Tramway Restaurant

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

7:00pm departure March - October
7:30pm departure November - February
(except public holidays)

Departs from Tram Stop 1, Cathedral Junction Shopping Mall, Christchurch Central City

03 366 7830

The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by. There’s something about it that instantly kicks those smile producing muscles into gear – it’s cute and charming, and who wouldn’t want to have a ride on it?

Originally built as a passenger tram in Melbourne in 1927, the tram has been carefully repurposed and restored for restaurant use. A unique way to experience the central city as well as an exciting alternative to standard dining, the Tramway Restaurant has now been running for more than twenty years. 

Inside there is seating for up to 36 people within two sections. Dining on board is a very social experience and passengers often end up having a chat across aisles. The two sections within the tram also work well as private dining spaces for groups, and the tram can be hired out it its entirety for larger gatherings.

The food served on board is crafted to fine dining standards and mostly prepared off site at Mona Vale (the catering partner of the Tramway Restaurant) but all final preparation and plating takes place in the kitchen on board in full view of the diners. The menu changes seasonally and works as a set-menu package, which can be altered to cater for most dietary needs. Wine and beer on board is local and the meal is finished off with tea and coffee, and a dessert created by local Sweet Soul Patisserie.

If you feel like giving something a little different a go, the Tramway Restaurant is a must try. There’s nothing quite like sightseeing the central city at dusk and enjoying a great meal in good company.

Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

Departs from Tram Stop 1, Cathedral Junction Shopping Mall, Christchurch Central City

Nearby Places

Vivace Espresso

Corner site of Vivace Espresso on Cambridge Terrace in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Vivace Espresso on Christchurch’s Cambridge Terrace is a cafe that wears many hats and wears them well.

Story

The kitchen at Story beside the wooden staircase up to the dining room.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

The dining experience at Story is anything but ordinary.

Lovoir Day Spa

The entrance to Lovoir Day Spa in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

As soon as you step inside Lovoir Day Spa at The Crossing in Christchurch, you will find yourself enveloped by an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.

The National

Person walking past exterior of The National gallery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.

Similar Places

Peaches

Bright orange awning of Peaches cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

On a sunny, north-facing corner in Linwood Village, Peaches is a welcome new addition to the neighbourhood.

Lux Espresso

The bench seating next to the counter inside Lux Espresso Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Positioned in the entrance of CoCA Gallery, Lux Espresso has a contemporary design and a wholesome breakfast and lunch menu.

Southpaw Brewing Company & Taproom

Aqua blue building exterior and outdoor seating at Southpaw Brewing Company & Taproom.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Southpaw Brewing Company & Taproom, found in Christchurch’s seaside suburb of New Brighton, is proudly community-focused and this small, independent brewery is...

Fluffy Bake Shop

Customers ordering at the counter at Fluffy Bake Shop.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Christchurch-dwellers or visitors to the garden city with a penchant for pastries, Fluffy Bake Shop needs to be at the top of your must-visit list.