About The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes
The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes is a unique, co-branded hospitality venue on Ferry Road in Christchurch. It combines a Kiwi-style gastropub (The Good Home) with a beloved local pizza bar (Winnie Bagoes) under one roof. Winnie Bagoes is a Canterbury icon – “serving delicious feasts” and gourmet pizzas since 1989 (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ) – with three locations (City, Ferrymead and Rangiora). The Good Home is a growing New Zealand pub chain known for craft beer and homey pub grub. Together they offer a lively pub atmosphere paired with quirky, hearty New Zealand–style cuisine. Visitors can expect a comfortable, modern pub interior with rustic wood and brick accents, big TVs, and local art. The venue is designed around multiple social areas (including a big bar, booths and an outdoor courtyard) and has flexible indoor–outdoor flow for gatherings. With room for hundreds of guests, it’s popular for big groups, sports days and celebrations.
Inside, The Good Home side serves up classic Kiwi pub fare (burgers, fish & chips, steaks and pizzas) alongside local wines and a rotating tap of craft beers. The Winnie Bagoes side offers legendary “Winnie” pizzas piled high with gourmet toppings (even playful combos like Bangers & Mash on a pie base (www.winniebagoes.co.nz )). Both parts share communal dining areas, booths and bars. It’s one of the only places in Christchurch where you can grab a stonegrill meal or gourmet pizza in the same venue as a sports game on giant screens. The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes caters to all tastes (even gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ).
Historically, this combined venue is a fairly recent development in Ferrymead but anchors itself in local tradition. Winnie Bagoes built its name over decades and now treats families to events and functions in a casual Kiwi style (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). The Good Home brand (with other NZ locations like Pegasus and Papamoa) brought a modern twist – craft beers on tap, a sports focus, live music space – to the area. The collaboration matters locally because it gives East Christchurch a new cultural hub. Locals praise it as a fun, homey “third place” after home and work. In short, The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes is notable for blending classic pub vibes with iconic gourmet pizza, making it a one-of-a-kind destination in the city’s entertainment scene.
Events and Programming
The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes is a major live events venue on Ferrymead’s calendar. It regularly hosts concerts, club nights, DJ sets, trivia evenings and sports screenings. Local and national promoters book a variety of acts here – from NZ rock and reggae bands to international touring artists. For example, Christchurch hosted American rapper Yelawolf on his “Never Say Never” tour in October 2022 (www.ticketfairy.com ), and the rising Kiwi band Coterie played a sold-out show here on New Year’s Eve 2023 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.songkick.com ). The venue is fully equipped for live music: a built-in PA sound system and stage lighting allow it to double as a concert hall or dance club. Many nights feature DJ or band lineups with an 80s/90s or pop-rock vibe, and large screens mean rugby games (All Blacks, Super Rugby, NCAA, etc.) are also a draw.
Most events at The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes are ticketed, weekly or monthly. Recurring programmes include quiz nights and open-mic evenings, community fundraisers, and themed party nights. Special series like weekend brunches, family pizza workshops or holiday dinners sometimes run too. Concert ticket prices vary: local acts often range NZ$20–40, while international stars or comedy nights can be $50–80+ per ticket. (For example, tickets for the Yelawolf show were on sale for around NZ$100 (www.ticketfairy.com ).) Caps range from about $10 for pub trivia to higher for headliners. To keep up, the venue’s social media and local event listings are useful. Weekend events often sell out, so planning ahead is recommended.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for shows are sold through official channels tied to each event. Many concerts use NZ ticket outlets (e.g. Ticketek, Ticketmaster or local promoters), and sometimes a venue box office. The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes does have a phone line and website (listed on event pages (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com )), but most sales happen online via promoters. For big shows (like touring artists), tickets usually go on sale weeks in advance, often on a specific announcement date (for instance, Yelawolf tickets went on sale August 3, 2022 (www.ticketfairy.com )). Popular gigs often sell out in a day. It’s best to watch for announcements on social media or venue newsletters to catch presales. For smaller events, sometimes a limited number of tickets are held at the door, but this isn’t guaranteed. If you miss the initial sale, it’s wise to arrive early on show-day or email the venue’s box office to ask about on-site ticket options.
There is no membership scheme or set “season pass.” Ticket pricing tiers depend on the show organizer. You won’t find VIP booths or reserved balcony seating here – mostly it’s general admission standing or free seating. The venue does sometimes allow group bookings for big gatherings. Inquiries for private functions (birthdays, corporate events, weddings) can be made through the Winnie Bagoes functions page. Generally, plan to pay with card or mobile pay; NZ pubs rarely use physical vouchers. There’s no dedicated ticket office on public holidays or outside event hours, so most purchases must be done in advance or at the door when it opens (usually about an hour before showtime).
Seating and Layout
The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes is zoned into several distinct areas. The front area is an open bar and dining hall with communal tables and booth seating. Past the main bar is a raised **Sports Den and Beer Garden** section (a semi-outdoor space under cover) with stadium-style seating and long tables. This sports area has the venue’s largest screens, so it’s ideal for watching games or bands. The layout also includes a smaller **Mezzanine Lounge** and **Booth** area in a quieter corner—great for private gatherings (capacity ~18) or VIP tables. Off to one side is a **Courtyard** deck (open-air) used for outdoor dining or smokers. All told, the venue can hold roughly 300–500 people depending on configuration: for example, the sports den/beer garden alone fits up to 150 cocktail guests (www.sharedspace.co.nz ), and the courtyard or dining room another 80–100 (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ).
When attending a live event, there are no fixed “best seats,” since shows are usually general admission. However, for comfort and views it helps to pick your spot. For live bands or DJs, the front of the main floor is closest to the stage (if one is set up), but some people prefer leaning on the bar or standing at the rear. For sports nights, the tiered seating in the **Sports Den** is best – it offers clear sightlines to the big screen (as one guide notes, “the best view of the big screen” is in that area) (www.sharedspace.co.nz ). The mezzanine and lounge areas offer a more relaxed viewpoint with booths, but you might be further from any stage. Acoustically, the venue can get boomy with everyone, so earplugs can help for concerts. The large open-plan interior and high ceilings mean sound carries – you won’t find a “dead spot” with no volume, but expect bar chatter to mix with music off-stage during busy nights.
Getting There and Parking
The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes sits at 2 Waterman Place, Ferrymead (Christchurch 8023) (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ). It’s at the heart of an industrial-commercial block just off Ferry Road (Highway 74) near the Heathcote River. If driving, approach from the city via Ferry Road (past South City and Valley Road). The venue offers a large, free on-site car park with ample spaces (www.colliers.co.nz ). (Colliers notes “ample on-site parking” and easy access off Ferry Road (www.colliers.co.nz ), so you should be able to park directly outside.) There’s a clearly marked entrance and a better view if you arrive before dark.)
For public transit, several Metro bus routes stop within walking distance. CityLink buses #3 and #5 run along Ferry Road and have stops near the venue (via Ara Institute and Ferrymead shops on route to Sumner) (www.metroinfo.co.nz ). Also, route #155 (Eastgate–Lyttelton commuter service) stops at Ferrymead Mall a block away (www.metroinfo.co.nz ). Check the Metro Christchurch website for schedules. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Ola, Zoomy) can be dropped off on Ferry Road in front of Waterman Place. Rideshare drivers know this stretch well; just search “Winnie Bagoes Ferrymead” or the street address on your app. If you arrive by bicycle or scooter, there are some bike racks outside. The venue is also within easy walking distance of the Ferrymead Historic Park (just up Ferrymead Park Drive) if you’re coming from the nearby suburbs. Late-night travellers should plan ahead: buses stop running around midnight, so rideshares may be needed to head home after closing.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, you’ll enter directly into the pub/restaurant space. A friendly host will welcome you (or a porter at bigger events). Expect casual Kiwi pub ambiance: the lighting is warm rather than bright, tables and booths are a mix of wood finishes, and you’ll likely hear local rock or pop pumping. The place is lively but relaxed – think “local suburban pub” rather than a formal club. There’s no strict dress code, but casual attire (jeans, T-shirt, sneakers) is normal. As an indoor venue, it’s climate-controlled with open airflow, so it never feels stuffy even full house.
Inside you’ll find multiple bars and a full food service area. One bar serves a wide selection of beers (both local craft on tap and international brews), plus ciders, wines and creative cocktails. The kitchen (Winnie Bagoes side) dishes out gourmet pizzas and pub meals from opening until last call. On entry, you can grab a take-away pizza slice or eat at any open table – there’s no separate door fee. The staff are friendly Kiwis who can chat about the menu or events. If you’re here for a concert, note that at night the Good Home’s seating may reconfigure: stools and high tables get pushed back to make standing room for dancing. There’s a clear, carpeted path from the bar to the back for easy movement even in a crowd.
Other amenities: free water jugs are available, and all customers share communal sauce stations. A small kids’ play corner or high chairs are sometimes set up for daytime family lunches. The venue offers free Wi-Fi throughout (ask staff for the code, typical of NZ pubs). Restrooms (including accessible toilets) are clearly signposted at the rear. There’s a small cloakroom rack near the entrance for coats. Coat checks or lockers are not provided, though the large foyer allows safely stashing a bag by your table. Merchandise is minimal – mostly just a register at the bar. One standout feature: children’s pizza-making workshops (“Kids Pizza School”) are also hosted here on weekends, giving families an extra reason to arrive early (check the website for schedule). Overall, visitors should expect a lively but informal environment with all the conveniences of a modern pub-restaurant.
Nearby Amenities
If you arrive early or want a bite before heading in, you have some good local options. Of course, The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes itself serves full meals all day (Winnies pizzas from noon, pub menu from early afternoon), so you can simply eat in-house. Nearby, the CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen (23 Humphreys Drive) is just a block away (www.cbk.nz ). CBK offers an international stonegrill menu and craft beers in a modern setting – great for a sit-down dinner before a show (www.cbk.nz ). For casual bites, the Castle Rock Café (on Ferrymead Park Drive) and Burger Danger take-out are a few minutes’ walk from the venue. The Ferrymead Heritage Park’s old-fashioned café (Rowley’s) is also within stroll distance if you fancy coffee and cakes. If you want a quick snack, the venue’s own pizza counter is available without reservation.
For drinks elsewhere, there are no other pubs immediately adjacent, but the Copthorne Hotel (about 800m north on Colombo St) has a bar and restaurant, and the Book A Cruise Café a block away has a lounge downstairs. In practice most attendees just stay on-site, since The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes has plenty of seating and beer on tap. If you’re staying overnight in Christchurch, hotels are mostly located away in the city centre or Airport area (10–15min drive). There are some holiday rentals (11 listed in Ferrymead (www.bookabach.co.nz )) and motels nearby, but no large hotels facing the venue. Closest city hotels include the Novotel and Mercure downtown, or modern options around Hornby and Riccarton. For late-night departure, it’s easiest to call a cab or rideshare; the main road (Ferry Road) is well-lit and accessible by cars, and you can also flag down taxis there.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes stands out in Christchurch’s scene for its blend of Kiwi pub culture and “big pizza party” atmosphere. Architecturally it’s a modern build with charming touches (exposed brick, pub memorabilia, large windows and a sheltered deck (www.winniebagoes.co.nz )). The design emphasizes communal space – long wooden tables, outdoor courtyard seating and multiple levels – giving it a welcoming “home away from home” feel. Historically, the co-location is unique: a longtime local chain (Winnie Bagoes) pooling space with a nationwide pub brand. That partnership means the venue carries the legacy of a 30+ year-old pizza legend (www.winniebagoes.co.nz ) while offering the trendiness of a craft-bar. Visitors often note its family-friendly vibe (daytime pizza workshops for kids, courtyard BBQs) that shifts to a party mood at night.
Culturally, the venue has quickly become a community hub. Legendary moments so far include big concerts (Yelawolf in 2022) and even a surprise All Blacks watch party or movie screening on occasion. Locals love that it’s one of the few places in East Christchurch where big touring bands play – R18 club nights with national DJs draw crowds. It’s also embraced local traditions: for example, weekend Sunday lunches and family days, and special events like Super Rugby finals on the big screen. Musicians appreciate the roominess and PA, and audiences enjoy a laid-back, inclusive vibe (even dog-friendly outdoor tables on sunny days). In essence, The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes is special because it marries two trusted Christchurch hospitality names, making it a go-to spot for everything from lazy Sunday dinners to late-night fringe concerts.
Visitor Tips and Information
Parking & Access: Plan to use the on-site car park – it’s free and spacious (www.colliers.co.nz ). For buses, routes 3 and 5 stop nearby (look for Ara Institute/Ferrymead stops) (www.metroinfo.co.nz ). If arriving by taxi or rideshare late, know that buses stop by midnight, so pre-book or allow time for a ride home.
Arrival: Doors usually open about 30–60 minutes before an event. Arrive early for popular shows as it can get busy. For sports games, arriving at kickoff is fine. At entry, you may have to show a wristband or ticket. No outside food or drink is allowed (this is standard bar policy). Smoking (including vapes) is prohibited indoors – you can step out to the courtyard or beer garden for a smoke.
Age & Admission: Regular dining visits are all ages. Evening events may be age-restricted (e.g. R18 for club concerts). Watch the event details: big bands and DJs at night are often 18+ with ID checks. During the day and early evenings, families with kids are welcome (notably, they run a Kiwi pizza kitchen class for children on select weekends).
Seating & Sightlines: Expect casual seating. There are no assigned seats for gigs – most nights are standing room or first-come dining seats. The best ‘views’ depend on the function: for sports and concerts, the raised bleachers in the Sports Den offer the clearest sight of the stage/screen. If you prefer sitting, choose a booth or high table near the action. Avoid standing directly under the speakers if you’re sensitive to volume (the sound system is strong). Staff can help re-seat you if need be once the show starts.
Food & Drink: The full menu is available during shows (kitchen stays open for pizza and meals). Drink prices are pub-standard – beers around $8–12, soft drinks ~$4–6, pizzas about $20–25 apiece (depending on toppings). You’ll order at the bar or a server will take your table order for food. Tipping isn’t required in NZ, but a small gratuity for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-friendly on the ground level with ramp access and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Staff are happy to accommodate Disabled patrons – just ask. However, note that the mezzanine booth area may be harder to reach for mobility devices, so reserve downstairs tables if needed.
Avoid Common Pitfalls: Don’t mistake this Ferrymead venue for the city-center Winnie Bagoes on Welles Street – they share branding but are separate. Also note that online maps sometimes list the combined name; enter 2 Waterman Place to be sure. At busy times, phone reception downstairs can be spotty, so use text or apps. Finally, if you plan to stay late, arrange your ride beforehand (there’s today many rideshares in Christchurch, but service can dip past 1 AM).
Local Lingo: Don’t be surprised to hear Kiwi vernacular – “arvo” for afternoon, “sweet as” for great, “sunnies” for sunglasses. The staff and patrons are very friendly, so feel free to strike up a chat. Overall, just come relaxed and ready for a good time – this is a laid-back spot where the local character shines through.
What is the venue’s seating capacity?
The sprawling complex can accommodate roughly 300–500 guests, depending on setup. The sports den/beer garden alone holds about 150 cocktail guests (www.sharedspace.co.nz ), and other sections (courtyard, lounge, booths) fit dozens more. Individual areas are limited (e.g. courtyard ~80, bar ~40, mezzanine ~25 (www.winniebagoes.co.nz )). Overall it’s built for large events.
Where is The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes located?
It’s at 2 Waterman Place, Ferrymead , Christchurch. This is just off Ferry Road in the eastern suburbs. (Enter “Winnie Bagoes Ferrymead” or the address into your map for exact directions.) The large building has signage for both The Good Home and Winnie Bagoes, and there’s roomy parking out front.
How do I get tickets to a show here?
Ticket sales depend on each event. For concerts and club shows, tickets are usually sold via the event promoter (often on Ticketek, Ticketmaster or local NZ outlets). You can often buy online or over the phone a few weeks in advance. Some smaller gigs may have a limited ticket run at the door (cash or EFTPOS). The venue itself does not have a public box office, so watch social media or local ads for pre-sale links. Arriving early on show night can work if remaining tickets are released at the door.
What are the age restrictions at The Good Home & Winnie Bagoes?
All ages are welcome for dining or family events during the day. However, evening events like concerts and club nights are often R18. Always check the event listing: if it’s an R18 show, you’ll need valid ID. On R18 nights, children are not admitted at all. Regular weekend dining and pizza nights have no age restriction.
Is there parking available, and is it free?
Yes. The venue offers a large, free on-site car park right outside the front entrance (www.colliers.co.nz ). Unlike downtown venues, there’s no street meter or paid lot – park for free as long as you stay for your evening out. Just make sure to arrive with plenty of time for big events when the lot fills up.
What public transport options serve the venue?
Several Metro buses stop a short walk from the venue. In particular, routes 3 and 5 run along Ferry Road past the Ara Institute and ferrymead shops, dropping you nearby (www.metroinfo.co.nz ). Bus 155 (Eastgate–Lyttelton) also stops at Ferrymead Township close to Waterman Place (www.metroinfo.co.nz ). Service frequency is moderate, and buses may end service around midnight. For convenience, most night visitors drive or use rideshares (Uber, Ola, Zoomy) to/from the venue.
Where is the best place to sit or stand?
It depends on the event. For live music or DJs, people usually gather up front by the stage or dance floor. For sports or video, the tiered sports lounge at the back offers the best sightlines (it has the “best view” of the big screen (www.sharedspace.co.nz )). The booths and mezzanine are quieter if you prefer seating with table service, but you’ll be farther from the action. In short, head to the sports den/beer garden for screens, or stay near the bar/front for concerts.
Are there any suit or dress code requirements?
No formal dress code applies – feel free to come as you are. Locals typically wear casual attire (jeans, T-shirts, hoodies) even at night. Some patrons come in shorts and jackets too. The vibe is very relaxed. There’s no need for business wear or costumes. Just dress comfortably and consider bringing a warm layer if you plan to hang out in the courtyard or beer garden on a cool evening.
What is the policy on bags, cameras or photography?
Small personal bags or backpacks are generally allowed. Large luggage or professional camera gear might be subject to a security check or refusal, especially during ticketed events. Casual photography (mobile phone pics) is usually fine for personal use. Flash photography during shows may be discouraged. The venue reserves the right to enforce bag checks on entry. Leave large tripods or video equipment at home unless it’s an official event production.
What payment methods are accepted?
The bars and kitchen accept credit and debit cards, Apple/Google Pay and cash. No cover charge applies. Most customers use PayWave card taps for drinks. ATMs are not provided on-site, so it’s wise to pay by card. (By law, bars in NZ cannot refuse cash, but phones are so common here you can pay any way you like.)
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and main floor are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and wide aisles. The restrooms include at least one accessible stall. Staff will help reseat inaccessible tables if needed. The mezzanine lounge is not readily accessible (stairs), but ground-floor seating is ample. In summary, people with mobility needs should have no problem dining or watching events here.
Are pets allowed?
No – only service animals are allowed inside due to health regulations. There’s no pet area. Tiny companion animals (like emotional support pets) aren’t officially permitted, though sometimes small dogs in carriers sneak in on quiet daytime. Basically, plan on a pet-free visit. However, on a nice day you could grab takeaway and meet friends with dogs outside in the parking or courtyard away from food areas.
Are children allowed on concert nights?
For under-18s, it depends on the event. During daytime family-friendly events (king’s playlist or midday functions), kids are welcome. However, if the event is advertised R18 (like most pop/EDM club shows), no minors are permitted even with an adult. Always check event details: under-18s usually must vacate by 9pm unless a special all-ages gig is announced.
Is there a coat check or locker service?
No official coat check is provided. On cool nights, many patrons drape jackets over chair backs or booth seating. A small rack near the entrance may be offered for coats at busy times, but it’s unattended. For events, just keep belongings zipped or carry them; it’s generally safe. As always, keep valuables (passport, wallet) on you or locked in your car. The venue is family-oriented and theft is rare.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No. Outside food or drinks are not allowed inside. The venue has its own licensed kitchen (for food) and fully stocked bars. Bringing in your own alcohol is especially prohibited by NZ liquor laws. If you have dietary needs, rest assured the venue offers pizza, pub meals and snacks throughout business hours. For a picnic vibe, you can eat your own take-away burger on the carpark benches before entering.
Are there ticket or booking discounts for groups?
For functions (birthday parties, work events, sports team nights), the venue often negotiates group rates or a minimum-spend package. They encourage group bookings. For public ticketed events, group discounts are rare – sometimes a promoter may offer “friends of 10” rates, but this is not advertised. Basically, larger parties can negotiate with management (at the box office or event organizer), but individual concert tickets are usually fixed-price.
Does the venue serve food during shows?
Yes. The kitchen stays open during events (until late, often the whole night), serving pizzas, fries, burgers and pub classics. You can order food at the bar or from servers just as you would on a normal night. Placing a food order earlier is wise during big events, but pizzas and snacks are continually available throughout. Water jugs and napkins are on each table or stand area.
What time does the music usually start and end?
Concerts and DJs typically start around 8pm (doors at 7pm or so). Club nights might not peak until 10-11pm. Most music wraps up by midnight on Wednesdays-Thursdays, and by 2am on Fridays and Saturdays (closing time is late). If you have an early train or flight, know that last buses leave at about midnight, so you may need a ride after that. On weekends the bar itself is open until late night (check posted hours), but live acts usually finish before the legal close.
