Christchurch travel guide

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Shopping in Christchurch

Keen shoppers are offered plenty of shopping opportunities in Christchurch.

Key areas:

Apart from the Re:Start Mall, Victoria Street and New Regent Street, shops are still being rebuilt in the city centre and new areas are opening slowly. However the central city has much to offer with over 450 unique retail businesses; more than 130 cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs and some 122 speciality stores.

Markets:

Try the Artisans market at City Mall, the Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House, Kahu Road or the Sunday Artisan Market at the same address. Small ad-hoc markets keep springing up on empty city spaces so keep your eyes open.

Shopping centres:

Westfield is Christchurch’s largest mall. The Colombo (Colombo Street) is a revamped small mall with interesting shops.The Palms (Marshlands Road) offers the usual high street shops.

Opening hours:

Shops in Christchurch are usually open Monday to Friday 0900-1730, Saturday 0900-1630 and Sunday 1000-1400.

Souvenirs:

New Zealand's wines make easy gifts to take home. Canterbury is becoming a world-renowned wine region, appreciated for its Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir wines. Majestic Wine Canterbury, at 159 Sturry Road, has a good selection of local wines.

Sheepskins, wool, leather goods and intricate Maori carvings are popular souvenirs and gifts. Try Canterbury Sheepskin, 25 Sheffield Crescent. Ballantyne’s on City Mall is one of New Zealand's longest established department stores. Smith's Bookshop, Tannery Emporium, Woolston is dedicated to old books on New Zealand, including Maori culture and art, and poetry and fiction by New Zealand authors. Maori traditional crafts include items and jewellery made from pounamu (greenstone found only on the South Island’s west coast) and paua shell. Original quake jewellery is only available from Beadz Unlimited which relocated from the quake-damaged Art Centre to New Regent Street.

Tax information:

12.5% GST (Goods & Services Tax) is paid on all goods and services in NZ and is always included in the advertised price.

New Zealand does not have a tax refund scheme like Europe. The only way to avoid GST is to buy at duty free shops or shops that will post your purchase overseas.

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