Must-see shopping in North Island

  • Kura Gallery

    Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter

    Tucked away behind the Viaduct Harbour restaurant strip, Kura is a good place to find art, crafts and design from Māori artists. Works for sale include…

  • Bruce McKenzie Booksellers

    Palmerston North

    An excellent independent bookshop, with classical music and serene, intelligent vibes. Pick up that guide to NZ craft beer you've been looking for and…

  • Poi Room

    Parnell & Newmarket

    An excellent showcase of work by NZ artists and designers, including prints, paintings, ceramics, jewellery and homewares. Many of the items for sale…

  • Imperial Productions

    The Wairarapa

    A cute old-fashioned shop for a cute old-fashioned town, Imperial sells beautiful rendered traditional toy soldiers and other figurines. Keep an eye out…

  • Time Out

    Kingsland & Mt Eden

    On of the shopping highlights of Mt Eden Village is this excellent independent bookshop with a broad selection of NZ-themed books. Check out its always…

  • Zambesi

    City Centre & Britomart

    Iconic NZ label much sought after by local and international celebs. Also in Ponsonby and Parnell.

  • Strawberry Patch

    Hastings & Around

    Pick your own berries in season (late November to April), or visit year-round for organic produce from local fields, plus coffee and real fruit ice cream …

  • Kura

    Wellington

    Contemporary, edgy and progressive Māori and NZ art: paintings, carvings, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture. A gorgeous gallery – come for a look even if…

  • Goodness

    Wellington

    There's goodness by the bucketload here, from the charmingly OTT staff through to lovely NZ jewellery, nail polish, belts, shoes, jeans and dresses from…

  • Avondale Sunday Markets

    Auckland

    This large, popular market has a strong Asian and Polynesian atmosphere and is excellent for fresh produce. Take the train from Britomart station to…

  • Hunters & Collectors

    Wellington

    Beyond the best-dressed window in NZ (since 1985) you'll find off-the-rack and vintage clothing (punk, skate, Western and mod), plus shoes and accessories.

  • Makana Confections

    Bay of Islands

    Sample a chocolate in the shop while watching the artisans at work through the factory window. There's also a cafe attached, selling pastries and gelato.

  • Kathmandu

    New Plymouth

    From waterproof clothing and solid hiking shoes to sleeping bags and hiking accessories, you're probably already familiar with Kathmandu for good reason.

  • Cross Street Market

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    Vintage apparel, art and design from NZ craftspeople and good coffee make this raffish market a highlight of exploring Karangahape Rd's bohemian scene.

  • Soul Shoes

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    World famous in Raglan since 1973, Soul Shoes’ range of handmade leather footwear has been joined by equally cool satchels, backpacks and bags.

  • Hawke's Bay Farmers Market

    Hastings & Around

    If you're awake on Sunday morning, the Hawke's Bay market at Hastings is mandatory. Bring an empty stomach, some cash and a roomy shopping bag.

  • Crushes

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    Sells an excellent selection of arts, crafts, foodstuffs and homewares from local NZ designers. Also an interesting array of vintage clothing.

  • Zambesi

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    Designed by Liz and Neville Findlay, the iconic Zambesi label offers sought-after NZ clothing coveted by both locals and internationals.

  • Aotea Community Art Gallery

    Hauraki Gulf Islands

    This eclectic showcase for the island's artsy fraternity sells everything from paintings and sculpture to handmade soap and local honey.

  • Torpedo7

    Taupo

    Ginormous sporting and equipment store selling everything you need for cycling, motorbiking, snow sports, camping, tramping and more.

  • Brown & Co

    Wellington

    Your one-stop-shop for stuffed bats, Jesus terrariums, monkey skulls, rabbit feet, art books and kooky gifts for 'house and homme'.

  • Strangely Normal

    City Centre & Britomart

    Quality, NZ-made men's tailored shirts straight out of Blue Hawaii sit alongside hipster hats, sharp shoes and cufflinks.

  • Kate Sylvester

    Parnell & Newmarket

    One of NZ's most respected designers, Kate Sylvester's playful and stylish designs often feature interesting and vibrant fabrics.

  • Tony Sly Pottery

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Subtle and natural colours and a mix of rustic and more modern designs feature at this store and workshop at Raglan Wharf.

  • Napier Urban Farmers Market

    Napier

    Score some superfresh local produce: fruit, vegies, bread, coffee, dairy products, honey, wine… Who needs supermarkets?

  • Zambesi

    Parnell & Newmarket

    One of the most famous fashion labels to come out of NZ, and much sought after by local and international celebs.

  • Huffer

    Parnell & Newmarket

    Stylish technical apparel and streetwear from a hip NZ company with its roots in snowboarding and skateboarding.

  • Little Black Gallery

    Bay of Islands

    Off the beaten track along a bamboo-lined lane, this tiny stylish gallery sells unique jewellery, art and gifts.

  • Grahamstown Thames Market

    Coromandel Peninsula

    On Saturday mornings the Grahamstown Thames market fills the street with organic produce and handicrafts.

  • Flax Bush

    The Far North

    Pasifika- and Māori-inflected craft, jewellery and gifts, including items made of flax, wood and shell.

  • Westfield Newmarket

    Parnell & Newmarket

    Auckland's newest and most upmarket mall features rooftop dining and a good food court.

  • Macpac

    New Plymouth

    Visit to start your Taranaki tramp prepared with camping and tramping gear galore.

  • Exhibit A

    The Far North

    This co-op gallery showcases Far North artists in a historic courthouse building.

  • Bach

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Waterfront co-op store and gallery representing over 100 Northland artisans.

  • Source

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Creative showcase for more than 30 local artists.

  • Karen-Walker, Ponsonby.

    Karen Walker

    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.

  • Feilding Farmers Market

    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…

  • Huka Falls Chocolate

    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…

  • Pork Chop Hill

    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…