Below is a list of the top and leading Bookstores in Christchurch. To help you find the best Bookstores located near you in Christchurch, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Christchurch’s Best Bookstores:
The top rated Bookstores in Christchurch are:
- Scorpio Books – provides a wide selection of book choices
- University Bookshop – has an impressive collection of books
- Whitcoulls Riccarton – one of the largest bookshop in NZ
- Christian Value Books – promotes Christian living and principles
- Smith’s Bookshop – haven of rare and secondhand books
Scorpio Books
Scorpio Books was founded 40 years ago and provide a glimpse through various periods through its books and publications. The Christchurch-based bookshop has special leather chairs placed on various areas to support reading. They have a vast collection of publications ranging from fiction, cookbooks, novels, sociology, self-help, educational, crafts, and fantasy. The store is home to the biggest collection of new Science Fiction and Fantasy in the country. Their children’s section is packed with creative and colourful storybooks made for the younger population.
Products/Services:
Antarctica and Arctic, Architecture, Art, Biography, Business, Childcare, Children’s, Classics, Computing, Cooking, Crafts, Diaries, Drama and Dance, Essays, Fashion, Featured, Fiction, Film, Fitness and Sport, Foreign Language, Gardening, Gender, Graphic Novels, Health, History, Humour, Inspirational, Literary Criticism, Music, Mythology, Nautical, New Zealand, Occult, Outdoors and Mountaineering, Pets, Philosophy, Photography, Poetry, Politics and Current Affairs, Psychology, Puzzles and Games, Reference, Relationships, Religion, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Social Science, Transport, Travel, Writing Style and Publishing, Young Adults
LOCATION:
Address: 120 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011
Phone: (433) 792-882
Website: www.scorpiobooks.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Staff are so helpful! And the selection cannot be beaten. I was after a very specific book and when I rang ahead of time, the salesperson on the phone with me tracked it down and put it aside for me as there was just the one copyleft. Beautiful service and much appreciated as I was in a bit of a hurry!” –Teresa A.
University Bookshop
University Bookshop is part of the University of Canterbury and has been with them for more than 45 years now. The bookshop is located in Christchurch and offers a unique collection of books and publication different from the usual bookshop selections. They have a team of book worms ready to assist with purchase and inquiry. Their fiction and non-fiction section, as well as their classic, children’s and New Zealand books, present variety to the reading public. The bookstore has hosted numerous book launches in the past and informs book lovers through a special mailing list.
Products/Services:
Children’s Fiction and Gifts, Children’s Non-Fiction, General Books, Listener Top 100, Literary Gifts, New Zealand Books, Stationery, Summer Reading Guide, Text Books, UC Merchandise, Wellbeing in Education, WORD Events
LOCATION:
Address: University Drive, Ilam, Christchurch 8041
Phone: (480) 082-7266
Website: www.ubscan.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Amazing how much is still the same after all these years. Great service, great supply of books.” –Robert Thornley
Whitcoulls Riccarton
Whitcoulls Riccarton has more than 50 branches nationwide, all committed to providing variety to book lovers and collectors. Their Christchurch branch like the others has a section dedicated to stationery, books, puzzles, toys, gifts, games, magazines, wrap and greeting cards. Its history started 130 years ago when George Whitcombe and George Tombs combined their businesses to give way to the popular bookshop. George Tombs is into bookbinding and printing while George Whitcombe is a bookseller and publisher. At present, Whitcoulls remains to be a locally-owned business now under the hands of the James Pascoe group.
Products/Services:
Fiction, Children’s Books, Young Adult, Cookbooks, New Zealand, Biography & True Stories, Business, Travel, Computing & Infotech, Crafts & Hobbies, Design & The Arts, Dictionaries, Family & Health, History & Military, Home & Garden, Humour, Maoritanga, Mind, Body, Spirit, Natural History, Reference & Education, Religion & Beliefs, Science & Technology, Schools Study Support, Self Help, Society & Law, Sport & Recreation, Transport
LOCATION:
Address: Shop 55, Westfield Riccarton, 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041
Phone: (439) 773-554
Website: www.whitcoulls.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“A very good store for books, stationery and toys. Had been there a couple of times during their closing time and their staff were polite while informing that the store had to be shut for the day.” –Rineet Subramanian
Christian Value Books
Christian Value Books has more than 40,000 books at its shop in Christchurch, New Zealand. The vast collection is dedicated to Christian values and principles. In 2019, the shop’s ownership was turned over to the Watts family made up of Trentin, Nathaniel, Declan and Brian Watts. The second-hand Christian bookshop is the largest in the country and operates at the Main North Road in Papanui. Books are divided into antiquities, apologetics, biblical languages, biblical reference, classic, biographical, commentaries, family, evangelism, social issues, theology, and spirituality to name a few.
Products/Services:
Antiquities, Apologetics, Biblical Languages, Biblical Reference, Biographical, Charismatic,
Children’s, Christian-Living, Classics, Commentaries, Complete Sets, Counselling, Denominational, Devotional, Evangelism, Family, Fiction, Healing/Health, Jewish, Love & Marriage, MajorAuthors, Miscellaneous, Missions, Music, Newer Publications, New Zealand, Pastoral, Philosophy, Prayer, Prophecy, Rare Titles, Religions, Resources, Roman Catholics, Social Issues, Spirituality, Theology, Video and Audio
LOCATION:
Address: 21A Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053
Phone: (433) 352-1123
Website: www.christianvaluebooks.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Reasonable price for many books. I particularly like those out of print books. I will always visit when at Christchurch. You may order online too. Visit their website to find out more.” –Tan KC
Smith’s Bookshop
Smith’s Bookshop specializes in hard-to-find books focused on history, flora and fauna, sports, Maori, hunting, and fishing. The bookstore is situated at the Tannery shopping centre in the garden city of New Zealand. It is a bookshop that has been operating for years dedicated to rare books, art supplies, magazines, new and previously owned books and publications. Their recommended book section offers convenience to shoppers who need assistance in selecting a good book to start with. They can also source rare books and those published in small batches.
Products/Services:
Staff Picks, NZ Regional History, NZ History, World History, Natural World, Social History, The Arts, Children’s, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Sports and Outdoors, Transport and Maritime, Travel, Food and Drink, Cadsonbury, Ephemera, Farming, Gardening & Sustainable Living, Featured Secondhand, Health & Wellbeing, New In-Store, Rare Books, Secondhand
LOCATION:
Address: 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch 8023
Phone: (433) 797-976
Website: www.smithsbookshop.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“More than a bookshop, an experience. I love coming here when in Christchurch. Great selection and friendly knowledgeable owners. There is always something of interest.” –Peter Foster