Top 5 Best Shopping Places in Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch offers a diverse shopping experience, ranging from modern shopping malls and high-end boutiques to local artisan markets and specialty stores. Whether you're looking for fashion, souvenirs, local crafts, or fresh produce, Christchurch has something for every shopper. Here are the top five best shopping destinations in Christchurch:
1. The Crossing – Best for High-End & Fashion Shopping
Location: 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central
Best For: Fashion, luxury brands, accessories, beauty products
Why Visit?
- Christchurch’s premier fashion destination with a mix of international and New Zealand designer brands.
- Features high-end brands like H&M, Country Road, Seed Heritage, Witchery, and Rodd & Gunn.
- Stylish architecture and a modern shopping experience.
Insider Tip: Visit during the seasonal sales for great discounts on designer clothing and accessories.
2. Tannery Boutique Shopping Precinct – Best for Unique & Local Boutiques
Location: 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch
Best For: Boutique fashion, artisan goods, specialty crafts, unique gifts
Why Visit?
- A beautifully restored Victorian-style shopping precinct with boutique stores selling handmade, vintage, and designer items.
- Home to exclusive local brands like Deadly Ponies, Kilt, and HAPA (NZ-made gifts and jewelry).
- Includes specialty shops for books, antiques, and handmade crafts.
- A perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.
Insider Tip: Enjoy coffee and cake at Penny Black Victorian Tearooms for a cozy shopping break.
3. Riverside Market – Best for Local Food, Artisan Goods & Fresh Produce
Location: 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
Best For: Fresh produce, gourmet food, artisanal products, handcrafted souvenirs
Why Visit?
- A vibrant indoor market featuring local farmers, craft producers, and gourmet food stalls.
- Great place to buy organic produce, handcrafted chocolates, artisanal cheeses, and New Zealand honey.
- Features unique stalls selling locally made gifts, homeware, and sustainable products.
- Fantastic for food lovers, with delicious street food and international cuisine.
Insider Tip: Try the locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries at one of the specialty cafés inside the market.
4. Westfield Riccarton – Best for All-in-One Shopping Experience
Location: 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Best For: Department stores, fashion brands, electronics, entertainment
Why Visit?
- Christchurch’s largest shopping mall, offering over 180 stores.
- Features major retailers like Farmers, Kathmandu, Glassons, Barkers, and Hallenstein Brothers.
- Great for tech shopping with stores like Apple Reseller and JB Hi-Fi.
- A cinema complex and food court make it perfect for a full day of shopping and entertainment.
Insider Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend shopping rush.
5. The Arts Centre Market – Best for Handmade Crafts & Local Art
Location: Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central
Best For: Local artwork, handcrafted souvenirs, artisan jewelry
Why Visit?
- Held in the iconic Arts Centre of Christchurch, this market showcases handmade arts, pottery, and sculptures.
- The best place to find authentic New Zealand souvenirs that support local artists.
- Features a range of talented craftspeople selling unique woodwork, paintings, and contemporary art.
- A cultural shopping experience with live music and performances on weekends.
Insider Tip: Bargain for unique handmade pounamu (greenstone) jewelry, a meaningful New Zealand keepsake.
Honorable Mentions
Ballantynes Department Store – The oldest and most elegant department store in New Zealand, offering luxury brands and local designer fashion.
Merivale Mall – A boutique shopping center featuring high-end fashion, beauty stores, and gourmet cafés.
Final Thoughts
Christchurch offers something for every type of shopper, from high-end fashion and international brands to local handmade crafts and gourmet food markets. Whether you're looking for designer clothing, souvenirs, artisan products, or fresh produce, these top five shopping destinations will ensure a fantastic shopping experience in Christchurch.