Shopping · Christchurch · New Zealand
Shopping in Christchurch
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Greg O'Beirne, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Shopping centres on the rebuilt central city, with Ballantynes department store and Cashel Street's open-air precinct, plus large suburban malls and Saturday farmers' markets. Best souvenirs: Merino and possum-merino knitwear, Pounamu and Mānuka honey.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Merino and possum-merino knitwear
Where to shop
Cashel Street and The Crossing
The central shopping precinct with fashion stores, outdoor brands and Ballantynes, Christchurch's long-established department store.
Westfield Riccarton
One of the South Island's largest malls, on Riccarton Road.
Merivale
Boutiques, homeware stores and delis around Papanui Road and Merivale Mall.
Markets
Christchurch Farmers' Market
Saturday-morning market in the grounds of Riccarton House with local produce and breakfast stalls.
Lyttelton Farmers' Market
A Saturday-morning market in the port town with bread, cheese, coffee and local crafts.
Riverside Market
A permanent covered market by the Avon with fresh produce and food counters.
What to buy
Merino and possum-merino knitwear
Warm, light jumpers, socks and hats made in New Zealand from merino wool and possum fibre blends.
Pounamu
Carved New Zealand greenstone pendants; look for pieces certified as genuine New Zealand pounamu.
Mānuka honey
Honey from New Zealand's mānuka shrub, graded by strength and sold in supermarkets and specialist shops.
Canterbury wine
Riesling and Pinot Noir from Waipara and Banks Peninsula wineries.
Kiwiana
Playful souvenirs featuring kiwi birds, pāua shell and classic New Zealand icons.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Market · Central City
Riverside Market
Opened in 2019 beside the Avon, this covered market has greengrocers, butchers, bakers and cheese stalls downstairs and food counters, bars and restaurants on several levels, from dumplings to Canterbury produce.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Rainy day
- Shopping
Street · Central City
New Regent Street and the heritage tram
Built in the early 1930s, this short pedestrian street of pastel Spanish Mission-style shopfronts survived the earthquakes and is now lined with cafés and small shops.
- Time needed
- 30–60 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- Kids
- Photo spot
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Mince and cheese pie, Pavlova, Hokey pokey ice cream and Flat white. Bakeries across the city and in towns on the road to Akaroa, Kaikōura and Arthur's Pass. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Central City | $$$ | The rebuilt core around Cathedral Square, Oxford Terrace and the Avon |
| Merivale | $$$ | Leafy villas, boutiques and wine bars north of Hagley Park |
| Riccarton | $$ | Motels, Asian eateries and a big mall west of Hagley Park |
| Addington | $$ | Former industrial area with event venues, pubs and motels |
| Lyttelton | $$ | Hilly harbour town with bars, a Saturday market and port views |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in NZD. Tipping is not expected; prices include tax and staff are paid a minimum wage. Leaving about 10% or rounding up for excellent service in a restaurant is appreciated but optional.
- Use a Metrocard rather than cash on buses, and take the Diamond Harbour ferry from Lyttelton as a low-cost harbour cruise.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in May–June and August–September; the busiest months are January.
- January: World Buskers Festival — street performers across the city (usually January)
- August: Christchurch Arts Festival (in some years, usually August–September)
Staying near the shops
$$ · Best for budget, families and shopping
Riccarton
Motels, Asian eateries and a big mall west of Hagley Park
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Christchurch?
Merino and possum-merino knitwear, Pounamu, Mānuka honey and Canterbury wine.
+Where is the best shopping in Christchurch?
Cashel Street and The Crossing: The central shopping precinct with fashion stores, outdoor brands and Ballantynes, Christchurch's long-established department store.
+What are the best markets in Christchurch?
Christchurch Farmers' Market, Lyttelton Farmers' Market and Riverside Market.