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

Doubles

A customer ordering at the white and green counter at Doubles cafe Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Game, set, match! In a sunny spot on Worcester Boulevard, this tennis-themed café with a gram-worthy brunch menu is the new King of...

Action Bicycle Club

Bikes lined up in a row at Action Bicycle Club in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

A specialist shop offering rentals, repairs, retro bikes for sale and an array of contemporary biking accessories.

Black Burger

Close up of someone holding their burger about to take a bite.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Found in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Christchurch's Riverside Market, is the small but perfectly primed kitchen that Black Burger calls home.

Grizzly Baked Goods CBD

Bread, croissants and sandwiches behind glass at Grizzly Baked Goods in the Christchurch CBD.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Grizzly's shop at The Welder offers classic sourdough breads as well as cookies, donuts, sammies, bear claws and croissants.

Similar Places

Indigo & Provisions

Interior view of the historic windows and leather chesterfield at Indigo & Provisions, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Indigo & Provisions is a specialised fashion store inspired by traditional work-wear, heritage styles and high quality.

Action Bicycle Club

The building which is home to Action Bicycle Club in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

A specialist shop offering rentals, repairs, retro bikes for sale and an array of contemporary biking accessories.

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.

RUBY Christchurch

The full-height windows of the exterior of Ruby store in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Timeless, beautiful and instantly recognisable, Ruby is one of New Zealand’s favourite brands.