If you’re looking for the top bookshops in Christchurch, New Zealand, we’ve put together the following list for your review.
1. Scorpio Books
Scorpio Books was opened over 45 years ago by founder David Cameron and they have been carefully curating the books on their shelves ever since then. Their friendly staff are all avid readers themselves and are more than happy to offer you a recommendation if you need one!
They host a range of events for all ages and have the latest releases in both fiction and nonfiction categories. They boast the largest selection of science fiction and fantasy novels in the entire country, so are a must-visit if you are a fan of this genre.
To find out more about what is on their shelves, contact Scorpio Books.
2. Smith’s Bookshop
Smith’s Bookshop has been present in Christchurch for over 120 years. It was founded in 1894 by AD Smith and specializes in books relating to New Zealand. They sell used and new books, alongside magazines and art supplies. They’ll also buy some second-hand books from you if you are looking to free up some space on your shelves.
This book shop is also home to Cadsonbury Publications, its own printing press which is used to re-publish out-of-print books on New Zealand’s history. The shop is currently owned and operated by Tony Murdoch and Alan Direen, who maintain this much-loved book shop to this day.
Get in touch with Smith’s Bookshop to see what they have in stock.
3. Piccadilly Books
Piccadilly Books prides itself on its collection of books curated by its knowledgeable staff, customers, and local and international publishers. They cover topics across a wide range, with multiple genres of fiction.
One of the things that stands Piccadilly Books out from the crowd is the fact that it has the biggest selection of magazine titles out of all of the book shops in Christchurch. Not only this, but they also sell a range of greetings cards and stationery too.
Reach out to learn more about what they offer.
4. Athena Books
Athena Books is a family-owned and run bookshop. Like their Greek goddess namesake, their friendly staff has plenty of wisdom to help you to find what you need. If it’s not on their shelves, they are more than happy to order it for you on request.
Books aren’t the only things that Athena Books sells. They also have a range of board games and collectibles on offer, from Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer though to puzzles for all ages and abilities.
Feel free to find out more from them by sending them a message.
5. The Clocks Bookshop
The Clocks Bookshop only opened as recently as 2019, but they have already started to make a name for themselves as a top bookshop in the Christchurch area. Their key areas of specialty include cookbooks, crime, and children’s literature.
That’s not to say you can’t find a range of other books here, as they have a broad selection of fiction and nonfiction too. They also stock dyslexia-friendly books, to make sure everyone has the ability to get lost in a good story.
Make an inquiry or pay The Clocks Bookshop a visit.
6. Steadfast Books
Steadfast Books is owned by Heath Ling and specializes in selling second-hand fiction and nonfiction books. You can either visit them at their brick-and-mortar location on Ferry Road or look at their section of titles for sale online.
They not only sell books but also buy them as well so get in touch with them if you have any books they might be interested in or that you are looking to part with. Steadfast Books also carry titles from local authors.
Say hello and see what they have on their shelves.
7. The Dove Bookshop
Run by St. Christopher’s Community Trust, The Dove Bookshop sells second-hand books in aid of charity. All of their books are donated, and they have a large selection for you to choose from.
They have a large children’s and young adult fiction section, alongside books on New Zealand, and even jigsaw puzzles! All of their books are lovingly cared for by their staff to make sure that they are in good condition for you.
Why not pop by to see what you can find?
8. Christian Value Books
Christian Value Books are the second largest Christian bookshop in the world, and as a result, they have an incredibly vast range of literature on offer. Their stock of over 40,000 books is looked after by the family team of Thanja and Brian Watts.
The range of Christian texts they sell includes theology, commentaries, fiction, and bibliographies. They also sell their books online so you can see what they have on offer even if you can’t make it to the store.
If you are looking for a Christian bookshop, Christian Value Books is the place for you.
9. Adventure Books
A good story can often take you on a journey to places you have never heard of before, and that is the premise behind a lot of the books on the shelves at Adventure Books! They specialize in selling texts all about adventure, whether they are fiction or nonfiction.
A lot of the books have been carefully collected over the years, including many rare and out-of-print volumes. They offer free shipping across the world, so your book can have its own journey before you read it!
If you are looking for a taste of literary adventure, check them out.
10. The Children’s Bookshop
As the name suggests, The Children’s Bookshop specializes in children’s books. They cater to all young ones, from toddlers to teens, with a range of fiction and nonfiction titles. Some titles are even dyslexia-friendly, to help all young readers to be able to enjoy a good book.
Books aren’t the only thing on offer here, as The Children’s Bookshop also sells toys such as jigsaws and puppets. They can also support your child’s education with a selection of learning resources and aids.
If you are looking to get a book for a little one, get their advice.