Telling Tales

Monday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Tuesday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Wednesday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Thursday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Friday9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Saturday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Sunday10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

101 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03 741 3309

Igniting the love of reading in children is a magical gift and one that Telling Tales know plenty about. Since opening their doors in September 2021, they have been planting the joy of reading into the minds of children all across the Garden City.

Telling Tales is a magnificent bookshop; unsurprising given it is the brainchild of the iconic Scorpio Books which resides in the same courtyard just a stone’s throw away. Once you step inside, you’ll see row upon row of delectable books sitting handsomely in the most comprehensive and largest children’s bookshop for miles around. They have created a glorious space for children (and adults) to stretch out and pore over their curated list of titles. Snuggle into the comfy couch with The Very Hunger Caterpillar, peruse the books and appreciate the wonder. 

The bookshop has been designed to spark imagination and delight. A centrepiece tree stands proudly amongst the picture books and those with a keen eye will notice the leaves changing with the seasons. Expert recommendations are on hand - the team understands that no two reads are the same and will impart their wisdom upon a range of books.

From fantasy to non-fiction, board books to manga, you’ll find an unrivalled collection of books suitable for babies right through to young teenagers. Telling Tales also stocks a boutique selection of toys, puzzles and games as well as beautiful stationery items. But let’s face it, it's all about the books, and rightly so. This place is for anyone who not only wants to read books but “wants to climb inside them and live there”. 

Words by Kelly Tapper & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

101 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Tanoshi

Hands holding chopsticks reaching for food on a plate.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Tanoshi has made a name for itself in Queenstown with three popular sites, each with a slightly different focus. But its Christchurch restaurant is a fusion of them all.

Ramen Ria

Outdoor seating at Ramen Ria
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.

The Juniper Collective

Close up of Awildan gin on top of a barrel at The Juniper Collective, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

The Juniper Collective on Cashel Street is a beacon for Aotearoa gin.

El Quincho

Flatlay of meat platter from El Quincho.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

For a taste of Argentina, head to El Quincho at Riverside Market.

Similar Places

Ngaio Marsh House

A colourful bookshelf by an old bed in the Ngaio Marsh House.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.

J'aime les Macarons

Blue shop exterior and glass cabinet of J’aime les macarons in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Hundreds of colourful macarons with punchy and interesting flavours are produced out of the J’aime les macarons kitchen each day.

Scorpio Books

A woman reading a book behind a desk.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

The city's best independent bookshop, come here for the latest and greatest novels and non-fiction.

The Welder

Looking across The Welder courtyard with big Palm plants.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon. Restaurants key icon.

The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.