Better than New: Finding the Sparkle in Secondhand with Nifty’s Rosie Carroll

Photo of Rosie Carroll sitting on orange semi-circle couch at her secondshop Nifty in Christchurch
There are people in this world who have a knack for turning one person’s trash into their own wardrobe treasure. After years of working in retail, schooling up on fast fashion, and selling her own threads at markets, Rosie Carroll is undeniably blessed with this gift.

Trees for Canterbury

Wide view of Trees for Canterbury.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Goods key icon.

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...

The Crossing

The Crossing courtyard.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

The Crossing is one of Christchurch’s greatest accomplishments post-earthquakes and has become the city centre’s premium shopping destination.

Swoon Store

Two women 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.

Fresh On Kendal

Fruit and vegetables outside the entrance to Fresh on Kendal Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Weekly supermarket shops aren’t usually synonymous with peace and calm, but it’s a whole other story at Fresh On Kendal.

Kin Hair

The retro interior of Kin Hair Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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In a renovated warehouse space in Christchurch's Sydenham, Kin Hair offers an inclusive high-end salon treatment unlike any other in town.

Cactus Outdoors

Outdoor clothing on racks in a retail store.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

For those conquering Everest, tending to farm paddocks, or enjoying a weekend on the chairlift, there’s one name that stands above the rest for its made-to-last gear:...

Frances Nation Home

The inside of Frances Nation Home.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

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

Lovoir Day Spa

The entrance to Lovoir Day Spa in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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As soon as you step inside Lovoir Day Spa at The Crossing in Christchurch, you will find yourself enveloped by an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.

Addy & Lou Christchurch

A female staff member working behind a white and timber cafe counter.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

The younger sibling of its Kaikōura based namesake, Addy & Lou Christchurch, is a homewares and gift store and a whole lot more.

Marmaduke Shoppe

The entrance to a store from inside an old shopping centre.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Sitting pretty within the Tannery, Marmaduke Shoppe is one of those rare interior stores that is so beautifully curated that it takes a while to realise each piece within...

Sophie Divett Jewellery

A close up of a woman wearing a blunt hair cut holding a ring.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Stepping into Sophie Divett Jewellery on Christchurch’s Colombo Street is like entering a jewellery store of a bygone era.

Lily & Langford

Baby bowls, cups and clothes displayed on shelves and racks in Lily and Langford Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Tucked away on the picturesque Chester Street East on the edge of central Christchurch sits Lily & Langford, a specialty boutique for children and mothers.

6 Businesses Championing Sustainability in Christchurch Ōtautahi

A wooden building nestled amongst tall pine trees.
Championing sustainability is no easy feat, but these businesses are walking the walk and making a positive impact on the world around us.

Nifty

The pink block exterior of Nifty in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Fashion key icon. Markets key icon.

Driving along the industrial end of Christchurch's Cashel Street, you don’t expect to come across a pale pink pop of colour that is the Nifty building.

The Custard Square Bookshop

Two women standing outside the bookshop caravan on a sunny day.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

As a tram rattles down Worcester Boulevard, the driver loves to point out an adorable outdoor set-up known as The Custard Square Bookshop.

Telling Tales

Books and toys on shelves and a couch with big soft toys at Telling Tales children's bookshop, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Igniting the love of reading in children is a magical gift and one that Telling Tales know plenty about.

General Post

Sauces for sale on a shelf above fresh fruit bins at General Post, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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You’ll find a few golden nuggets interspersed around Tai Tapu, and General Post is one of them.

In Our Book: Here are the Best Bookshops in Christchurch Ōtautahi

A woman with a short brown bob reading an old book.
There is a certain kind of feeling you get when you enter a good bookshop, it’s warm and inviting, and a sense of cosiness and calm takes over. The scent of hundreds and thousands of pages waiting to be discovered and devoured is nostalgic, and it is easy to lose an hour or two browsing the aisles deliberating over your next read. In Ōtautahi Christchurch, we are blessed with a stellar number of bookstores, from a specialist children’s shop, booksellers that have been in the city for generations and second-hand shops that ensure literary gems reach the hands of new readers. So whether you are on the hunt for the latest bestseller, looking to build up your child’s library collection or happiest when spending an afternoon amongst stacks and rows of books, here’s your guide (in no particular order) to enjoying the best bookshops around the city.

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.

Smith's Bookshop

Woman looking at books at Smith's Bookshop, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Tucked away in the elegant corridors of The Tannery, you’ll...

La Voute

Vintage chair with retro painting of clown's face behind it at La Voute, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

La Voute, French for "The Vault", certainly lives up to its name. While the showroom for this vintage furniture and homewares shop may be a little off the beaten path, it only makes the underground space feel even more transportive.

The Mediterranean Food Company

View of the outdoor dining area and brick courtyard under the shade sail at The Mediterranean Food Company, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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 Down the industrial eastern end of Tuam Street in an old brickery is a secluded slice of Italy.

Ride On Super Sound

Lots of records for sale at Ride On Super Sound.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Ride on Super Sound is a treasure trove of records, comics, zines waiting for you.

PLUME

The exterior and entrance to the PLUME clothing store in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Makes a strong case for the enduring value of a bespoke and compelling retail experience.

Dead Video

Dead Video sign.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you’re wondering — did streaming kill the video star? — the answer is not quite, thanks to neat people like Evan at Dead Video.

Head over Heels

Shoes and bags on display at Head Over Heels in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

With New Zealand and international labels abound, expect plenty of classic shoe designs, mixed with fashion-forward options from the latest collections of top designers.

Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing

Framed tattoo art on the wall Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing studio in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A contemporary tattoo and body-piercing studio in the Arts Centre.

Henry Trading

Anglepoise lamp with candles stocked on the shelves at Henry Trading, Lyttelton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick

A must-visit spot brimming with homewares and more made by good people.

Recycle Boutique Christchurch

Staff picks rack.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Recycle Boutique challenges the status quo as one part designer boutique, one part second hand shop and one part sustainable shopping option.

Harakeke Florist

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

Your Guide to Second-Hand Clothes Shopping in Christchurch

The busy and bright interior of a second hand clothing store.
The neatest second-hand clothing finds in the ‘03.

Bohemian Bakery Central City

Brick facade of the Bohemian Bakery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Bohemian Bakery’s second storefront is a cozy enclave filled with the smells and sounds of a traditional bakery, like the ever popular Portuguese tart and crusty loaves.

The Welder

A woman holding her baby in amongst the plants inside The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
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The Welder is a unique health and wellbeing centre in stunningly repurposed buildings in the heart of South Town.

J'aime les Macarons

Blue shop exterior and glass cabinet of J’aime les macarons in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Hundreds of colourful macarons with punchy and interesting flavours are produced out of the J’aime les macarons kitchen each day.

Grater Goods

Two woman dining at Grater Goods in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Found in an old glass factory in Sydenham’s industrial blocks, you'll find everything from sausages to bacon and steak - just the more humane and sustainable kind.

Seats in the City: Best Seats in Ōtautahi Christchurch

A big wooden building in the forest at Christchurch adventure park.
People watching and view gazing are among life’s small pleasures, and there’s nothing quite like walking into your favourite café and seeing the prime table empty and beckoning you. Now while this may seem like a bit of an exaggeration, anyone who has ever ended up seated by the bathroom or a swinging kitchen door will be nodding their heads in agreement.

J Friend & Co

Close up of person pulling up fresh Honey comb oozing honey.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Find local honey with as little intervention as possible at Christchurch honey business, J Friend & Co.

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.

Untouched World

Close up of shoes and book on display.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon. Goods key icon.

The only fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability, Untouched World is a true leader in the field of ethical lifestyle fashion.

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.

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.

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.

The National

Someone looking at unique jewellery pieces on display.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

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

Embassy

A man working behind the counter at Embassy where lots of caps are displayed on shelves.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Peruse the likes of Adidas, Vans, Element, and Lower’s latest lines all stocked in store, or choose from more than 50 other international and New Zealand brands.

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.

Stencil

Leather handbags hanging in the window at Stencil.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Variety is the spice of life, and you’ll certainly find something to spice up your wardrobe at Stencil.

The Tannery

People walking through The Tannery Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.

Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa

The inside of Nicola Quinn beauty spa Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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For indulgence from your head down to your toes, pop along to this renowned Merivale day spa.

Free Things To Do in Christchurch Ōtautahi

A group of adults looking intently at a colourful painting on a wall at Christchurch Art Gallery.
Even without spending a cent, you can enjoy the rich history and beautiful landscape that Christchurch has to offer.

University Bookshop

Entrance to the University of Canterbury Bookshop.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Nestled amongst the towering gum trees, manicured gardens and delightful river, the University Bookshop offers a vibrant shopping experience.

Infinite Definite

Pink and Brown checked cardigan hanging on rack.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Editor's Pick
Fashion key icon.

Cool kicks, clothing and lifestyle goods find themselves a home here, and with over 60 different designers in stock, there is something for everyone.

Renaissance

An empty treatment room.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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From expert facial therapy to massages, and everything beauty and skin related in between, there’s a treatment for everyone.

Scorpio Books

A woman sitting on a dark brown leather couch reading a book, surrounded by bookshelves, in Scorpio Books.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

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

Get the Glow with Christchurch's Best Facials

A woman draped in a blue towel getting a facial  at Total Body Concept in Christchurch.
There’s no better time than the present to get your glow on with a facial from one of Christchurch's best facialists. With specialists in all corners of the city, a facial is the perfect way to relax, rejuvenate and refresh. Catering to all skin-types, and genders alike, your next pamper session is sure to leave you feeling lit from within, while giving your skin the tender love and care that it needs.

Mod's Hair

A woman blow drying hair inside Mod's Merivale hairdresser in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Let’s be honest – lovely as they both are – Merivale and Paris aren’t exactly twins. But thanks to Mod's Hair, the two places are connected just that little bit more.