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

Naveya & Sloane Jewellery

Wide shot of jewellery showroom with cabinet full of jewellery and a shop assistant behind at Naveya & Sloane Jewellery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

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

Kokomo

Exterior of Kokomo.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Kokomo brings a modern coastal dining experience to Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Tramway Restaurant

Tramway Restaurant exterior.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

The Tramway Restaurant is somewhat of a moving Christchurch institution. Most of us have seen it roll past us lit up with warm lighting, filled with happy diners waving at passers by.

Frances Nation Shop

A woman browsing the shelves inside Frances Nation Home.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

A store devoted to celebrating beautiful, made-to-last daily wares from New Zealand makers.

Similar Places

The Physics Room

Ivy on wall outside The Physics Room.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Galleries and museum key icon.

The Physics Room is well worth a visit.

Swoon Store

Customers browsing the shelves at Swoon Store Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Everything you need to know about this store is in the name.

Pottery Capital

A ceramicist is sitting at a pottery wheel station in Pottery Capital.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon.

If you've been searching most of your life for true inner peace, you'll be delighted to learn that it can now be found in The Barn at Christchurch's New Brighton Mall.

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.