Shopping in New Zealand

Arts and Crafts Markets

There is nothing better than wandering through an arts and crafts market, meeting the passionate local craftspeople and buying their homemade wares. This is where you will find something truly original, made with love and care to contain your kiwi holiday memories.

• Queenstown's Creative Arts & Crafts Market –  Situated next to Lake Wakatipu with mountains towering across the water, this is an idyllic place for a spot of shopping before taking in some of the adventurous outdoor activities.
   

• Nelson Market (Saturdays). Nelson has a long history of a hub for artists and craftspeople in New Zealand and the market is an opportunity to showcase their talents. Handmade soaps, clothing, jewellery, art, pottery there is something for everyone. 
   

• Nelson Monty’s Sunday Market - the same place in Nelson but on a Sunday, this market is a treasure trove of pre-loved clothes, recycled tools, books, antiques, collectables, homewares, produce,  toys, new and imported goods.
   

• Wellington Underground Market - Saturdays. You will find wonderful offerings from talented local artists and designers at this vibrant creative market in Wellington. Try delicious street food and grab some organic fairtrade coffee to keep you energised while you browse. 
   

• Auckland's Otara Market - Saturday mornings. If you are looking for a taste of the Pasifika culture in New Zealand, (Auckland is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world.) then look no further than the long running Otara markets. Representing all Pacific countries this is a flea market in every sense of the word. Selling food, arts and crafts, second hand and vintage bric a brac.  

Antique and Vintage Shops

Come home with a piece of New Zealand history from one of our eclectic antique stores. While period furniture might not fit in your luggage, there are plenty of smaller items, from vintage textiles and toys to exquisite ornaments, that will prove difficult to resist.

• Murchison - when travelling through Murchison, take time to stop and have a nosey in the antique shops crammed with old historic bits and pieces. Part museum and part shop it is fascinating look into what life was like in colonial New Zealand.
   

• Art Deco Napier - Napier is the Art Deco capital of the world after an earthquake in 1931 leveled most of the city and was rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the times. There are many antique and vintage stores that have items and art works from the period.
   

• Oamaru - self declared Steampunk capital of New Zealand inspired by 19th century Victorian buildings of the historical precinct. Boutique shops reflect the steampunk vision. In Oamaru you will find some quirky treasures from another time and reality.
   

• Greytown - Situated 76km (47 mi) north of Wellington and there's no denying that Greytown is one of the prettiest towns in the North Island with its Victorian buildings, tree-lined streets and surrounding rural landscape speckled with rivers, olive groves and farms. But it is also one of New Zealand's premiere shopping spots and Greytown's Main Street has some awesome antique stores.
   

• Omarama - The Big Rooster Antiques & Collectables shop in Omarama (near Mt Cook/ Lake Tekapo) is a quality antique dealer featuring a large selection of antiques and collectibles including china, pottery, glassware, jewellery, stoneware and tools.
   

• Christchurch - Ferry Antique Centre is as much an antique collector’s playground Among its treasured pieces you’ll find art-deco style dresses, fine porcelains, ties, antique walking sticks, leather handbags, and costume jewellery. You will find the Ferry Antique Centre on Ferry Rd in Waltham, Christchurch.

Art and Design

Being so far from the rest of the world, Kiwis have learned to be innovative and to find our own methods of doing things - our thriving independent art and design scene is a great reflection of this, and you're bound to find something unique to enhance your home.

• The Poi Room - two shops located in Auckland selling original selling jewellery, ceramics, prints and original artwork by kiwi artists.
   

• Art Gallery Shops - the gifts shops of the Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin art galleries are excellent places in which to pick up the best of New Zealand art and design.
   

• Endemic World - Ponsonby Rd, Auckland - looking for an original NZ designed print to take home and hang on your wall? Then look no further than Endemic World. Reasonably priced prints ranging from photographic landscapes to graffiti art that are easy to roll up and take home with you.
   

• David Trubridge - Hawkes Bay. Internationally acclaimed designer David Trubridge is best known for his lighting designs which can be flat packed and assembled at home - ideal for international visitors.
   

• National Centre for Glass Art - Whanganui. Come and see the artworks being hand blown, meet the artists and collect an original artwork to treasure.

Traditional and Contemporary Maori Art

Traditional Maori arts and crafts showcase our natural New Zealand resources such as flax, greenstone, and hardwood. You can visit Maori artisan studios to watch master craftspeople at work, and learn the significance behind the patterns and symbols adorning their work. The dispersed nature of tourism means Maori can often generate income where they live and the carving of wood, bone, and pounamu / jade (greenstone) pendants and other taonga or treasures are available for purchase through out New Zealand.

• Wood Carving -  Rotorua A traditional art for wood that was used in many aspects of Maori life, canoes, houses and weaponry. You can watch master carvers at work and take a piece of this special artwork home with you at Te Puia’s National Wood Carving School.
   

• Jewellery - bone and Jade/ greenstone (Pounamu) carvings are an important feature of Maori culture. They also make a beautiful gifts. If you are heading to the South Islands West Coast then make sure you pop into Hokitika and visit one of the many traditional and contemporary carving shops - Hokitaka is the centre of all things greenstone. 
   

• Ta Moko - a more permanent reminder of your visit is a Moko or Maori design tattoo. Ta Moko tell a story about each person, represented by different designs. 
   

• Traditional and Contemporary Gallery - Supporting the growth of Maori and New Zealand art and design. Kura showcases artworks unique to Aotearoa and exhibits an extensive range of original, quality Maori and New Zealand made art and design. Kura has art spaces in both Auckland and Wellington. Kura features traditional and contemporary Maori carving, original artworks, innovative design, unique jewellery, furniture and genuine pounamu/greenstone. www.kuragallery.co.nz   

   

High Street Fashion

We may be well-known for our gumboots and jandals, but there is so much more to New Zealand's fashion scene! From established names like Karen Walker to up-and-coming independent labels, here are the best places to revamp your wardrobe:

• Auckland - If you are looking for the most popular New Zealand designers, you will find them all in one place- Britomart precinct. Wander through and pick up some designer threads as you make your way up to High Street for some more shopping. https://thetannery.co.nz/ 

• Christchurch: If you like shopping in style then the Tannery is the right place for you! Located in the beautifully restored buildings of the historic Woolston Tanneries, the former industrial buildings now house a broad range of boutiques specialising in clothing, art, designer homewares and fine New Zealand made products. It's also the perfect spot to hunt for vintage clothing and decorative antiques.

• Ponsonby Road Auckland - Stroll down this 2 km stretch of road which has plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants sprinkled between the many fashion boutiques.

• Auckland Designer Recycle - If second hand designer clothes is your thing then check out the Recycle Boutique which has several outlets around Auckland. Also see Tattys Designer Recycle. Pick up some kiwi designer fashion on the cheap.

• Dunedin -  Known for the edgy and unique fashion style, the City of Dunedin is acclaimed for it’s fashion designers and shops. George and Princes Streets, is where you will find the best fashion boutiques.

• Wellington - the compact nature of the city makes it a dream for shopping as you can walk between the shops with plenty of cafes to rest and watch the world go by.

Best Shopping Experiences for kids

Now that you have bought some really cool stuff to take home for yourself, it is time to pick up something special for the kids. These spots will have you and the little ones sorted.

• Fairy Shop Auckland. Princesses, fairies, pirates and cowboys are all welcome at this shop which is jam packed in all sorts of imaginative stuff for the kids. There is a cafe where you can get a decent coffee while the kids shop. Friday is face painting day and story time starts at 11.00am. You may even get to meet a real life fairy.
   

• Auckland Zoo Shop - even if you are not checking out the animals at the wonderful Auckland Zoo, the huge gift shop is worth a visit. Crammed with all sorts of animal themed toys, clothing and books with a special emphasis on unique New Zealand birds and critters.
   

• The Remarkable Sweet Shop, Arrowtown - step into this old fashioned sweet shop where you will encounter all your childhood sweet treats and delicious freshly made fudge. A sweet delight for both parents and kids.
   

• Grey and Wild, Auckland - here is a store that will the best fashion foot forward for kids from tots to teens focussing on New Zealand designed kids fashion. They also have shoes, interiors, toys and gift ideas.
   

• The Children’s Bookshop Wellington - This extensive children’s bookshop you will find a wide range of New Zealand books for all children. There is a children’s storytime hosted by Pink Dog on Friday morning.  You can also check out The Children’s Room in Dunedin, a children's book store attached to to Otago University Bookshop.

Our free Itinerary Planning Service saves you time and money, leaving you free to give your credit card a workout on those special souvenirs to take home.

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