What are the items that I should bring with me because they’re not available (or are too expensive) where I am going?
New Zealand has a wide and diverse population and most items, including foods from around the world are readily available in Christchurch.
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Will anyone have particular trouble finding clothes that fit?
No, there are clothing stores catering to all sizes and shapes, and dressmakers are also available.
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What grocery stores do expats in your city shop at?
The main supermarkets in Christchurch are New World, PAK'nSAVE and Countdown. Groceries can also be purchased at petrol service stations and local mini-marts, called Dairies.
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Where can other household items (such as cleaning materials and home furnishings) be found?
Cleaning materials can be purchased at any supermarket, such as Countdown or
PAK'nSAVE. They can also be purchased at home improvement shops like Mitre 10 or Placemakers.
Home furnishings can be purchased in a wide range of stores. Check the Yellow Pages for a complete list.
Some of the more popular, moderately priced options include:

  • Harvey Norman - Probably the largest of all; it also features a department for small appliances, TVs, home systems, etc.
  • Target Furniture
  • Noel Leeming
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What are factors that might affect my shopping habits in this country/city?
Most large shopping malls are open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with at least one late night a week when the shops remain open until 9:00p.m.

Westfield Riccarton Shopping Complex is a large shopping mall, with recent extensions that include a movie complex. It is open seven days a week during the following hours:

  • Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Another large and popular shopping complex is Northlands, recently revamped, with two supermarkets and the largest warehouse shop on the South Island, plus a movie theater complex.
Its hours are:

  • Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Countdown Supermarket is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
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