The Tannery

The Tannery has become an institution in Christchurch’s retail and hospitality scene, and continues to prove that it's well worth the trip outside the boundaries of the city centre to the 'burbs of Woolston. With its beautifully restored architecture, mix of boutiques and eateries, and the added bonus of free parking, it’s easy to see why this spot is a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

All bases are covered at The Tannery thanks to the carefully curated selection of stylish shops and dining options. There’s everything from fashion to homewares to design to a second-hand book store. There’s even an apothecary and a yoga studio, need we go on? Possibly no need, but we will anyway.

There are flowers and hairdressers, a beauty spa, a barber, a fabric store, and the home of the Christchurch Guild of Spinners and Weavers. Cafés, bars, a restaurant, and a cinema complete this very full package.

Developed by the Cassels family, The Tannery is a fine example of how suburban shopping developments should be done. It’s boutique, well thought out, and is a remarkable example of a restoration of what could otherwise be a forgettable industrial building.

The immaculate attention to detail, beautiful fixtures and fittings, and a nod to the past create a shopping complex with a welcome air of grandeur and sophistication. There’s nothing else quite like it in Christchurch and quite possibly, New Zealand.