Chertsey Book Barn

Just off State Highway 1 near Chertsey, north of Ashburton, Chertsey Book Barn is a wonderfully sprawling destination for second-hand book lovers. Housed in a large roadside barn, it offers an ever-changing and delightfully unpredictable collection, with thousands of books waiting to be explored. The shelves are full of everything from popular fiction and classics to history, art, photography, reference works, travel, hobbies and wonderfully niche discoveries. It is the kind of place where a quick stop can easily become an hour or more of browsing - and where the best finds are often the books you did not know you were looking for. Known for its relaxed book-fair feel and affordable prices, Chertsey Book Barn is an ideal stop for keen readers, collectors and anyone travelling between Christchurch and Ashburton. It is generally open daily, 9am–5pm, though visitors are wise to check ahead before making a special trip. Keep an eye out for the book barn’s much-loved resident cat, Zag, who is said to be as friendly as the shelves are extensive.