Dog-friendly bars, cafés & restaurants in Christchurch

Christchurch is a proper dog town — flat, walkable, and ringed by the parks, beaches and hill tracks that make a coffee stop with the dog non-negotiable. These are the spots around the city that actually welcome dogs: water bowls out, room in the courtyard or on the pavement, and staff who won't blink when you walk in with one.

We've got 61 places across the city — strongest through the Central City and along the Avon, out at Sumner after a beach run, and over the hill in Lyttelton. Mostly cafés and brunch spots, with a good run of dog-friendly bars for an afternoon pint in the sun.

One thing: “dog-friendly” usually means the outdoor or courtyard seating, and it can shift with the weather or a new manager — worth a quick call ahead if you're making a special trip.