One of my favorite places to spend an afternoon is at the Re:START mall. What a creative way to…read morekeep businesses alive in the wake of such devastation to Christchurch. The entire mall is designed out of shipping containers that are easily portable should their temporary locations be purchased for new buildings (though I hope the Re:START mall will never be built out of the CBD!). From athletic stores LuLu Lemon and Kathmandu and designer stores Storm and Ruby, to New Zealand Gift Shops to Scorpio Bookstore and home decor, the Re:START mall has something for everyone (including plenty of food trucks for all of the pickiest eaters). I, myself, prefer Base's woodfired pizza or Liberty Dog's Upper East Side while my husband loves Fritz's Wieners. I'm looking forward to exploring the new dumpling and taco trucks. Whether you've lived here for years or are just passing through, make sure you make time to explore all of the nooks and crannies the Re:START mall has to offer (which also includes FREE WiFi and restrooms).

Re:Start is an incredible example of the creativity and resilience of the people of Christchurch…read more Not wanting to wait the many years it would take to restore city centre shopping centres damaged or destroyed by the devastating 2011 earthquake, Christchurch created a mall made mostly out of shipping containers. You'd think such a construction would be ugly and unpleasant to use. That is not the case. The businesses have painted and customised their containers and the surrounding space to create a colourful, inviting and practical place. In the centre of the mall there's sculptures, seating and plants. In the containers you can find big name fashion brands, indie boutiques, a convenience store, cafes, a post office and even multiple banks. I enjoyed coming here more than I do most normal malls.

New Zealand's first department store founded in 1854. New Zealand's best designers are under one…read moreroof with everything from the latest tends to New Zealand wine & gifts. There are two cafes and a wine bar. The Christchchurch Airport has another store offering tax exempt purchases.

Good evening. I am hear to write about the wonderful Mecca that is Eastgate shopping centre. It's…read moregot it all. Always very impressed by the welcoming of all cultures and as a sweeet Caucasian man this is very appealing. The security at countdown is on point. Whether it's joining the Eastgate community or venturing away to the warehouse across the street, they will always welcome u back into their doors. Warehousers are always welcome, Buy a thick shake.

I love the warehouse, it's wear I buy all my clothing and I love to get "kicks" (my daughters slang…read morefor footwear) form the good old warehouse. The food is good and cheap and the service is always great. It's brill to see that they have improved the homewares section because I could browse furniture and ornaments all day! Eastgate is also very convenient to my house however it's not the best warehouse in Christchurch, I recently noticed that the clearance orange chocolates were $1.50 at the warehouse northlands but 2 for $8 at Eastgate! That's so silly. However there's not much more to fault with the good old red shed!