Shopping Centres in Christchurch
Christchurch is an excellent city for shopping. Be it big name stores, local designers, thrift shops, or just somewhere to grab a coffee while you shop, you’ll find it all here. In fact, after the 2011 earthquake destroyed the city’s old shopping centers, Christchurch re-established itself as a retail center that is even better now.
This article will cover all the major shopping destinations so that you can find out everything you need to know.
Why Christchurch is a Great City for Shopping
Christchurch is not just one big mall. It has a mix of:
- Modern city precincts (post-quake rebuilds)
- Suburban malls (great for everyday needs)
- Unique boutique destinations (one-of-a-kind shops)
- Markets and heritage spots
That variety is actually what makes it special compared to other NZ cities.
The Main Shopping Centres at a Glance
| Shopping Centre | Location | Best For | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield Riccarton | Riccarton | Everyday shopping, big brands | Large – 150+ stores |
| The Crossing | CBD | High-end fashion, international brands | Medium – city block |
| Northlands | Papanui | North suburbs, families, road trips | Large – 2 food courts, cinema |
| The Palms | Shirley | East suburbs, families | Large – 110+ stores |
| Barrington | Barrington | South suburbs, everyday needs | Medium – 50+ stores |
| Eastgate | Linwood | East Christchurch locals | Medium – 30+ stores |
| The Tannery | Woolston | Boutique, unique gifts, dining | Small but special |
| The Colombo | Sydenham | Arthouse, boutique, food | Boutique |
1. Westfield Riccarton – The Big One
If you can only visit one mall, chances are most people from around here would advise that you go here. The Westfield Riccarton on Riccarton Road is the biggest shopping complex in all of the South Island, boasting over 150 shops under its roof ranging from discount stores like Kmart to brand name stores.
What’s there: Kmart, Farmers, JB Hi-Fi, Glassons, Cotton On, food court, supermarkets, and lots more.
Best for: Families, anyone visiting from out of town, one-stop shopping.
Parking: Free and plentiful.
2. The Crossing – The Stylish One
Described as the new shopping precinct of Christchurch, The Crossing began operating in 2017, spreading over a whole hectare city block located in the CBD area. The precinct seems to resemble a typical European precinct much more than a typical shopping center with its open passageways, artworks, and designer stores.
The Crossing is the finest shopping precinct in Christchurch, providing a sophisticated environment that is at the heart of the city’s fashion industry. Stores include H&M, Country Road, Witchery, RUBY, Rodd & Gunn, among others.
Good for: Those interested in fashion, those interested in exploring the new CBD of Christchurch.
3. Northlands – The North End Giant
Northlands Shopping Centre provides an ideal location for stocking up prior to a northern journey because of its strategic placement at the edge of Christchurch. The large shopping center houses many retail shops, two food courts, two supermarkets, and a movie theater.
It is long and spread out — great for a slow browse. Reportedly popular with older locals who do laps for exercise!
Best for: North Christchurch residents, road trippers, families wanting a full day out.
4. The Palms – The East Side Favourite
The Palms Shopping Centre is located at Shirley and has been an excellent choice since 1997. It features more than 110 outlets that include famous names like Kmart, Farmers, Kathmandu and many others. It also houses a food court, Countdown grocery store, and Reading Cinemas for enjoying the latest releases on screen. Furthermore, it has parents’ rooms and children’s play area.
Best for: East Christchurch locals, families with young kids, movie outings.
5. Barrington Shopping Centre – The South Side Staple
With more than 50 shops, Barrington Shopping Centre includes everything from the bigger chain stores like The Warehouse and Fresh Choice, to the smaller specialized stores.
It is a simple, functional shopping centre. Nothing fancy about it, but it does its job well and it is much less busy than Riccarton.
Best for: South Christchurch locals, quick errands, avoiding the crowds.
6. Eastgate – Serving the East
Eastgate Shopping Center caters to the east of Christchurch. It is made up of over 30 shops like Bed Bath & Beyond, Postie Plus, EB Games, Number 1 Shoes, and Pagani. It also houses a Countdown supermarket and The Warehouse.
It is a smaller, community-focused mall. Good for locals but not worth a special trip if you are visiting from across the city.
7. The Tannery – The Unique One
No other shopping centre in Christchurch has anything like it. It is one of those ventures that, without the earthquakes, might never have been considered possible, transforming an old derelict tannery on the banks of the Heathcote River into a Victorian-style shopping center. Every brick from the building had to be taken down, cleaned, and replaced after the structures were strengthened.
The Tannery boasts over 50 owner-operated and specialist shops — there are no chain stores here. You will find boutique clothing, gifts, a brewery, cafés, and a cinema.
Best for: A special outing, buying gifts, something different from the usual mall experience.
Location: Woolston — about 10 minutes from the CBD.
8. The Colombo – Boutique with a European Feel
The Colombo is a fresh perspective on a neighborhood mall which caters to people who love food and fashion. Its highlights include designer clothing, dining options, salons, and gift shops – even an art house cinema. It can be found just outside the downtown area, in Sydenham.
Best for: Coffee dates, arthouse films, boutique fashion, a relaxed afternoon.
CBD Precincts Worth Knowing About
Beyond the malls, Christchurch’s city centre has some great shopping streets and precincts:
| Precinct | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Cashel Street (City Mall) | Main retail street, Ballantynes department store, Nike, big NZ brands |
| Riverside Market | Indoor food and artisan market on the Avon River |
| New Regent Street | Boutique jewellery, gifts, beautiful heritage architecture |
| The Salt District (Sydenham) | Local NZ fashion brands, creative and independent shops |
| Arts Centre | NZ-made gifts, galleries, weekend markets |
Ballantynes, which has been in operation since 1854 and is an authentic Christchurch landmark, is the department store at the center of the Cashel Street mall.
Quick Comparison: Which Mall Should You Visit?
| If You Want… | Go To… |
|---|---|
| Everything in one place | Westfield Riccarton |
| High-end fashion | The Crossing |
| A unique experience | The Tannery |
| Everyday bargains, south side | Barrington |
| A movie + shopping day | The Palms or Northlands |
| Local NZ designers | The Salt District or Arts Centre |
| Fresh food + artisan goods | Riverside Market |
Tips Before You Go
- Park: On weekends, Riccarton is bustling; get there early or use public transport.
- Opening times: Malls generally operate from 9am-6pm Monday through Friday, staying late on Thursdays and closing earlier on Sundays.
- Downtown shopping is easy to access by foot: The Crossing, Riverside Market, Cashel Street, and New Regent Street are all conveniently located near one another.
- The Tannery Shopping Centre makes for a worthwhile trip out: It is unlike anything else in Christchurch.
One thing to note: Store counts and individual tenants change regularly. Always check the mall’s own website for the most current list of stores before visiting — some stores mentioned (e.g. Bed Bath & Beyond) have had changes to their NZ presence in recent years.