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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

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Highlights

    • Car Rally
    • High Tea
    • BYO Picnic
    • Bears Dinner
    • Bears Tradies
    • Fantasy Party
    • Opening Drinks
    • Bears Wine Tour
    • Mr Bear Canterbury

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.

Event Highlights

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates – typically held over 4 days in mid November.
  • Highlights of the event include the opening drinks social evening where you can meet your new friends.
  • Saturday plays host to the “Bears Dinner” which takes place at a different restaurant each year from 7 pm.
  • Don't miss Sunday's closing event. Previous endings have included a BBQ and an Afternoon tea at some of the most famous venues in Christchurch.
  • Those who like adventure can enjoy everything from hiking to River Kayaking.

Popular Gay Bars in Christchurch

  • Christchurch's gay scene is modest yet welcoming, centered around a few key venues and community groups.
  • Most gay venues are close to the city center, making it accessible for both locals and visitors.
  • Menfriends: Situated at 21 Dundas Street, this is Christchurch's only gay sauna, offering facilities like a spa, steam room, and private cabins.
  • Flux: Known for hosting a variety of queer events like queer dance parties with a reputation for being a safe and inclusive space with friendly staff and good security.
  • Frigay Drinks: A social event organized for the LGBTQIA community, often held at different establishments. Check out the “Christchurch LGBTQIA social” Instagram page for event updates.

Where to stay in Gay Christchurch?

The gay scene in Christchurch is quite compact and most of the bars and clubs are located close to the central business district.

The following Christchurch Hotels are currently trending with our readers:

Sudima Christchurch City,   The George,   Orari Boutique Hotel   The Salisbury Hotel

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.

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50 Park Terrace, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

The George, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has 53 stylish and comfortable guest rooms. All of the accommodation is spacious, features contemporary furnishings and has a modern bathroom. Guests can enjoy a great range of modern in-room amenities including 42” LCD TV, digital movie system and complimentary bathroom toiletries.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

FACEBOOK

28 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Live Music & Good Old Fashioned Hospitality. Mixed Gay & Str8

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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.

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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

Website

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!

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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

Sudima Christchurch City
Booking.com
  • 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

The George
Booking.com
  • 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

Booking.com
  • 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

The Salisbury business class
Booking.com
  • 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

Salisbury Hotel

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