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.

BNZ Centre 101 Cashel St, 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

BNZ Centre 101 Cashel St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Bar Franco

Busy dining room and open kitchen at Bar Franco.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

If you’re looking for a slice of La Dolce Vita in the centre of Christchurch city, walk into Bar Franco and you’ll know instantly you’ve found it.

dainty

People sitting around a table eating brunch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Discerning coffee drinkers and brunch lovers Dainty will quickly become your home away from home.

Canterbury Museum

Dinosaur skeleton on display at Canterbury Museum in downtown Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

It’s exciting times for Canterbury Museum as a major five-year redevelopment is now underway at its Rolleston Avenue site. In the meantime, a pop-up a few blocks away serves as a temporary museum space.

The Arts Centre

The exterior of a building at the Christchurch Arts Centre.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon. Galleries and museum key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.

A much-loved heritage hub for all things creative and cultural, Christchurch’s Arts Centre is a real jewel in the city’s crown.

Similar Places

BOXed Quarter

Laneways and an overhead walkway within BOXed Quarter in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

A hub for all things food, creativity and culture, BOXed Quarter thinks outside the square.

Kusamono Café

Customer walking out the front door of Kusamono Cafe into the laneway and tables are outside the cafe entrance.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Tucked into a calming corner of New Brighton Mall, Kusamono Café is where devotion to the perfect brew echoes the art of bonsai.

Harakeke Florist

Dried flower wreath hanging on wall at Harakeke Florist in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Services key icon.

This one-of-a-kind floral shop by the seashore is the product of creativity and appreciation for native foliage, Sumner and the greater Christchurch community.

Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre

Works of art on a white wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

The Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre is home to both the town's art gallery and museum.