About Woolston Club Inc
The Woolston Club is a large multi-purpose community club in Christchurch’s Woolston suburb, dating back to 1952 . Originally founded as the Woolston Working Men’s Club, it has grown into a hub for sports, food and entertainment. The club spans about 18 hectares of landscaped grounds with outdoor sports fields (including cricket and football on neighboring Garrick Park) . It boasts over 5,000 members and offers more than a dozen sports and social sections – from lawn bowls and indoor bowls to billiards, snooker, boxing, snooker and petanque . This gives Woolston Club a unique mix: a licensed bar and restaurant (Whitford’s Bar & Restaurant) for dining and socialising, a sports bar with stage and dancefloor for live music, and extensive outdoor and indoor sports facilities. In short, it’s Christchurch’s classic suburban club–centre, where families and club members come to play sport, enjoy good value meals and catch entertainment under one roof.
Events and Programming
A key draw of Woolston Club is its varied event calendar. The club runs weekly activities like trivia, quiz and game nights in the bars (often with cash jackpots) . Almost every Saturday night there is live music – local rock ’n’ roll or acoustic bands playing in Whitford’s Bar . In addition, the Sports Bar hosts periodic special shows and themed evenings: think comedy hypnotists, cabaret acts, magic/medium shows or dinner theatre performances every few months . The club also supports its sports sections with competitions year-round. For example, its billiards/snooker room hosts Canterbury inter-club tournaments each weekend (and even the 2019 national amateur snooker finals were held there) . The boxing section (active since 1967) fields local and national competitors too . Members frequently mention affordable hearty meals (like the $19 roast on certain nights) and lively bar promos . Overall, the Woolston Club calendar alternates weekly club draws and quiz nights with monthly live gigs, interspersed with big events for its billiards, bowling or boxing sections.
Tickets and Booking
Many events at the club are free or included with membership, while bigger shows (dinners, headline musical acts, theatre nights) require tickets. The Woolston Club functions as its own ticket agent: to book anything beyond the regular bar music nights you generally contact the club directly (for example, call 03 389 7039) . Some events might also appear on local ticketing sites, but there’s no single external box office – the club’s staff manage bookings. Membership can save money: at just $25/year you get reduced prices on drinks and food , and members often get priority notice or discounted entry to selected club shows. For popular concerts or fundraising dinners, tickets (typically ranging NZ$15–$30) can sell out, so it’s wise to reserve ahead. Otherwise many smaller acts are “come as you are” – often pay-at-door or even free for members – and on busy nights the venue staff will sell tickets or charge a gold-coin entry at the bar.
Seating and Layout
The club has multiple indoor spaces and some outdoor patios. The main Sports Bar is the largest indoor hall: it features a stage with dancefloor and can be set banquet‐style or theatre‐style, or left open for standing crowds. In banquet mode it holds about 250 people, in theatre mode up to 300 seated, and around 400 standing/party style . This hall even has a built-in projector and large screen for presentations. By comparison, the Kellaway Bar (renovated 2015) is a bright modern lounge (dancing area, its own bar and sound system) and fits about 150 people . The Top West bar/room is similar – up to 150 people with its own bar and dance space . For smaller events there are other rooms: e.g. the new community Sports Pavilion (built 2015, overlooking the park) seats about 40 for meetings, and a mezzanine floor above Whitford’s Bar holds around 70 people (it even has five pool tables and a SKY TV) . Outside on the grounds sits the club’s old Bowling Club building (a separate hall) with its own stage and dancefloor, accommodating up to 300 people . In each setup, the best viewing is generally just in front of the stage or on the flat dancefloor; side tables up near the bar are a bit farther away or behind pillars. Whitford’s Bar (the family restaurant/bar) itself is more open‐plan – performances there tend to feel intimate, and the very front rows are closest to the musician. Overall, the various rooms allow flexible layouts (dinner tables, rows of chairs or a dance area) depending on the event.
Getting There and Parking
Woolston Club Inc is located at 43 Hargood Street, Woolston, Christchurch (postcode 8062) . That’s in the eastern suburbs, just off Linwood Ave and a short drive from the CBD or airport. If driving, the club offers a large free carpark on-site (wide paved lots plus overflow grass parking) – parking is plentiful for cars and even campervans. In fact, many self-contained motorhomers use the club’s lot for overnight stays: New Zealand Motor Caravan Assn. members in particular are welcomed to stop and use the facilities . There is no charge, but be respectful of other guests. For public transport, take a Metro bus. Routes 3, 155 and 140 all stop within a few minutes’ walk of the club (e.g. at Hargood/Clydesdale or Linwood/Clydesdale) . From the city center one can transfer at central hubs or catch the 3 straight out Sumner road. Taxi and rideshare services (Uber/Ola) can drop off or pick up at the club’s front entrance on Hargood Street. Shuttle buses or tour buses can also use the parking area by prior arrangement.
Inside the Venue
Inside, Woolston Club feels like a classic social club – warm wood tones, sports club trophies on display, and friendly bartenders. On entry you’ll find multiple bars and lounges: Whitford’s Bar & Restaurant is the main social area, open daily for meals and drinks, and it’s decorated like a family pub. Cabinet‐style snacks and a café menu are available all day . A separate enclosed restaurant area (also called Whitford’s) serves lunch/dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 11am with a bistro menu of roasts, steaks, salads and hearty Kiwi classics – many diners praise the roast dinner here as excellent value . Just outside this dining space is a covered outdoor seating area and children’s playground, so parents can relax while kids play on the lawn . The Sports Bar and Kellaway Bar are more nightclub-like, with hardwood dance floors, colourful lighting and mounted TVs streaming sports. All bars have TAB betting booths and multiple gaming machines (pokies) – remember to sign guests in at reception if you are not a member. You can pay by EFTPOS or cash at any bar. Free Wi-Fi is usually available for members. Restrooms (with accessible stalls) are on each level and a “Community Room” lounge has a pool table and quiet seating. Staffed check-ins (ID checks) happen during big gigs or evenings. In short, entry is casual: tidy casual dress is fine, ID must be shown if drinking, and the atmosphere is family-friendly (kids mix freely in the dining areas, but from early evening the scene is mostly adult).
Nearby Amenities
As for nearby options, the Woolston neighbourhood itself is mostly residential with a few takeaways and convenience shops, so most visitors dine on-site. However, a short drive or bus ride takes you to larger eating districts. The Tannery (Barrington) and Colombo Village (Barrington/Colombo) eateries are about 5–10 minutes west by car. In the city, Linwood and the CBD are 5–7 km northwest with dozens of restaurants and bars. If you need accommodation, there are no hotels right at Woolston – the nearest hotels are in central Christchurch or at adjoining suburbs like Linwood. For evening transport home, buses run until at least 10pm on weekdays (check Metro timetables), and taxis/Ubers operate 24/7 in Christchurch.
What Makes This Venue Special
Woolston Club is special because it combines so many community functions under one roof. Its 70+ years of history mean the club has hosted generations of events – from decades of school-end functions to Canterbury sports finals. The expansive grounds (18 ha) with gardens, tennis courts, petanque, and bowling greens make it feel more like a private sports park than a bar. It remains privately run by and for locals, which gives it a friendly, down-to-earth vibe you don’t get at corporate venues. The affordable food and family‐oriented atmosphere are frequently praised – for example, visiting RV owners loved the $19 roast beef meal and being made welcome . The club’s commitment to sports means even serious snooker and boxing tournaments are held here, giving local athletes and enthusiasts a beautiful home base. In essence, audiences and performers alike enjoy Woolston Club because it feels like a local hometown hub: familiar and unpretentious, with something for everyone (from grandma to grandkids and local bands) .
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Woolston Club is wheelchair accessible (ramps and an elevator to upper levels), and accessible restrooms are provided . When planning your visit, bring photo ID if you intend to drink, and consider becoming a member (just $25/year) to get discounted drinks and entry benefits . Casual attire is fine – jeans or smart casual is typical. Children are welcome in the daytime and dining areas (there’s even a playground), but from late afternoon the environment is adult-oriented and no liquor is served to minors. The club is smoke-free inside by law; use the outdoor smoking area to the side. Peak times like Friday night draws and Saturday concerts can get busy, so arriving early helps secure a good table or spot near the stage. Food service can be slower during big events, so plan to order meals well ahead of showtime. Finally, don’t be shy to ask the friendly staff or members for local advice – they’re known for being welcoming to newcomers. Follow the Woolston Club Facebook page or ask at reception for the latest schedule, and you’ll catch everything from quiz nights to AA-weatherproof cellar parties without missing a beat .
Is membership required to visit Woolston Club?
No, you do not need to be a member just to enter the club or dine there. Over-18 visitors are welcome, but you must sign in as a guest at the bar. Membership is optional (and only $25/year) – it earns perks like cheaper meals and drinks. Many special events or competitions give members priority or discounted tickets .
How do I become a member and how much does it cost?
Membership is easy: you can join online via the club’s website or at the club reception. Membership costs $25 per year . Once a member, you get loyalty points at the bar, access to all sports and club facilities (like the snooker room, tennis courts and more) and year-round entry to all entertainment events at members’ rates.
What public transport options serve Woolston Club?
Several Christchurch Metro buses stop near the club. Route 3 (Longhurst–Sumner) stops on Linwood Avenue at Keighleys Crescent (about 2 minutes’ walk), and routes 155 and 140 stop at Hargood Street/Clydesdale (about 4 minutes’ walk) . From the city centre you can transfer onto any of those lines. There is no commuter train here – just buses and taxis/Ubers. Buses generally run at least until 9-10pm on weekdays.
Is there parking available, and is it free?
Yes. The club has a large free car park on-site for members and guests. It can easily accommodate dozens of cars and even campervans . You will not need to pay the city; parking is free at the club. (Many motorists, including NZMCA motorhome members, use it overnight.) If the main lot is full, street parking is also available nearby.
What is the seating layout of the venue?
The club has several distinct rooms. The largest is the Sports Bar (with stage and dancefloor): it holds about 250 people at tables or up to 400 standing . The Kellaway Bar and Top West Bar each hold about 150 with open dancefloors . There’s also a new Sports Pavilion room (40 people) and a separate Bowling Club building (up to 300 people) . An upstairs mezzanine overlooks Whitford’s Bar and can seat ~70. For concerts, front-row and floor seats (or standing near the stage) give the best view, while tables farther back have a more restricted view.
What are the club’s age and dress policies?
During family hours (daytime through early evening) the club is family-friendly. Children are allowed in the dining and lounge areas, though they cannot drink or gamble. After hours (especially when live gigs or bar events start), patrons must be 18+ to stay. There is no formal dress code – casual attire is normal – but avoid beachwear or overtly revealing outfits as a courtesy. Shorts or jeans and a clean shirt are perfectly acceptable. Always carry ID if you plan to drink.
Can I bring a pram or wheelchair into the venue?
Yes. The club is wheelchair accessible (ramps and wide doors) and also has pram-friendly entry. Each bar and the restaurant are on ground level or have elevator access to upper rooms. Accessible toilets are provided. Expect a flat concrete floor (no stairs) through the Whitford’s dining area and main bars. Staff can assist if you need help finding a spot for a wheelchair or pram.
Does Woolston Club have Wi-Fi and phone facilities?
The club provides complimentary Wi-Fi for members and guests, especially useful in the public bar areas. Coverage is good throughout Whitford’s Bar and the Sports Bar. There are no dedicated phone booths, but mobile phone reception inside is generally excellent on Christchurch networks. Power chargers are not left lying about, so if you need to charge devices ask staff for the public outlet near the bar.
Are there any food and drink amenities?
Absolutely. Whitford’s Bar & Restaurant serves an all-day menu (cafe snacks and bar meals) and a full bistro menu for lunch/dinner . Barista coffee (Vivace beans) is available until late each day . The licensed bars pour local beer on tap, wines and spirits. There’s also an ATM on-site. For quick bites, a cabinet snack selection is available, and the kitchen does regular roast dinners and specials (many visitors praise the $19 roast beef as excellent value ).
What are the typical hours of operation?
Woolston Club is open every day (except major holidays) from the morning through late at night. Bars usually open around 8:30–9:00am and stay open until 11pm (midnight on some nights) . Whitford’s Restaurant hours are shorter: it operates roughly 11am–8pm on weekdays and dinner service into the evening on weekends . For exact times (which occasionally change for events), check the club’s Facebook page or call ahead.
Are reservations or arriving early recommended?
For big events (especially weekends) it’s wise to book or arrive early. You can enquire about table reservations for dining by calling the club. For concerts or club shows, arrive at least 30 minutes before start time to get a good spot, as seating (and parking) can fill fast. If you plan to eat before a show, booking Whitford’s Restaurant ahead on Friday/Saturday is also a good idea.
What payment methods are accepted?
The club accepts cash and major debit/credit cards at all bars and the restaurant. EFTPOS is available at the main bar and kitchen. You can charge drinks and meals to your membership (if you have one) or pay on the spot. Nothing extra in admission fees. Note: some membership promotions or jackpots at raffles may require exact change or cash, so it’s handy to have some Kiwi dollars on you for those.
Is smoking allowed inside?
No. New Zealand indoor smoking laws apply. Smoking is only allowed in the covered outdoor patio area next to Whitford’s Bar, not inside the building. Smoking guests step outside via the back patio doors. Electronic cigarettes (vaping) also follow the same rule and can only be used outside.
