Must-see shopping in New Zealand
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Join Madonna and Kirsten Dunst in wearing Walker’s cool (but pricey) threads. The surrounding Ponsonby Rd area has excellent cafes and restaurants.
Palmerston North
Every Friday in rain, hail or shine, Manchester Sq in Feilding (19km north of downtown Palmy) comes alive with local produce. In summer there are over 40…
Taupo
On site at Shooters Golf Range, this hidden gem roasts coffee, sells Belgian hot chocolate and makes truffles using Barry Callebaut chocolate and local NZ…
Christchurch
Allegedly the South Island's largest outdoor market, this 300-stall extravaganza offers fresh produce, flowers, handicrafts, clothing, bric-a-brac and…
Palmerston North
Three friends started Pork Chop Hill, inspired by the landmark on the cliffs above Manawatu River where locals grew up misbehaving. The T-shirts pay…
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Ōhakune’s heritage-listed 1909 train station is home to the unusual combo of Opus Fresh, a store producing beautiful merino, possum and silk garments, and…
Bay of Plenty
Honey derived from NZ's native manuka plant is famous worldwide for its antibacterial properties. Comvita is just one of many local brands producing honey…
Taupo
This sweet spot has a glass-enclosed viewing hive, honey tastings and a cafe, and sells all manner of bee products – edible, medicinal and cosmetic – as…
Auckland Region
A family run venture, with well-known surfboard designer Mike Jolly selling his wares and wife Pam selling cool T-shirts and a small range of crafts…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Local arts and crafts fill this excellent homewares shop and gallery that displays work from local Northland artists. Grab a coffee and snack at the…
East Cape
Just off the main street, Tolaga Bay Cashmere Company inhabits a 1922 former council building (now showing its age). You can watch the knitters at work…
Gisborne
This harbourside spot has a wide selection of the region's vino to sample, though the pervasive sea scent may be hard to reconcile with the chardonnay on…
Dunedin & Otago
Behind a set of fake heritage shopfronts, Riverstone Country is literally packed to the rafters with gifts, crafts, homewares, fake flowers, garden…
Napier
Watch the chocolatiers at work while deliberating over mouthwatering truffles and chocolate rugby balls. The museum (adult/child/family $8/5/22; last…
Palmerston North
Skip breakfast and head to Albert Street, where alongside fresh produce and verdant Asian greens, there are food stalls ranging from noodles to egg and…
Christchurch
Within walking distance of the CBD, this hip little mall is home to a few interesting, independent shops, an art-house cinema and a range of culinary…
Christchurch
Opened in 2017, this shiny complex fronting the Cashel St pedestrian mall is home to all manner of local and international retailers. There's also a good…
City Centre & Britomart
This NZ menswear label has lifted its game and uncovered a cache of cool it never knew it had. Proof is this elegant concept store with its own cafe,…
Rotorua
Watch the carvers at work through the streetside window, take a free 15-minute tour of the workshop, or simply peruse the high-end handcrafted greenstone…
Whanganui
This corner haven is heaving with shelves of books of all genres, from kids to cooking and everything in between. It's scattered with giftware and funny…
Wellington
This dear old building on a wedge-shaped city site is home to an arcade of indulgent, high-end shops, predominantly jewellers, salons and boutiques, plus…
Rotorua
Take home a permanent souvenir of traditional tā moko (Māori tattooing), albeit done with modern tattooing equipment rather than stone chisels. It doubles…
The West Coast
More compelling than the average Kiwiana souvenir shop, Santana sells possum and merino blend gloves, scarves and other fuzzy-warm clothing, along with…
North Auckland
Watch the potters at work during the free daily tour (11.30am) or just call in to check out the colourful finished products and the courtyard cafe. Small…
Wellington
Established in 1863 this was Kirkcaldie & Stains, New Zealand’s answer to Harrods, until 2016. Now it's an outpost of the popular Australian brand. Bring…
Hastings & Around
A passionate producer of olives, oils and sundry Mediterranean-inspired gourmet treats, sourced from eight olive groves around Hawke's Bay (sunny, dry,…
North Auckland
About 5km south of Warkworth, the Honey Centre makes a diverting pit stop, with its cafe, free honey tasting and glass-fronted hives. The shop sells all…
Central Otago
This former butcher's shop stocks a selection of award-winning local wines, many of which you won’t find anywhere else. There are also plenty of Central…
The Wairarapa
Near the Waipoua River at Masterton's northern end, this buzzy farmers market brings the best local produce from the farms into the town every Saturday…
Queenstown
Grab a uniquely Kiwi hand-screened T-shirt, hoodie or cap, or create your own design as a wearable souvenir of the time you bungy jumped, mountain biked…
City Centre & Britomart
Join Madonna and Kirsten Dunst in wearing Walker’s cool (but pricey) threads. Also in Grey Lynn and Newmarket.
Wellington
Fresh, bold, bright contemporary Kiwi art including sculptures, weavings, glass, photography, prints and beautiful jewellery; gifts for someone who's…
The West Coast
If you like your greenstone art and jewellery with a side-order of spirituality, the lustrous pounamu carved by local artist Rex Scott will leave you…
Parnell & Newmarket
Join Madonna and Kirsten Dunst in wearing Walker’s cool (but pricey) threads. Nearby Nuffield St has other good shopping opportunities for travelling…
Hastings & Around
Stock up on buzzy by-products for your toast or your skin at family-run Arataki. Hands-on displays outline the whole sticky cycle from flower to jar. Free…
South Coast Environment Centre
Fiordland & Southland
The volunteer-run South Coast Environment Centre has a good range of organic fruit, vegies and store-cupboard supplies, along with homemade jams and other…
The West Coast
Treat yourself to a slice of Alice’s handmade fudge, real fruit ice cream or a bag of boiled lollies – or maybe all three. A slice of fudge costs around …
The West Coast
Aden Hoglund carves traditional and modern Māori pieces from local stone; will make to order. For opening times, ring ahead or look for the roadside open…
Queenstown
This warren-like store is something of a bazaar of outdoors gear, with everything you might need for backcountry skiing, climbing, snowboarding or hiking.
