The Malls
The city has a number of suburban malls. Westfield Riccarton has more than 200 shops over two levels; the bus stops right outside the door. Northlands Mall, in Papanui has 135 stores. The Palms, in Shirley has more than 110 stores, a big entertainment complex, and good bus services. The recently revamped Merivale Mall is smaller with around 40 stores, but features a pricier range of designer shops and boutiques. All malls are open daily.
The Markets
The Arts Centre Market offers a good range of quirky and quality items. Stallholders sell everything from hand-knitted, 100% New Zealand wool, garments to jewelry, clothing, housewares, candles, toys, and handcrafted soaps. Because of the earthquakes this market is now staged at the Ferrymead Heritage Park.
Riccarton Rotary Market which you’ll find Sundays from 8am at Riccarton Racecourse, on Racecourse Road, Upper Riccarton, is supposedly New Zealand’s biggest outdoor market and attracts over 300 vendors. Arrive early to get the best bargains. The goods are predominantly secondhand, but there are some good buys in sheepskin products and crafts. You’ll need to sift through everything as there’s a lot of junk, but it’s a good cultural study.
City Shopping Spots
Christchurch’s inner city shopping precincts have been severely impacted by the earthquakes. The suburb of Sydenham is due to be rebuilt first and some retailers are open in temporary premises in Cashel Mall. More will come onstream as the new city develops. Top-quality New Zealand arts, crafts, and jewelry can be found at Form Gallery, in the new Christchurch Art Gallery.
Made in New Zealand
Head for Untouched World, where you’ll find a stunning range of top-quality, New Zealand-made wool garments. It has a delightful setting with a top-end restaurant and native garden.
- Ballantyne & Co., is still seen as the department store in Christchurch. It has been operating with distinctive style for over 100 years and its Contemporary Lounge is a good spot for top international clothing and accessories brands that can’t be found elsewhere on the South Island.
