shows and events for more than a century.
Over time, the Isaac Theatre Royal has attracted some of the world’s most acclaimed entertainers and storytellers! From musicals and plays to movie nights and comedy shows, there’s always something going on at the country’s only operational Edwardian-style theatre.
The Court Theatre, Christchurch
Hidden in an old grain shed in Christchurch is New Zealand’s largest theatre company. Formerly housed at The Arts Centre, The Court Theatre is a diverse company of artists who produce 19 productions a year!
There’s something for everyone at The Court, including musicals, children’s theatre, Māori and Pasifika plays, or Scared Scriptless – the country’s longest running late-night comedy show that’s entirely improvised. Keep an eye out for the brand-new central city location, opening in 2025.
The Mayfair, Kaikōura
The Mayfair’s bright pink art deco exterior is hard to miss against the backdrop of Kaikōura’s picture-perfect coastline. Behind the original 1930s façade, the arts and culture hub primarily functions as a cinema, boasting two state-of-the-art auditoriums and an exhibition space with unobstructed ocean views from the balcony.
Movies, art exhibitions, live theatre — prepare to be entertained and inspired amongst award-winning architecture.
The Piano, Christchurch
The Piano - Centre of Music and Arts is a key cultural hub in Christchurch.
The design of the building is inspired by the curves of a grand piano, the copper building is home to the Concert Hall and Atrium, the rest of the building houses the Civic Music and Arts facility and office spaces. The building is built to the latest standards, with high-level control of acoustics and temperature to guarantee a perfect concert experience.
The venue is not only a concert hall, the rooms can also be used as workshop spaces, lectures or drama classes. Soak in the atmosphere, sit back and relax.
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