Your guide to shopping in Christchurch

Discover the ultimate guide to shopping in Ōtautahi Christchurch. From high-end fashion at The Crossing to the boutique charm of New Regent Street and Riverside Lanes.

Where to shop 'til you drop in Ōtautahi Christchurch?

Whether you’re hunting for high-end global fashion, artisanal local crafts, or a heritage boutique experience, Christchurch’s retail scene has been completely reimagined. From the sleek laneways of the CBD to the most beautiful street in New Zealand, here is your ultimate guide to shopping in the central city.

Where's the main place to go shopping in Christchurch city?

The Cashel Street pedestrian mall (known as City Mall) and its offshoots, including Riverside Market, Five Lanes at the BNZ Centre, High Street and the ANZ Centre, and The Crossing, is the bustling, social centre of Christchurch retail.

Here you'll find a stunning mix of Kiwi-owned businesses and brands, big-name global brands and the iconic Christchurch department store experience.

Riverside Market

Riverside Market is Ōtautahi Christchurch’s indoor farmers market and foodie hub, stacked with local producers, quality shops and dining options.

Located at the corner of Cashel Street and Oxford Terrace, the market has become a bustling hub and a staple for central city lunches, but it's the shopping in the laneways surrounding it that attracts those partial to a spot of shopping.

Shopology is a must-visit collaborative space that showcases a handpicked collection of New Zealand-made fashion, jewellery, and creative gifts from local artisans.

For those looking to elevate their living space, Abode Homeware offers a sophisticated range of sustainable interior pieces and stylish lifestyle goods.

Cashel Street

At the top end of Cashel Street near Riverside Market, you'll find a large range of stores offering apparel, footwear, accessories, and gifts to suit everyone.

It's here you can pop into the chic New Zealand women's brand, Moochi, or browse the racks at Kiwi-owned business, Flo & Frankie.

Sergios is another New Zealand-owned store that was founded in Christchurch and stocks high-end designer menswear from global brands as well as their own range.

If you're looking for sportswear, Global giant Nike also stands tall on Cashel Street.

Anchoring the mall is Ballantynes, Christchurch’s legendary department store, offering a grand, traditional shopping experience.

Couple walking down City Mall near the ice cream mural

Lady looking in the windows at Scorpio Books

Five Lanes at the BNZ Centre

Five Lanes at the BNZ Centre runs off Cashel Street and is a great place to explore for those seeking a more curated, independent shopping experience of locally designed goods.

Scorpio Books is an independent bookstore with the best range of carefully curated books, while HAPA showcases a range of locally-made gifts, often hand-crafted and celebrating Māori creativity and indigenous design.

Check out our guide on unique shops in the Christchurch CBD for more great places to shop at Five Lanes.

High Street & the ANZ Centre

As you wander toward the High Street end of City Mall, you’ll find the sleek ANZ Centre with a mix of popular New Zealand and international brands and stores.

If you're after a beauty and cosmetic store, the hugely popular Mecca has you sorted for high-end beauty products.

Kiwi icons Glassons and Hallensteins, are the places to go if you're looking for more affordable fashion that is up with the trends, while New Zealand-owned Superette will appeal if you're more into designer brands.

You'll also find a range of well-known global giants and international brands such as Lululemon, Birkenstock, and The North scattered along here.

Further down High Street, you'll find Infinite Definite (an absolute must for independent design), AS Colour for premium basics, and Head Over Heels, widely considered one of the most beautiful shoe stores in New Zealand.

The Crossing

The Crossing is the city’s premier retail precinct, offering a sophisticated and high-end atmosphere, as the heart of Christchurch's fashion scene.

Stroll through the sleek, modern Kettlewell Lane to find local favourites like RUBY, Juliette Hogan, I Love Ugly and Jamie Kay, a beautiful children's wear store.

For international fashion, the precinct houses a massive H&M, Country Road, and Witchery.

Where are other places to shop in Christchurch city?

Beyond City Mall and the closely located shopping hubs mentioned above, you’ll find Christchurch’s most atmospheric retail in beautiful heritage pockets.

New Regent Street

Picture-perfect New Regent Street is the place to be if you’re a fan of handcrafted jewellery, homewares and specialty boutiques. Crowned as New Zealand’s most beautiful street, your shopping experience will be like no other here.

Visit Youngs Jewellers, one of Christchurch's oldest retailers, for a stunning collection of antique and contemporary heirloom pieces.

For something truly unique, step into Stage Door, New Zealand’s premier boutique dance store, which stocks high-end international brands like Bloch and Capezio for dancers and performers.

No trip to the street is complete without popping into Groovy Glasses. True to their mantra of 'no boring specs allowed,' they offer a world-class collection of funky, colourful, and internationally-sourced frames you won’t find anywhere else.

Friends strolling down New Regent Street

The Tannery

Located in the beautifully restored Woolston Tanneries, this quirky retail centre is a hub of all things Kiwi-made and vintage.

Here, you can get your hands on decorative antiques, unique art and epic designer clothing!

EnCompass Clothing is a standout for those seeking quality fashion, known for its curated selection of both New Zealand and international labels, while Long Way Home is the go-to spot for beautiful, ethical homewares and gifts that prioritise craftsmanship.