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.
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
Naveya & Sloane Jewellery

Naveya & Sloane is a jewellery house born and bred in New Zealand, and in mid-2025, they opened their Christchurch showroom on Oxford Terrace.
Supreme Supreme

The neatest places often honour their past while delivering something fresh to the communities that embrace them.
CoCA

CoCA is a slick and ultra-modern art gallery space in the centre of Christchurch.
Paddy McNaughton's

Paddy McNaughton's is a pint-sized pub with Guinness and Magners on tap. It’s the closest thing to a Dublin pub this side of the equator. Live music every week.
Similar Places
The National

The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.
J Friend & Co

Find local honey with as little intervention as possible at Christchurch honey business, J Friend & Co.
Trees for Canterbury

Located down a quiet suburban street in Christchurch’s Ferrymead you will find a hidden gem called Trees for Canterbury, a native plant nursery, garden centre and...
Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing

A contemporary tattoo and body-piercing studio in the Arts Centre.

