‘All great parties must come to an end’: Founders of popular Christchurch nightclub sell up
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
The founders of Christchurch nightclub Hide have sold the venue, seven years after opening it.
The popular club was billed as “Christchurch's only purpose-built nightclub” dedicated to electronic music.
Owners Mitch Ryder and Sam Smith will continue to run parties in Christchurch, including the popular Lakes Festival.
The owners of Christchurch nightclub Hide have announced they have sold the business after seven years of bringing underground electronic music to the city.
Mitch Ryder and Sam Smith opened the club, billed as “Christchurch's only purpose-built nightclub” dedicated to electronic music, in 2019 at the former Empire Bar on St Asaph St.
They told Stuff at the time they wanted to breathe new life into the city’s nightlife and fill the gap for electronic music left by a handful of bars closing after the Christchurch earthquakes
“Before the earthquakes, there were about 10 serious, world-class nightclubs in Christchurch. They were formidable, but they closed and there was no scope for anyone looking to rebuild,” Ryder said.
Hosting a range of electronic genres including drum and bass, house, techno and dubstep, crowds flocked to the venue - inspired by European clubs - in its early days, with shows regularly selling out.
However, the pair have decided it is time to walk away, posting on social media on Wednesday that “all great parties must come to an end”.
“People make places. To everyone that partied with us over the years, thank you. To all of our loyal regulars, promoters and artists, you have become a second family to us - you have made Hide more than just a nightclub.
“To our staff, past and present over the years, thank you for your infectious energy, hard work and countless late nights you dedicated to the venue.”
Speaking to The Press about the decision to sell, Ryder said they were approached by a buyer and, with family life also a consideration, decided it was time to pass on the mantle.
“Sam and I had been thinking about selling the club for a while, and it just seemed serendipitous that we had an approach during that time.
“It’s incredibly bitter sweet. We’ve put our blood, sweat and tears into the club,” he said.
Ryder and Smith will continue to run parties in Christchurch, including the popular Lakes Festival.
Their last night running the venue will be June 27, although clubgoers can expect a series of “closing parties” throughout the rest of June.
“We hope you can make it for one final dance with us,” they said.
There is no word yet on if the new owners plan to keep Hide running as a nightclub.