Event Dates
From: Thursday, November 12, 2026
To: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Christchurch Big Bear Weekend 2026
Always the highlight of the bears social calendar, inviting all bears far and wide for a weekend of fun activities
Christchurch Big Bear Weekend 2026
Bears Christchurch Big Bear Weekend is always the highlight of the bears social calendar, inviting all bears far and wide for a weekend of fun activities and opportunities to mingle, make new friends, and celebrate what it is to be part of a diverse and inclusive community!
- Visiting Christchurch for the Bear Weekend? Treat yourself at The George with stunning views and impeccable service. Alternatively try the Crown Plaza, with an ultra modern feel and Superb rating.
The Weekend
- Next Edition: Thursday, November 12, 2026 – Sunday, November 15, 2026
- Enjoy four days with the Christchurch bears, from opening drinks to a Methven pools trip, a heritage house tour and a barbecue dinner, finishing with afternoon tea in Kaiapoi.
- Meet the group at Retropolitan for Thursday’s opening drinks before heading out on Friday’s Methven and Pools Day Trip.
- Saturday combines the Riccarton House and Bush Tour with an evening Bears Dinner at Smoke ’n’ Barrel. Sunday brings everyone together for afternoon tea at Chateau Mathias in Kaiapoi.
- Bears, admirers, friends and newcomers are welcome. The mix of outings, drinks and shared meals gives solo visitors several easy ways to get to know the group.
- Plan for all four days: Friday’s excursion starts in the morning, and the final gathering begins on Sunday afternoon.
The Schedule
All times are Christchurch local time (NZDT).
Date & Time Event Venue Thursday 12th November 2026 19:30 Opening Drinks Retropolitan, Christchurch Friday 13th November 2026 09:00 Methven and Pools Day Trip Methven. Confirm the departure point with Bears Christchurch. Saturday 14th November 2026 10:45 Riccarton House and Bush Tour Riccarton House & Bush, 16 Kahu Road, Riccarton 19:00 Bears Dinner Smoke ’n’ Barrel, 616 Ferry Road, Woolston Sunday 15th November 2026 14:00 Bears Sunday Afternoon Tea Chateau Mathias, Kaiapoi. Confirm the address with Bears Christchurch. The Venues
- Retropolitan – A retro bar, restaurant and events venue in central Christchurch, hosting Thursday’s opening drinks. A sociable first stop for visitors joining the weekend.
- Methven and Pools Day Trip – Friday’s group excursion. Confirm the exact meeting point and included arrangements with Bears Christchurch before setting out.
- Riccarton House & Bush – 16 Kahu Road, Riccarton. The heritage house and neighbouring native bush provide the setting for Saturday morning’s tour.
- Smoke ’n’ Barrel – 616 Ferry Road, Woolston. The barbecue restaurant hosts Saturday’s Bears Dinner, giving the weekend its main evening meal together.
- “Chateau Mathias” in Kaiapoi, New Zealand is the affectionate nickname given to the private residence of Andrew Rusbatch.
Where to Stay
The central city is the most practical starting point for a first visit. The western side suits walks around Hagley Park and the cultural attractions; Victoria Street puts restaurants nearby. The programme includes Riccarton, Woolston and Kaiapoi, so budget for transport between your hotel and the individual events.
- The Mayfair – Contemporary five-star option with a restaurant, bar and fitness centre. A good choice if you prefer a modern hotel and a comfortable place to return between outings.
- Orari Boutique Hotel – Heritage house opposite Christchurch Art Gallery. Its smaller scale and central setting make it an appealing base for a weekend with time to explore on foot.
- Carnmore Hotel Christchurch – Modern accommodation within a stroll of the centre. A straightforward choice for travellers spending most of their time out with the group.
- Crowne Plaza Christchurch – Full-service city hotel for visitors who favour a larger property. Its central location works for a trip combining the bear weekend with independent sightseeing.
Getting Around
- Choose transport around each event’s meeting point.
- Central sightseeing is easy to combine on foot; use a taxi or rideshare for venues beyond your comfortable walking distance.
- For organised excursions, confirm whether transport is included and where you must meet the group.
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The George is where we stay when
we visit Christchurch. Very nice
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Big Bear Weekend, Visit Facebook
Gay Map of Christchurch
47 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
New in 2019, this 5-star boutique hotel is ideally located on Victoria Street in the city of Christchurch, amongst a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars. Sudima Christchurch City is just a short walk from Hagley Park and Christchurch’s CBD.
50 Park Terrace, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
The George, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has 53 stylish and guest rooms. All of the accommodation is spacious, features contemporary furnishings and has a modern bathroom. Guests can enjoy a range of modern in-room amenities including 42” LCD TV, digital movie system and complimentary bathroom toiletries.
42 Gloucester Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Orari Boutique Hotel is located in the centre of Christchurch, directly across from the Christchurch Art Gallery. Built in 1893, the heritage-listed home has been extensively refurbished and offers modern comforts including air-conditioning in all rooms.
213 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Located in Christchurch, 1.7 km from Victoria Street, The Salisbury Hotel business class features views of the city. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Free WiFi and room service
365 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
The Tack Rooms air-conditioned holiday home comes with a fully equipped kitchen with a washing machine, a seating area, a dining area and a satellite flat-screen TV. a fitness centre, a garden, and free WiFi, and free private parking
193 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
This holiday home includes 3 bedrooms with large double beds, a living room and a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a washing machine. Free WiFi and private parking
388 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
This air-conditioned luxury holiday home features a living room with a TV and sofa-bed, 2 bedrooms with double beds, a fully fitted kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine and 1 bathroom with a Shower. Free WiFi
27C Conference Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
This holiday home features 3 bedrooms, A living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with showers. Free WiFi and free private parking.
77 Victoria Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Christchurch NZ's only gay bar, open 4 nights each week, till very late. Cover charge applies Friday & Saturday nights after midnight. Otherwise FREE entry
28 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Live Music & Good Old Fashioned Hospitality. Mixed Gay & Str8
131 Victoria Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Christchurch's favourite Cocktail Lounge, TDL is locally owned by 2 Christchurch Families and employs 7 amazing people from all around the world.
76 Hereford Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Christchurch’s premier jazz club on The Terrace, Christchurch. An institution as infamous as old Fat Eddie himself. Centrally located in a prime position on the corner of The Terrace. The jazz club offers live music, an extensive drinks list, and stunning balcony views of the Avon River. The venue’s food offering won’t let you down either: from its grazing platters to its famous pizzas, Fat Eddie’s is a real crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthdays, functions and events.
Level 1, 98 Victoria St Christchurch, New Zealand 8013
Boo Radley’s Food & Liquor is an award winning bar & restaurant, inspired by the southern states of the USA, with a distinctly New Zealand twist. Located in Central Christchurch, we offer a great sharing plate selection made from the finest local ingredients, complimented with 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
6 Poplar Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Over 200 international and craft beers with a food menu so vast you are sure to find something you'll love... Meet at The Dux!
Recommended Hotels in Christchurch By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Christchurch that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Sudima
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-Star, Boutique Hotel, Victoria Street
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Free movies, flat-screen TV
- New boutique hotel offering modern amenities, perfect for a luxurious and comfortable stay
The George
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-Star, Stylish Guest Rooms, Luxury Amenities
- A short walk to the gay bars
- 42” LCD TV, modern bathroom
- Luxurious boutique hotel, member of Small Luxury Hotels, ideal for a stylish and comfortable experience
Orari Boutique Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-Star, Heritage-Listed, Modern Comforts
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Air conditioning, various room sizes
- Opposite Christchurch Art Gallery, combines heritage charm with modern comforts, for a unique stay
The Salisbury
4 Star, Location
- 4-Star, Garden Views, Kitchen Facilities
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Patio, garden view, kitchen
- Offers air-conditioned rooms with garden views and kitchen facilities, ideal for a cozy and convenient stay
Christchurch Big Bear Weekend
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