Shopping in Auckland
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La Cigale
La Cigale caters to Francophiles and homesick Gauls, stocking all manner of French produce (wine, cheese, tinned snails etc), and the in-house cafe (mains $7.50 to $17.50) serves delicious delicatessen platters ($18). Yet it’s during the weekend farmers markets that this cigale (cicada) really chirps. Lose yourself among stalls laden with produce, home-made jam, honey and all manner of tasty snacks.
reviewed
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B
Victoria Park Market
Victoria Park Market, a 20min walk west of Queen St, has a huge variety of goods including clothes, pottery, leather work, handicrafts and so on. Just the spot to spend the afternoon searching for that perfect kiwi t-shirt, tiki keyring or lambswool ruggie. Get a cheap massage after all that shopping and chill out in one of the cafes. Cheap massages are also available, and there's live entertainment on weekends.
reviewed
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C
Hailwood
Ladies and gentlemen no longer have to pick through other boutiques' racks looking for local designer Adrian Hailwood's smart and playful pieces; they're all consolidated here in his own-label store. (Even he's here, working out the back.) Expect his and hers shirts and jumpers made from divine silk or velvet fabrics with a juvenile-retro woodland print, or classic '50s cuts in Western fabrics.
reviewed
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D
Little Brother
One for the fellows, Little Brother stocks its own line of street-smart streetwear that's understated tucked-and-tailored. Designs are consciously created and made in NZ. Also in store, look for T-shirts emblazoned by iconic music label Flying Nun, and miniature Little Brother pieces for boys (aged one to eight) under the Little Shit label.
reviewed
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E
Fingers
This gallery-cum-shop is a treasure trove of precious things designed and crafted by around 50 local jewellers. Individual pieces may reference nature, NZ icons and identity. Materials used include precious metals, shells, fabrics, stone and found objects. Fingers has been around for over 30 years, and hosts regular solo and group shows.
reviewed
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F
Children's Bookshop
This sprawling shop has shelves chock-a-block with stories, adventures and sneakily educative titles. The excellent NZ section stocks supreme children's authors such as Margaret Mahy and Pamela Allen, as well as Maori myths. Helpful staff can help you choose a book to suit your toddler to your young adult.
reviewed
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Illicit
If you're looking for a lasting memento of your trip to Auckland, have an icon etched into your skin at the well-regarded Illicit tattoo studio. If going home with a volcano on your bicep seems too over the top, it does piercing too: specialising in ear stretching, large-gauge and genital jewellery.
reviewed
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Champions of the World
Pick up a hat, T-shirt, key ring or tie from the Kiwi sporting code of Rugby Union. Only problem is, official merchandise comes in one colour: All Blacks. Great retro one-day cricket gear worn by the Black Caps is also available for any budding Ewan Chatfields.
reviewed
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Marbecks
This long-established music supplier stocks all genres, including NZ-made and children's (such as Baby Jazz, and albums by 'Bratz', NZ's number-one selling doll). Staff's can-do attitude can help with classics, country and hip-hop too.
reviewed
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The Hive of Activity
Every variety of game and toy is guaranteed by friendly staff who have road-tested the lot. This colourful shop is stocked full of little plastic farm animals, board games, dress-ups and other fun things like Slinky and Silly Putty.
reviewed
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K
Otara Market
Held in the car park between the Manukau Polytech and the Otara town centre, this market has a real Polynesian atmosphere, and you can buy South Pacific food, music and fashions. Take bus 497 from Britomart ($5.40, 50 minutes).
reviewed
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Auckland Fish Market
No self-respecting city with a position like this should be without a fish market. Auckland Fish Market not only has a boisterous early-morning auction, but also a market, eateries and a seafood-cooking school.
reviewed
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M
Buana Satu
Fun souvenirs, like kitschy tea towels or chilli-pepper fairy lights, mix in with more traditional ones such as woven flax bags and baskets, and jewellery. Clothing, tin toys and leis make other great baggable options.
reviewed
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N
Harvest Wholefoods
Auckland’s legendary organics store Harvest Wholefoods, stocks planet-friendly fresh produce, grocery items and cosmetics. It’s a meat-free zone, but there’s an organic butchery across the road.
reviewed
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Kaf Kids
Pint-sized designer clothes in boho styles for little dahling girls and boys. T-shirts, tops, jackets and dresses, plus hats and accessories are all imagined and made locally from durable pre-shrunk cottons.
reviewed
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Wunderkammer
High-end imports, such as Costume National mix in with locally designed accessories and the occasional stuffed animal. Personable and idiosyncratic, Wunderkammer is an experience, not just a shop.
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Royal Jewellery Studio
Displaying interesting work by local artisans, including some beautiful Maori designs, this is a great place to pick up authentic pounamu (greenstone) jewellery.
reviewed
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Real Groovy
A music-lovers’ nirvana, this huge store has masses of new, second-hand and rare releases, as well as concert tickets, giant posters, DVDs, books, magazines and clothing.
reviewed
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S
Takapuna Market
This hive of Sunday-morning activity sees locals buzzing around stalls laden with fruit and vegetables, bibs and bobs, plants and flowers, and prepared foods.
reviewed
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Zambesi
Hands-down, the most interesting and influential fashion label to come out of the country, and much sought after by local and international celebs.
reviewed
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Marvel
Smart, tailored shirts and trousers in interesting fabrics and quirky partywear are the mainstays of this excellent local menswear designer.
reviewed
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Mala Brajkovic
This quirky local designer stocks interesting women's clothes that might feature silk, leather or the odd bit of ironic stonewash denim.
reviewed
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Native Agent
There’s a strong Maori bent to the jewellery, clothing and knick-knacks on offer here, and it’s all NZ-made.
reviewed
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City Farmers Market
City Farmers Market stocks fresh seasonal produce and fancy treats.
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O’Kai Oceanikart
Pan-Pacific art, from well-known artists like Fatu Feu’u to exciting up-and-comers.
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