The trial of a man accused of shooting another dead, after a night of partying, is underway in Christchurch

David Bridgwater was found with gunshot wounds - next to his still-running car - in Aranui, in the early hours of January 4 last year.

The 38-year-old had been at the Juicy Festival in QEII Park, before a gathering at the Aranui property, where he was shot by James Arthur Holder.

Holder admits shooting Bridgwater, but claims it was self-defence.

The 55-year-old is facing trial in the High Court in Christchurch - set for the next five weeks.