5 Best Shopping in Christchurch, Christchurch and Canterbury

Established in 1854 as New Zealand's first department store, Ballantynes is an institution in the South Island. Far from allowing its traditions to slow it down, it has morphed into a world-class shopping experience with some of the best New Zealand and international designer brand names all under one roof. Allow plenty of time to browse the racks and shelves, where you will find everything from the latest trends, from designer concept-store items to New Zealand gifts and wine, to the very best crystal and china. When you need a break there are two cafés and a wine bar. They also have a store at the departure lounge of Christchurch Airport, where you can pick up your purchases and take advantage of tax-exempt shopping.

This independent bookstore started in the early 1970s and has gathered a cult following over the years. The shop stocks a wide range of fiction, cooking, and history books as well as design studies, philosophy tomes, and travelogues. It's a great place to spend a few hours browsing.

This retail precinct in the lower levels of a big bank building offers standout local designer brands, including Macpac, Partridge Jewellers, Superette, Glassons, Hallensteins Brothers, the North Face, Platypus, and Merchant. There's also a Mecca Maxima cosmetics store and an ANZ bank, along with eight levels of parking.

This store in Cashel Mall sells a colorful range of outdoor clothing, backpacks, accessories, and tents. This chain is found throughout New Zealand and has particularly good markdowns at sale times. It has several stores throughout the city and a clearance outlet at 119 Riccarton Road.

Dubbed Christchurch's new retail heart, the Crossing is an artfully designed precinct boasting top international and local brands. Walking through the outdoor courtyards and laneways lined with impressive contemporary sculptures, you will find designer clothes and shoes, along with a florist, cafés, beauty salons, a bakery, and even a gourmet supermarket.