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World Travel Guide > Guides > Oceania > New Zealand > Christchurch

Local time Christchurch

Currency

NZ$

the IDs1362Christchurch International Airport
Places in Christchurch

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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Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel

With beautiful period features, Eliza's history spans three centuries. This grade II historic, wooden house was built in 1861 by one of the city's founding fathers, before being restored and turned into a hotel in 1981. It's within easy walking distance of the gardens, museum, and New Regent Street while just around the corner is Victoria Street with its plethora of restaurants and bars. The hotel's delicious cooked breakfast will set you up for your day of exploring the city.

The Equestrian Hotel

If city centres are not your cup of tea, try staying in suburban Hornby, which was largely untouched by the quake. Beside State Highway 1, this hotel is also ideal if you are heading further south. Rooms range from executive to budget, and are set on lovely grounds with a music bar, lots of outdoor seating, and a miniature railway model. The hotel is also located near a large shopping centre.

Merivale Manor

Set in an elegantly restored historic home dating from 1882 and within walking distance of the city centre, Merivale Manor is a perfect home away from home. Choose between studio or suite accommodation with luxurious amenities such as jetted tubs, full kitchens and laundry facilities. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Haka Lodge

Around a 5-minute drive from the heart of Christchurch, and with a bus stop on its doorstep, Haka Lodge is a good budget choice for those wishing to stay close to the centre of the action. The lodge offers a range of accommodation options, from shared rooms and hotel standard private rooms to a two-bedroom apartment unit. Haka also features a communal kitchen, free unlimited Wi-Fi, a chill out area and a verdant garden.

Rendezvous

This hotel is set opposite the fabulous and historical 1930s New Regent Street, with its array of Spanish-Mission style buildings. Standard rooms have queen-size beds and en-suites, and most feature uninterrupted views of the city or the Southern Alps. Those wishing to venture a little further afield should note that the tram leaves from New Regent Street, running alongside the Rendezvous on its way to the Square.

Novotel Christchurch

Novotel Christchurch is a landmark hotel located in the heart of the Square, beside the once-iconic Christ Church Cathedral. Facilities include a bar, restaurant, fitness centre and guest laundry. It's only moments to the main city attractions, including the Shipping Container Mall, the historical New Regent Street and Hagley Park.

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