Restart Mall

In the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake, Christchurch's city centre was gutted. But from the rubble rose a symbol of resilience: Restart Mall. This pop-up shopping precinct, built from colourful shipping containers along Cashel Street, is a vibrant testament to the city's creative spirit. Today, it's a buzzing pedestrian lane lined with quirky boutiques, artisan coffee carts, and food trucks, offering a uniquely Kiwi shopping experience that feels more like a festival than a mall.

Highlights & What to See

• Container Shopping: Browse a curated mix of local fashion, jewellery, and homeware stores housed in repurposed shipping containers – each with its own personality.
• Street Eats: Grab a flat white from a pop-up coffee cart, sample gourmet pies, or tuck into global street food at the ever-changing lineup of food trucks.
• Art & Murals: Spot colourful street art and murals that adorn the containers and surrounding buildings, reflecting Christchurch's thriving post-quake art scene.
• Botanical Gardens: A short stroll away, these expansive gardens offer peaceful lawns, a rose garden, and the elegant Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.
• Canterbury Museum: Dive into the region's natural and human history, from Māori taonga to Antarctic exploration exhibits – just across from the gardens.

Suggested Time to Spend

Set aside 1–2 hours to wander the mall, grab a coffee, and soak up the atmosphere. It's a quick stop best combined with a half-day exploring nearby Cathedral Square, the Botanic Gardens, and the Canterbury Museum. The mall is most lively during weekday lunchtimes and on sunny weekends.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens – a lush green oasis perfect for a picnic or punt ride on the Avon River.
• Canterbury Museum – fascinating exhibits on Māori culture, Antarctic history, and natural sciences.
• Cathedral Square – the historic heart of the city, with the transitional Cardboard Cathedral and the Christchurch Tram.
• New Regent Street – a pastel-coloured Spanish Mission-style arcade with boutique shops and cafes.
• Quake City – an immersive museum telling the story of the 2010–2011 earthquakes and the city's recovery.

Please check official sources for current details.