The Arts Centre themed Mākete (markets)

This Sunday only market is a small little market with vendors and food trucks. We especially liked the soap vendor. What we did like is across the street there are woodworker shops and souvenir stores in that little area. Also the building next-door has some wonderful stores inside in the upper floors. So make sure you explore the whole area when you go.

This is a really good place to go if you are a visitor to Christchurch. It used to be nicer when it was all up and down the boulevard. It’s on a carpark between the old gym and the registry building and you still access it off Worcester Boulevard every Saturday and Sunday, roughly 10am - 4pm. It’s largely locally hand crafted items and food stalls. There are some permanent shops, quite a few, actually across the boulevard just opposite and in the old buildings. It’s a time honoured venue for Christchurch locals to go for overseas gifts, mooching about and getting a quick takeaway lunch, hopefully in the sun. Do check it out if you’re a visitor to Christchurch because it is quite fun and it’s also a genuine piece of local culture.

The arts centre was decimated during the earthquake so this market has been set up across the road from the old site. A pale comparison to its former self but sill worth a visit until the arts centre is rebuilt.

It was the first time that i have been their since the Earthquakes in Christchurch lsat year and they have moved it across the road but is just great .

One of the best places to be in Christchurch on a Saturday or Sunday morning. There are generally buskers on the streets which are always very entertaining - just be careful if you’re an innocent bystander walking past - they might comment on you to the wee crowd that is watching them! All for laughs.

There are little stalls out in the courtyard where you can walk around and buy from a whole variety of goods - great for presents! There is an international food market around the corner if you don’t feel compelled to sit outside in the sun at Dux de Lux - loads to eat, my personal favourite is a souvlaki from Dimitri’s - it’s to die for! and perfect for walking around eating or sitting on a stone wall by the grass courtyard. Follow this with a hot chocolate from Le Cafe and you won’t be happier!

If the weather isn’t so glorious there is the Art Centre itself which is interesting enough just to walk around in - best shops are the jewellers selling original NZ jewellery, The Fudge Cottage (where you can try yummy samples!) and Beadz where you can make your own jewellery - if you don’t know how to put it together at the end the shopkeepers are happy to help (particularly good when making earrings and necklaces) - the prices are reasonable, just be careful with the stones you pick out as some can be a few dollars EACH but walking out with something unique and handmade is definitely worth the cost.

Spend a few hours enjoying the Arts Centre on a weekend morning or afternoon - the museum and Botanical Gardens are just across the road, the new Art Gallery close by and just a short walk to Cashel St for serious shopping.