About 12 Bar
12 Bar is a craft beer and live music venue in central Christchurch’s entertainment precinct. Housed on St Asaph Street, it seats about 200 people indoors plus around 50 in a sunny outdoor beer garden . The pub opened around 2020 under local publican Matt Kamstra (owner of the Moon Under Water) as Christchurch’s only dedicated *blues* bar . The name “12 Bar” nods to the 12-bar blues musical form, reflecting the venue’s musical roots . Over the years it has become a hub for fans of NZ craft beer and live performances. Dog lovers and families also pack into this casual, friendly space (it’s officially *dog-friendly* ), enjoying the laid-back vibe in the courtyard and lounge areas.
The premises is a modern city bar on one floor. Inside, the decor is relaxed and industrial, with a stage at one end and high ceilings. Comfortable lounge seating (couches, armchairs and leaners) lines the sides of the room as well as circular high tables near the bar. The long service bar features about 20 craft-beer taps (all from NZ brewers ) and a selection of wines and spirits. According to a listing, 12 Bar is licensed to hold about 240 people , which aligns with the quoted 200 inside plus 50 in the courtyard. The 3.6 × 5 metre stage is well-equipped with professional lighting and sound gear (an Allen & Heath mixer with JBL and EV speakers, wedges and subwoofers for example) , so bands can perform at full volume without compromise. In short, 12 Bar was designed to feel like a pub and performance space all at once: part brewery bar, part music venue.
Events and Programming
12 Bar presents live music most nights, especially on weekends. The focus is on blues, funk and rock, but the lineup is eclectic – everything from blues and indie-rock bands to metal or jazz ensembles can be on stage . Regular music nights run Friday and Saturday from early evening (with a soundcheck and stage lighting). Many acts are local or touring NZ artists. For example, the venue has hosted contemporary Kiwi musicians like Caskey (on tour) and local jazz or singer-songwriter evenings. In addition to music, the venue runs a popular Sunday pub quiz each week , and the management regularly hosts book fairs, gaming evenings and charity fundraisers. In fact, the owners note they’ve “hosted book fairs, gaming events, fundraisers and guest speakers” as private functions , highlighting 12 Bar’s community role.
Special events pop up frequently. Aside from the weekly quiz and live bands, one might find themed party nights, trivia concerts or even speaker series. Some evenings require tickets (especially if a headline act is coming), but many nights are free or open entry. Ticketed shows often run 1–2 times a month; the crowd is typically a mix of students, professionals and music buffs. In practice, almost any night at 12 Bar feels like a unique experience – from laid-back blues sets to energetic rock jams, the schedule is varied. Because the capacity is modest, many events sell out quickly, so it helps that the programming is announced well ahead, giving fans time to grab tickets.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for ticketed gigs go on sale through the venue’s website or official social-media announcements. For big shows, there is usually an advance sale period (often via local ticket outlets). However, 12 Bar has no separate box office; many visitors just pay at the door if space allows. Casual events (like the quiz or acoustic nights) often have no cover or just a small door fee. For the bigger concerts, advance tickets are recommended to guarantee entry. In general, you can either snap up online tickets or simply turn up early on show night and buy from the bar counter.
Prices vary. Most local-band shows and quizzes are free or $0–5 donation. Headline acts or touring bands typically charge around NZD 15–30 for entry. Special events (dance parties, comedy nights, charity concerts) might go higher. Weekdays and afternoon gigs are usually cheaper attractions. When shows are announced, tickets often sell within weeks. For groups or special occasions, the venue also lets you reserve a table or couch in advance . This is handy if you have a big party. The online reservation form lets you save a favorite spot so friends can arrive at any time.
Seating and Layout
The interior is mainly general admission. There’s no fixed assigned seating plan. A raised stage sits opposite the entry, and a long bar runs along one side. The open floor in front of the stage is standing-room (often filled with high tables and footrests). Along the side walls and rear are leatherette booths, benches and lounge couches . In other words, you can grab a booth with friends or stand near the front – the layout is flexible. For acoustic shows or quieter nights, many guests sprawl out on the couches. The best sound is heard roughly in the middle of the crowd: too close to the speakers (front row) can be deafening, and too far back or in the corner can muffle the mix, so mid-range is popular.
The outdoor courtyard (out front) seats about 40–50. On warm nights, many people spill outside; that area has picnic tables and heaters. It’s a nice al fresco beer garden vibe on sunny evenings. Indoors, traffic flows easily with 2–3 metre aisles. The venue has one level only, so sightlines to the stage are seldom blocked (except by a standing taller person). At sold-out shows the space can feel tight, but management keeps crowding down to capacity for safety. If you do sit, any empty table or sofa cushion is fair game unless it’s already been ordered or tagged in reservations. The venue’s policy is basically first-come-first-served within its layout.
Getting There and Parking
12 Bar’s address is 342 St Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City . It’s about a 5–10 minute walk southwest of Cathedral Square (the star-shaped city hub). The venue sits on a one-way block (St Asaph east to west) just west of Colombo Street. If you’re walking from downtown, head along St Asaph past the Casino or cross Cambridge Street – you’ll see the lit 12 Bar sign. The central city grid is very walkable, so many people come on foot from staying or shopping nearby.
If driving, be aware that there’s no private car park for 12 Bar. Instead, use public parking. Numerous metered spaces line the nearby streets. For example, a 100-space lot at 255 St Asaph (about 200m east) charges roughly NZD 4–5 per hour . Street parking on St Asaph and surrounds is time-limited (orange zone, about $3 per hour), enforced by pay machines. Apps like Karrot or the city’s parking station QR codes make payment easy. Allow extra time on Friday/Saturday nights to find a spot, or consider parking a few blocks away and walking in.
Public transport is convenient. Most central bus routes run down St Asaph or one block over on Colombo/Normans. For instance, Christchurch Metro bus Route 80 (Lincoln to suburb) and Route 60 (Hillmorton to city) stop near Christchurch Hospital a block north. The main Bus Interchange (in Lichfield/Cathedral) is 600 m away. There are also seasonal shuttle trams that stop at Cathedral Square, convenient in good weather. If you are taking a taxi or rideshare, drivers know St Asaph – they can drop you right at the door (watch for the lit 12 Bar logo). Cyclists will find public bike racks on nearby streets; the flat city core is easy to navigate on two wheels.
Inside the Venue
On entry you’ll find a friendly, unpretentious vibe. Security is present on busy nights, and bartenders check photo ID at the door for anyone who looks under 25 (this is required by law). There’s no strict dress code beyond “no shirt, no service.” On a gig night you’ll see a mix of casual outfits – jeans and hoodies are fine, as are nicer shirts if you prefer. The lighting is moderate, with stage lights highlighting performers during sets. The sound quality is generally excellent due to the good PA system; if there’s any echo it’s minor, thanks to sound dampening in the walls and carpeted floor.
The service bar offers a wide range of drinks. You’ll find 20 taps pouring New Zealand craft beers, plus a selection of wines, spirits and cocktails. Non-alcoholic sodas and coffees are also available at the bar. Prices for beer and drinks are typical for central city pubs – craft lagers and IPAs are usually under $12NZD per brew, for example. Snacks or small bites can be ordered from the food kitchen, or you may order pizzas, burgers and fries at the counter during eating hours. Credit cards and tap “payWave” are accepted at the bar. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, so patrons often surf or stream (especially during lulls between bands). There are arcade/game machines in one corner for extra entertainment (you can play pinball or table hockey). Restrooms are inside and are standard (one men’s, one women’s). Coat racks are provided during winter; more commonly people drape coats on booth backs.
Nearby Amenities
The venue is in Christchurch’s rebuilt commercial district, so a lot is within easy reach. Along St Asaph and nearby Gloucester Street you’ll find numerous cafes and takeaways: pizza, sushi, Indian curries, fish-and-chips shops, kebabs and burger joints all in walking distance. Notable neighbours include the Smash Palace brewpub (with its own craft beers and gourmet burgers just a block east) and the Darkroom microbrewery (with pizza and pub food) on Manchester Street. For after-show drinks, The Oxford Terrace/Colombo corner has several 24-hour bars and nightspots. The nearby area also has 24-hour convenience stores for last-minute snacks.
Hotels and accommodation are plentiful near the city centre. The Rendezvous Hotel (4-star) is only a couple of blocks away (on Gloucester Street). Several well-known chains (Novotel, Ibis) and many boutique hotels and motels are within a 10–15 minute walk. If you prefer city apartment-style lodging, there is an apartment-hotel just off cathedral square and another dozen lodging options along Colombo/Hereford. Because of the central location, many visitors simply combine a gig at 12 Bar with nearby dining or entertainment (e.g. the Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens or concerts at Town Hall are all just a short cab ride away). Late-night buses and the tram mean you have options to get back to most parts of town after closing time.
What Makes This Venue Special
12 Bar stands out as Christchurch’s purpose-built blues and music pub. It’s one of the few venues in NZ dedicated to blues, funk and roots music . From the name to the stage setup, everything is geared to live performance. Patrons often say it feels like “the local watering hole where great bands play,” merging both a brewery’s warmth and a club’s vibe. In fact, one review called it a “rare, dedicated New Zealand blues bar” with “an impressive range of craft beer” , which captures its niche character. The sunny courtyard is also a highlight – Christchurchers famously enjoy its post-quake sunshine, and the open-air area turns 12 Bar into a summer beer-garden extension.
The owners have worked hard to make 12 Bar a community hub. Partnering with local music schools, jazz societies and charity groups, they regularly host fundraisers and special events . That means the venue is woven into city culture: for example, Springer book fairs and gaming contests have been held here. Locals love that it’s staffed by friendly people (even the house bouncer once humorously rapped) and that musicians feel welcome. Over time it has become the site of many memorable gigs in Christchurch’s history. For visiting performers and audience alike, 12 Bar offers the familiarity of a friendly pub plus the excitement of a live concert – a combination that many other venues in New Zealand simply don’t provide.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you plan to go, here are some tips to get the most out of 12 Bar. **Bring ID:** It’s NZ law to ask ID from anyone appearing under 25, especially after 9pm. Better to have your driver’s licence or passport handy. **Arrive early:** On popular weekends the bar can fill by 7–8pm. If you want a good spot or a quieter start, arrive 30–60 minutes before showtime. On weeknights (Wed–Thu) it’s much quieter, so you can stroll in later.
**Dress casually:** Jeans, shorts or summer dresses are all fine, as long as your footwear is safe for a bar environment (no bare feet). The courtyard is uncovered, so on rainy or cold nights you may stay inside. The bar keeps spare coat hooks by the door, but there’s no formal coat-check – most people keep theirs on a booth or hang it nearby. **Ear plugs:** If you’re sensitive to loud music, consider bringing earplugs or sitting farther back. The sound can be surprisingly loud near the speakers!
**Payment and food:** The bar accepts cash and cards (tap pay is quick and works well with their eftpos). No outside drinks are allowed, but you can bring small snacks. The kitchen or food truck is usually open from early evening, serving bar-food classics (pizzas, burgers, nachos, etc.). If a band is on soon, you might want to grab a bite *before* the show to avoid lining up. There’s also a small selection of popcorn and chips at the bar if you get peckish during a set.
**Accessibility:** The entry is street-level (step-free) and aisles are wide. Wheelchair users can move around the room and even get close to the stage. There are accessible toilets. Service dogs are welcome. If you have special needs (e.g. hearing assistance or a quiet corner), calling the venue ahead can help staff accommodate you. **Other policies:** No smoking is allowed inside (there is an outside smoking area at the back). Large backpacks or luggage might be checked at the door when it’s busy. Personal cameras and phones are fine, but flash photography or professional equipment is discouraged during shows.
**After the show:** When you leave, safely drink-drive laws apply – consider a taxi, bus or rideshare if you’ve been drinking. Rideshare drivers can drop off on St Asaph. If you need a late-night snack, there are 24-hour groceries and a night-market stand across the road. Christchurch’s city centre is well-patrolled at night, so walking back to most nearby hotels is generally safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of 12 Bar?
12 Bar holds roughly 240 people total. According to the owners, that’s about 200 patrons inside the main bar building and another 40–50 in the outdoor beer-garden . It’s fairly spacious for a city pub, so even when the main floor is full, there’s often room outside.
What kind of events happen at 12 Bar?
12 Bar is primarily a live music venue. Every week they host local and touring bands covering blues, rock, indie and jazz . Many shows are free or low-cost, with occasional ticketed headline concerts. The venue also has a weekly pub quiz on Sundays and sometimes book fairs, gaming events and community fundraisers .
How do I get tickets for shows at 12 Bar?
Tickets are usually sold online through the venue’s site or local ticketing providers when a show is announced. There’s no ticket booth, so most people simply pay at the door on event night if space remains. For bigger gigs it’s best to buy advance tickets via the website or vendor before they sell out. (Watch the official 12 Bar site or social media for sale details.)
Are there price ranges for tickets at 12 Bar?
Ticket prices are generally affordable. Many local gigs, quiz nights or acoustic sessions have no cover or a small entry fee. Headliner or touring-band shows typically range around NZD 10–30 per ticket. Special events like themed parties may have higher prices, but 12 Bar is known for moderate pricing. For free events or low-key nights, no ticket is needed at all.
Does 12 Bar have assigned seating or general admission?
Most shows at 12 Bar are general admission. There are no reserved seats on the main floor – you can stand or sit wherever you like among the booths and couches . The venue does allow table or couch reservations (through their online form) if you want to secure a spot in advance. Otherwise it’s first-come, first-served on show nights.
Where are the best places to watch performances at 12 Bar?
The best view is usually from mid-floor. Standing a few metres back from the stage gives a clear line of sight and balanced sound. Right in front of the speakers (stage edge) is loud and intense, so if you prefer better audio mix it’s wiser to stand back a bit. Sitting on a booth near the center or along the sides also offers a good view. The outdoor patio has decent sight lines when the doors are open, but acoustics are brightest indoors.
Is 12 Bar wheelchair accessible?
Yes, 12 Bar has a flat, street-level entrance and an open interior, so it is generally wheelchair accessible. There are accessible toilets on site. The main stage area is on the ground floor with no steps, so wheelchair users can enjoy most events easily. If you have specific needs (like a seating adjustment), it’s best to contact staff ahead of your visit.
Are children or dogs allowed in at 12 Bar?
During daytime and weekday nights, 12 Bar welcomes families and well-behaved dogs (especially in the beer-garden) . However, late on Fridays/Saturdays it operates as an adults-only bar, so children usually need to leave by around 8–9pm. Dogs are generally allowed on the outdoor patio and sometimes indoors if they are quiet. The venue’s literature emphasizes a dog-friendly policy, so you can bring pets on lead.
Does 12 Bar have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. 12 Bar offers complimentary Wi-Fi to guests. This makes it easy to browse the web or check updates between sets. (They even mention on their homepage that Wi-Fi is available.) Just ask the staff for the login code if prompted.
Does 12 Bar serve food?
12 Bar itself doesn’t have a full restaurant, but there’s usually an onsite kitchen truck or rotating food vendor during events . Typical pub-style food (pizzas, burgers, fries, etc.) is available when bands are playing. It’s a good idea to eat there if you plan to stay all evening, since outside food or alcohol is not permitted. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are often available from the vendors.
Can I reserve a table at 12 Bar?
Yes. 12 Bar lets you reserve a particular table or couch ahead of time. Their website has a booking form where you can choose a specific spot . Reservations are useful for groups or birthdays. On very busy event nights, reserved tables may have a minimum spend, but at least you’ll have guaranteed seating.
What are the opening hours of 12 Bar?
As of mid-2025, 12 Bar is open Wednesday through Saturday. On Wednesday and Thursday it opens at 3pm and closes by 11pm . On Friday and Saturday it also opens mid-afternoon (around 3pm) but stays open later for concerts (often until 1–2 am). It is closed on Sunday through Tuesday unless booked for a private event.
Is there parking near 342 St Asaph Street?
There’s no dedicated parking lot for 12 Bar. Instead you use nearby city parking. St Asaph is metered (orange zone around $3/hr). For a larger option, a public car park at 255 St Asaph (block away) has about 100 spots and costs roughly NZD 4 per hour . Other Council lots and street parking are within a 5–10 minute walk. Allow time to find a space, especially on weekend evenings.
What kinds of music does 12 Bar feature?
Music at 12 Bar started with a focus on blues, but today it spans many genres. You’ll regularly hear blues, funk, soul and rock bands alongside jazz, funk and even metal or folk acts . They also host acoustic and jazz-ensemble nights. Essentially it’s an eclectic lineup drawn mostly from New Zealand talent, fitting the bar’s identity as a blues/roots venue with license to explore related styles.
Why is the venue called “12 Bar”?
“12 Bar” is a play on (and tribute to) the 12-bar blues, a classic musical form. The name highlights the venue’s blues heritage . In essence, it’s a clever way of saying “blues bar” – the first line of a blues chant often ends “12-bar” and the response is the next musical phrase. The name fits its theme as Christchurch’s dedicated blues pub.
Who owns 12 Bar and what’s their background?
12 Bar is owned by Christchurch publican Matt Kamstra, who also runs the Moon Under Water bar in Merivale. Kamstra is a veteran publisher known for live-music-friendly pubs. He opened 12 Bar (circa 2019/2020) to give central Christchurch a dedicated live-music venue. The bar’s culture of community nights and rotating local bands reflects Kamstra’s focus on balancing craft beer with supporting local music scenes .
