Lumiere Cinemas (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Lumiere Cinemas?
What makes it 83% Couple-Friendly: Two intimate gold-rush-era theatres, a licensed Bijou Bar for pre-movie cocktails, cheeseboards, and a walkable Botanic Gardens view make it an atmospheric date spot, though seating is standard.
Positives:
- Intimate atmosphere: Each theatre seats fewer than 200 guests, creating a cosy viewing experience
- Central location: Lumière sits in the Arts Centre, within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens and restaurants
Challenges:
- Small theatre size: Limited seating means popular screenings can sell out quickly
- Quiet hours: Bar closes soon after the last show; plan drinks accordingly
What is Lumiere Cinemas?
- A heritage arthouse cinema situated within Christchurch’s historic Arts Centre complex
- Multiple intimate auditoria outfitted with comfortable seating and assistive listening systems
- Dedicated to year-round screening of independent, foreign-language and festival films
What is so special about Lumiere Cinemas for couple trip?
- Watch curated art-house and festival films
- Relax in the cinema-themed Bijou Bar with cocktails
- Share local cheeses and gelato in a cosy lounge
- Benefit from intimate screens and central Arts Centre location
- Easy ticket booking and festival pass options for couples
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: A single film with drinks and snacks takes around 2-3 hours
Couple-Friendly Activities in Lumiere Cinemas
Catch an art-house screening:
Choose from new releases, foreign-language films or festival entries at Lumière Cinemas
Tip: Book tickets online to secure seats, especially during NZIFF festival
Sip cocktails at the Bijou Bar:
Enjoy cinema-themed cocktails, local craft beers and bespoke wines in a relaxed lounge
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to grab a window seat overlooking the Botanic Gardens
Share a cheeseboard or sweet treat:
Order fresh bagels, pastries, local cheese or Rollickin Gelato from the bar menu
Tip: Pair a cheese board with a glass of pinot noir for a cozy pre-film snack
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lumiere Cinemas
- Use NZIFF 5-trip pass: Buy a 5-trip pass (NZD85) during festival for discounted entry to multiple films
- Book ahead: Reserve seats online up to a week in advance to avoid sold-out shows
- Combine with a stroll: Visit the nearby Botanic Gardens before or after your film for a relaxed outing
Reviews of Lumiere Cinemas
Martin Neal
Beautiful cinema with Cafe and bar. Comfy and spacious seating with large arm rests and drinks holder. Good quality sound and image on a medium sized screen.
Laura Carolina
Great selection of movies being shown here. I saw Flow - poignant, award-winning, Latvian, animated - in The Bardot cinema, an intimate room with large, comfortable seats, complete with cup holders and small table-trays. Next time, I saw the wonderful, local film, Tinā. Saw The Salt Path in The Bernhardt cinema. Similar layout. Food and drink (alcohol too) are sold at the entrance bar. Easy bookin...
Bridie Allen-Smith
Beautiful cinema, very comfortable and clean. Beautiful upstairs bar and selection of treats at the front counter. Such a beautiful place! Parking was easy after 5.30pm, that was a Saturday too! Very much recommended. We will be back.
Hee
Best cinema I've ever been so far👍 Surroundings were full of artistic pieces, also there's food truck zone nearby so it's really cool to look around before the movie starts. I will be back to try cheese platter as well!
Hwee Shyan Lim
I went for booking on Friday (22/7) busy afternoon, the staff and the girl ( on training) was so nice and giving a good service with smile and greeting. Wanna say thank you to them ! And to Lumiere Cinema too ! Thank you for the lucky draw and I am bring along my friend to my favourite cinema and we do really enjoy it !! ( the croissant was so nice too !
When is the best time to visit Lumiere Cinemas (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
During NZIFF (September–October), adult tickets are NZD22; book early. In winter, enjoy cosy screens and hot drinks in the bar.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 cinema tickets | NZD 44 |
| 2 cocktails | NZD 30 |
| cheeseboard | NZD 25 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 99 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Lumiere Cinemas
Address: 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
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About Lumiere Cinemas
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 3 365 006610 BEST nearby Activities
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