Your Guide to Shopping in Christchurch

The inner-city retail scene is bustling with eager shoppers, all hoping to get their hands on the latest styles! Spend the day exploring a wide range of boutiques and contemporary stores down Cashel, High and Colombo Streets – here you’ll be treated to a range of local businesses and popular global chain stores.

Discover the secrets of The Crossing, a melting pot of high-end fashion mixed with well-loved favourites such as retail giant H&M and Country Road. Bold colours within Five Lanes at The BNZ Centre creates a light and airy atmosphere while you enjoy a bite to eat and explore one-of-a-kind stores.

The SALT District is a must for avid shoppers as the area is gritty and brimming with character! Home to New Zealand fashion labels and the championing of sustainable shopping options, it’s pretty hard to resist the temptation.

An oldie but a goodie, Ballantynes is the mother of all department stores in Christchurch. Here you can source your favourite boutique homewares and pantry goodies, browse through top clothing brands and get that cosmetics fix.

Picture-perfect New Regent Street is the place to be if you’re a fan of handcrafted jewellery, homewares and specialty shops. Crowned as New Zealand’s most beautiful street, your shopping experience will be like no other!

Head down to the Arts Centre to support local artisans and independent retailers. Offering everything from gifts to stationery and clothing - your finds will be a stand-out among the crowds.

Riverside Market is Ōtautahi Christchurch’s indoor farmers market and foodie hub, stacked with local producers, quality shops and dining options. Located at the corner of Cashel St and Oxford Tce, the market has become a staple for central city lunches, and a bustling evening destination.

Located in the beautifully restored Woolston Tanneries, this quirky retail centre is a hub of all things Kiwi-made and vintage. Here, you can get your hands on decorative antiques, unique art and epic designer clothing! After you’re all shopped out, treat yourself to a spa treatment, a bite to eat or catch a movie – all located within The Tannery.

Edgy with a contemporary feel, The Colombo is home to an art house cinema and boutique shopping. Eating at their European inspired food court is a dream! Especially if you’re relaxing at the large communal tables – a good break from cruising around an awesome selection of stores.

Christchurch has a bunch of epic malls accessible from all corners of the city, including the South Island’s largest mall, Westfield Riccarton. When you’re on the hunt for the latest trends or the cutest home décor, you’re bound to find what you need most!

Northlands Shopping Centre, The Palms, along with Westfield Riccarton all offer ample parking, cinemas, delicious eateries, a vast range of stores and the convenience of supermarkets for a cheeky grocery shop.

Prepare to shop more for less at Dress-Mart Hornby, the ultimate destination for bargain hunters! Exploring over 50 outlet stores under one roof is a pretty ideal situation to be in.

The growing trend of thrifting has well and truly touched down in Christchurch, and it’s not hard to see why! The number of stores are rising, which means more chances to reduce your carbon footprint and score the sweetest pieces – often at bargain prices and one of a kind!

For vintage lovers, I Heart Thrifting and Recycle Boutique are where you can find the best designer thrifted masterpieces, especially for a sturdy denim number. Recycled Clothing Warehouse and SaveMart are even more affordable, and with a vaster range of styles it’s easy to browse the racks all day!

If you love a bargain and the thrill of the hunt, check out our guide to the best Opshops In Ōtautahi Christchurch.