About New Regent Street Long Lunch
The New Regent Street Long Lunch is an annual outdoor dining event held on Christchurch’s famous New Regent Street. New Regent Street is renowned as Christchurch’s only complete heritage streetscape – a row of 1930s Spanish Mission–style buildings (painted in pastel hues) that many travel guides call “New Zealand’s most beautiful street” (soulofthecity.co.nz ) (soulofthecity.co.nz ). This one-day festival brings together dozens of local restaurants and hundreds of diners around a single long table stretching down the pedestrian mall. Organised by the Long Lunch NZ group in partnership with city promoters, the event showcases the street’s heritage architecture while raising money for local charities (www.longlunchnz.co.nz ) (www.odt.co.nz ). For example, in a similar Arrowtown Long Lunch (2012) about 300 residents dined on a closed-off main street to benefit a local cancer charity (www.odt.co.nz ) – Christchurch’s edition follows the same model. In short, it’s a fundraiser luncheon that highlights the character of New Regent Street and supports community projects.
Events and Programming
New Regent Street Long Lunch is usually held in late spring or early summer (around November), although exact dates vary. It is a ticketed, all-day event with a communal lunch as the main attraction. Attendees purchase a multi-course menu from one of New Regent Street’s participating restaurants and gather at tables set up in the middle of the street. Chefs from each venue prepare a fixed menu (entrée and main course, with options to accommodate dietary requests) (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In 2021, for example, menus ranged roughly from NZ$65–86, with options from eateries like 27 Steps, Casa Publica, The Nook, Gin Gin and Story Restaurant (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). There are often “shared” options too (e.g. a $140 package for two diners) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Complimentary water is provided on-site and guests are encouraged to bring hats and sunscreen for this daytime outdoor event (organisers even set up big umbrellas to shade tables (www.ticketfairy.com )). Entertainment is typically low-key: local musicians or performers often provide background music or street entertainment, and a silent auction is held to boost fundraising (www.longlunchnz.co.nz ) (www.odt.co.nz ). All in all, the programming is a long, communal lunch with good food, drinks, live acoustic music and community spirit.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for the Long Lunch go on sale well before the event date (usually months in advance) and are sold through the event’s official channels. Organisers announce the sale via local media and on their website; there is no on-site box office on the day. Prices vary by restaurant menu, but have typically been in the NZ$60–$90 range (including booking fees) per person (www.ticketfairy.com ). As an example, 2021 tickets were around NZ$77 each for some venues (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because seating is limited, popular years sell out quickly – early booking is advised. In advance of attending, guests register and choose their table/section (most booking systems allow you to pick a section of the long table). On the day, you simply arrive between 12:00–1:00pm with your ticket (print or e-ticket) and find your place. Note that all menus include the courses, but beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks) are extra (sold by the glass or bottle on-site). Tickets are non-refundable in general, but organisers have a postponement/refund policy: for example, if COVID restrictions forced a postponement, tickets could be applied to the new date or refunded (minus a modest fee) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
The event turns the entire street into a dining hall. New Regent Street is a pedestrian mall (closed to cars), about 300 metres long, lined with the heritage building facades (soulofthecity.co.nz ) (teara.govt.nz ). Long rows of tables are set up end to end down the centre of the road, usually divided into sections for each participating restaurant. Guests sit on either side of these communal tables. When you booked, you select a section or table, so seating is effectively assigned in advance. Every table is under large white umbrellas for shade (www.ticketfairy.com ). The street is level, so viewing the stage or entertainment (if any) isn’t an issue – in fact, all seats have the same direct view of the food service. Acoustically, it’s an open-air environment: the shared background is chatter and occasional music, so bring light jackets or layers in case of wind. The midday sun can be strong, so seats in the shade or wearing a hat can make the meal more comfortable (www.ticketfairy.com ). Overall, the layout promotes a village-market feel where everyone faces inwards along the urban ‘food aisle’ of New Regent Street.
Getting There and Parking
New Regent Street lies in central Ōtautahi/Christchurch, running between Gloucester Street (north end) and Armagh Street (south end). The address is easy to find on any map. By public transit, you have several options: many Timaru Metro city buses run past the north end on Gloucester (routes 1, 28, 29, 5 and 7 all serve this area) (moovitapp.com ). Get off at Gloucester & Manchester, a short block from the street. Alternatively, the historic Christchurch Tram loops through Cathedral Junction at the Gloucester end – visitors can hop on the tram to Cathedral Square and then walk south one block on Manchester or Gloucester to reach New Regent. (The tram stop is right at the corner of Armagh/Manchester, which is the street’s Armagh end (soulofthecity.co.nz ).) For drivers, there is metered on-street parking around Gloucester, Manchester and Armagh (Christchurch City Council payslots run at NZ$1/hour during the day). A major car park is at the corner of Manchester & Gloucester (close to the north end of the street) with about 110 spaces at roughly NZ$1/hr (no all-day flat rate) (findchch.com ). Other private lots (e.g. Wilson Parking on Manchester Street) are a block away. Rideshares and taxis can drop off at either end of the street (Manchester or Gloucester), which makes loading easier than navigating the pedestrian mall itself.
Inside the Venue
Although the Long Lunch is outdoors, we can describe “inside” as the event environment. On arrival (between noon and 1pm), you’ll check in with staff and have your ticket scanned. ID may be checked since the event is 18+ only (www.ticketfairy.com ). Entry is relaxed; security is minimal (just a glance for tickets and large bags). The vibe is festive and communal – friends and colleagues gather in smart-casual attire (there is no formal dress code, so most people dress up a bit but remain comfortable). Food from your chosen restaurant is served at your table (waitstaff circulate down the long table), so you stay at your seat for the multi-course meal. Water is freely available at drink stations (www.ticketfairy.com ), and there are official cash bars on-site selling beer, wine and champagne (see next section for drinks policy). There’s no merch or coat-check – you won’t even need a coat in summer. You’re free to take photos and enjoy the open-air atmosphere. Note that the event spans several blocks of buildings – there are no event-specific bathrooms, so guests use nearby cafés or public restrooms in the city mall. In a word, expect a relaxed street-festival atmosphere with great food service at your seat and friendly conversation all around.
Nearby Amenities
Before or after the Long Lunch, Christchurch’s city centre has plenty to offer. New Regent Street itself is lined with cafes, boutiques and galleries that are open for pre-lunch coffee or post-event browsing. Adjacent Oxford Terrace (a block east, along the river) hosts popular eateries and bars. Notable nearby drinking spots include the craft brewery/pub “Stone & Wood” on Manchester Street (just steps from New Regent) and the intimate cocktail lounge “The Last Word” (also on Manchester/High St). Cathedral Square, a 5–10 minute walk north, has larger hotels (Rendezvous Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Ibis) and more restaurants (Pescatore, Poco Loco, etc.). If you’re staying overnight, many downtown hotels are in easy walking distance of New Regent Street. For travel logistics, remember to arrive with time to spare: plan to get there by noon, and leave by mid-afternoon when the event crowds thin. Late-night transit is readily available back to most parts of town via buses or taxis – the central city is well-served even after dusk. In short, New Regent Street’s central location means cafés, bars, tram stops and hotels are all within a short walk, making it easy to arrive early or keep celebrating after the lunch ends.
What Makes This Venue Special
New Regent Street Long Lunch is special for two main reasons: its setting and its community vibe. The street itself is a rare find – a fully intact 1930s shopping arcade in Spanish Mission–style (soulofthecity.co.nz ) (teara.govt.nz ). Its uniform pastel façades and decorative archways create an old-world atmosphere unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. After the devastating Canterbury earthquakes, New Regent Street was painstakingly restored (reopening in 2013), so it stands today as a symbol of Christchurch’s revival and heritage pride (soulofthecity.co.nz ). Locals describe the ambience as feeling like a European village. Hosting a grand communal lunch here adds to its charm – imagine hundreds of people dining halfway between cathedral and city square under its iconic arches. This human-scale activation of the heritage street delights both visitors and residents. It also has practical uniqueness: for example, the heritage Christchurch Tram runs a loop that includes New Regent Street (soulofthecity.co.nz ), so diners might arrive by vintage tram car. All this architectural backstory and curb-to-curb dining create a one-of-a-kind backdrop that artists and guests love. In short, the combination of celebrated history, street beauty and a festive community meal is what gives the New Regent Street Long Lunch its special character.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: New Regent Street is essentially flat and wheelchair-friendly (www.breadandcircus.co.nz ). The tables are level with the sidewalk. Some older cafés on the side may have steps, but the outdoor dining area itself has plenty of space. If you need accessible seating, the event staff can usually accommodate by directing you to an easy-access spot.
What to Bring: Dress in smart-casual summer attire. Sunscreen and a sun hat are highly recommended (the organisers suggest them, as it can be very hot at midday) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Bring photo ID (you must be 18 or older to enter (www.ticketfairy.com )). Also carry some cash or credit card for drinks and tips – beer, wine and soft drinks are sold on-site (BYO alcohol is not allowed) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Other useful items: sunglasses for comfort, a light jacket in case the day is breezy or late after lunch.
Don’t Bring: The event is casual but politely classy. Avoid large bags or coolers (food is provided). Pets are not permitted. Also, because this is a communal dining experience, avoid overly loud or large-party props. Photography is fine (many people take pictures of the street), but please be courteous and not block the aisle.
Safety and Policies: No bags bigger than a handbag/backpack are usually permitted (standard event security). Smoking is generally not allowed at the tables (find a quick step away if needed, as the street is like an open dining area). Photographs for personal use are allowed. Note it’s a cash bar – tipping is not required but appreciated.
Age and Conduct: The Long Lunch is strictly 18-plus only (IDs are checked) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s a friendly daytime event, so treat the setting like a nice restaurant. The dress is casual to smart; no formal wear is required, but avoid overly sloppy attire. It’s polite to stay seated during the courses and clean up any wrappers on your table when finished.
Arrival Time: Aim to arrive by 12:00pm when doors open. The organisers ask guests to arrive between 12:00–1:00pm (www.ticketfairy.com ) so seating can be completed. Late arrivals (after 1pm) should check at the front desk to see if seating is still available; the marquee portion of the meal will have begun by then. Always carry your ticket; if you lose it, an ID match may be required.
Weather Contingency: This is an outdoor event. In 2021, organisers stated they’d proceed in light rain or shine, but would postpone if major COVID restrictions applied (www.ticketfairy.com ). Umbrellas and water are provided; however, if heavy rain threatens, keep an eye on event announcements (if you must cancel at the last minute, any postponement policy typically involves a small transaction fee). In summer, it’s generally held rain-or-fine under the provided canopies.
Others’ Experiences: Previous attendees praise the street’s beauty and the smooth organisation. It’s often mentioned online that New Regent Street feels “magical” when turned into a dining hall. Locals note that restaurants remade special tasting menus for the event – so choose carefully! Since the Long Lunch is as much social as it is culinary, some visitors plan their spot well: many try to sit near like-minded groups (couples, family, friends) or by shade. Finally, plan your post-lunch travel ahead: Sunday buses and taxis are plentiful, but if you intend to stay late in the city, check the Sunday schedules (Christchurch buses run until late evening).
How much do tickets cost for the New Regent Street Long Lunch?
Prices vary by restaurant and menu choice. Past events have had tickets roughly in the NZ$65–90 range (including fees). For example, 2021 ticket prices ranged from about NZ$64.90 to NZ$86.40 per person (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). This covers the multi-course meal; drinks are extra. Occasionally there are paired “share” tickets (e.g. around NZ$140 for two diners) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Where and how can I buy Long Lunch tickets?
Tickets are sold online through the event organisers’ authorised outlets. Watch for announcements on the Long Lunch NZ website or local Christchurch events listings. Tickets typically go on sale months in advance; sign up for email or social updates so you don’t miss the release. There is no walk-up box office on the day, and popular sessions sell out quickly. You can choose your restaurant and even select your table or section when booking.
What is included with the ticket?
A Long Lunch ticket includes a full multi-course meal prepared by one of New Regent Street’s restaurants (usually an entrée and main course, plus shared sides or dessert). Water and bread are provided at every table. Alcoholic beverages are not included; premium wine, beer and sparkling wine are available for purchase on-site (the event has special liquor licenses) (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), you can request a suitable option when you book (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What time does the Long Lunch start and end?
The event is a midday affair. Guests are asked to arrive between 12:00pm and 1:00pm so everyone can be seated for the first course (www.ticketfairy.com ). The exact ending depends on dining pace, but typically the meal is wrapped up by mid-afternoon. Plan your travel so you are on-site by noon (arriving any later risks missing part of the meal).
What seating is provided? Is it assigned or general admission?
Seating is arranged at long tables along the street, and it is typically assigned in advance. During booking, you (usually) select a section or specific table, so you’ll have an allocated seat or seats. The experience is communal (everyone shares big tables), but your spot is reserved by your ticket. If you have special needs (e.g. wheelchair seating), mention that in your booking so organisers can accommodate you.
How do I get to New Regent Street by public transport?
Several city buses stop near New Regent Street. Routes 1, 28, 29, 5 and 7 run along Gloucester Street (a block north) (moovitapp.com ). Get off at the Gloucester/Manchester intersection and walk one block south. Alternatively, the Christchurch Tram (a city heritage line) stops at Cathedral Junction (corner of Manchester & Armagh, at the south end of New Regent) (soulofthecity.co.nz ). From the tram stop it’s just an easy stroll north into the event. Check the Metro Christchurch schedule for exact times.
What parking is available near the venue?
There is paid public parking near New Regent Street. A City Council lot at Manchester & Gloucester (across from the north end of the street) has about 110 spaces and costs roughly NZ$1 per hour (day rate) (findchch.com ). On-street metered parking is also available on surrounding streets at similar rates. Expect to pay at least a few dollars per hour on a weekend. Note that there is no free all-day park; you either pay hourly or move your car after a few hours. Rideshare drop-off is convenient at either end of the street if you prefer not to drive.
Is New Regent Street wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entire event takes place on a flat, paved pedestrian street. New Regent Street itself is wheelchair-friendly (www.breadandcircus.co.nz ). All tables and seating are at street level, so a wheelchair can be wheeled to any position along the table. (Some restaurants behind the dining area may have steps, but those do not impede the outdoor dining area.) If you need extra assistance or a special-seating arrangement, contact the organisers before the event.
Are children allowed at the event?
No. The New Regent Street Long Lunch is an adults-only affair. Attendees must be 18 or older (with ID ready for check). This is partly because alcohol is sold on-site and because the seating arrangement is aimed at grown-up diners. Plan childcare accordingly, as even well-behaved children are not permitted in the event area.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No. Outside food and drink (BYO) is not permitted. The event has a special liquor license, so all alcoholic beverages must be purchased on-site (www.ticketfairy.com ). You are expected to eat the meal provided by your restaurant’s menu. Bottled water stations are provided for free (www.ticketfairy.com ), so you don’t need to bring your own water bottle. In short, everything you consume should come through the event’s arrangements.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This is an outdoor event, so it is typically held rain-or-shine under large umbrellas and canopies. The 2021 event information noted that guests should prepare for sun (hence the hats/umbrellas) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In case of extreme weather or official restrictions (such as a high COVID alert level), the organisers will postpone the event to a later date and either transfer your ticket or refund it (minus a small fee) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always watch the event updates as the date approaches. In normal conditions, there is no separate indoor backup – the lunch simply continues, so plan to dress appropriately (bring a rain jacket or an extra layer just in case).
What food and beverage options are available?
Your meal is entirely supplied by the restaurant whose ticket you purchased (multi-course menu). In addition to the free water taps, adult beverages are sold by appointed sponsors during the event (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Typical offerings include wine, beer and sparkling wine from local Canterbury producers. For example, past sponsors included Chard Farm (wines), Emerson’s Brewery (craft beer) and Gibbston Valley (sparkling) (www.ticketfairy.com ). You can buy drinks by the glass or bottle at tables or small bars along the street. Non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, juices, coffee from nearby cafes, etc.) are also available for purchase, but note heavily that other food or alcohol may not be brought in. Tipping servers is appreciated but not required.
Do restaurants on the street stay open to the public during the lunch?
Generally no – during the Long Lunch, participating restaurants turn over their dining area to event guests only. Guest seating is on the street, not inside the cafes, so those restaurants typically close normal service for the afternoon or only serve event diners by arrangement. Some non-participating shops on the street may remain open, but foot traffic is limited to event attendees. Plan to eat at the Long Lunch instead of finding an alternate lunch spot on the street that day.
Is there an age-friendly or child-friendly version of this event?
Not currently. The Long Lunch is specifically an adults-only gourmet lunch (18+ only). There are no separate children’s tickets or activities. If you are looking for family-friendly events on the street, note that New Regent Street itself occasionally hosts general public events, but the Long Lunch is designed as an adult event for charity.
Can I cancel or get a refund if I can’t attend?
Tickets are generally non-refundable since menus are prepared to order. However, the organisers do plan for contingencies. In 2021, for instance, if the event couldn’t occur due to a COVID alert (Level 3 or 4), tickets would be valid for the rescheduled date or refundable with a ~20% processing fee (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you have a personal emergency, you should contact the ticket provider immediately – some tickets may be transferable to another person (subject to ID checks), or the organisers might allow a charitable donation in your name. Always read the ticketing terms carefully when you buy.
What are the cancellation or postponement policies due to COVID-19?
The 2021 event outlined that it would proceed under NZ’s Alert Levels 1 or 2, but would postpone if the region reached Level 3 or 4 (www.ticketfairy.com ). If the event is postponed, your ticket can be applied to the new date or refunded (minus a roughly 20% fee). These policies can evolve, so in 2023–25 you should check the latest announcements close to the event date. In normal (non-COVID) conditions, weather alone would not cause cancellation – see our weather FAQ above.
What can I do in Christchurch after the Long Lunch?
After the event (typically mid-afternoon), many guests continue exploring central Christchurch. New Regent Street’s own boutiques and cafes remain open for strolling. Nearby Cathedral Square (a 5–8 minute walk north) has restaurants and bars like Speight’s Ale House, and there’s a food court-style market (the Riverside Market) a few blocks west. For nightlife, Oxford Terrace and High Street (within walking distance) have bars and late-night eateries. If you’re staying in town, most city-center hotels are nearby. (Public transit and taxis operate regularly on weekends, so getting back to any North or East Christchurch neighborhood by evening is generally easy.)
