Shopping in South Island

Top ChoiceShopping in Christchurch

In a city mourning the loss of its heritage, this post-earthquake conversion of a 19th-century tannery couldn't be more welcome. The Victorian buildings have been beautifully restored, and are crammed with all manner of delightful boutiques selling everything from surfboards to vintage clothing to exquisite homewares.

Shopping in Greymouth

Whakapapa (genealogy) links to two West Coast hapū (subtribes) give Garth the right to collect pounamu all along the coast, which he then carves in his home studio near Shantytown. Call in to watch him at work and to buy a truly authentic piece; he also takes commissions. Garth's an avid mountain biker,too; ask about local tracks.

Top ChoiceShopping in Hokitika

Linked to Ngāti Waewae, a local hapū (subtribe) of the broader Ngāi Tahu tribe, this stronghold of pounamu carving displays traditional and contemporary designs in its main-road gallery-boutique. Watch the carvers at work before deciding on a piece to purchase.

Shopping in Queenstown

Arguably Queenstown's most interesting store, inside inarguably the town's oldest building; Vesta sells a collection of prints, jewellery and homeware as fascinating as the original wallpaper and warped-by-time floorboards of the 1864 wooden cottage.

Shopping in Nelson

Catapulted to fame after designing the One Ring for the Lord of the Rings movies, this contemporary jeweller now does a brisk trade in Elvish-inscribed engagement rings for those unfazed by the prospect of their fiancé or fiancée vanishing or turning into an evil megalomaniac. There are plenty of other elegant designs available for those with quibbles about such things.

Shopping in Queenstown

Be prepared for industrial-strength levels of whimsy in this gallery devoted to the work of pooch-loving local artist, Ivan Clarke. Hanging alongside his large-scale landscapes is his Lonely Dog series (dogs skiing, dogs playing guitar, dogs riding motorbikes etc), which have also been published as part of an illustrated novel. There are even dog-shaped suits of armour.

Shopping in Takaka

Here's a surprise – an award-winning distillery tucked down a laneway off Takaka's main street. Its gin and vodka is crafted from water from the same aquifer that feeds the pristine waters of the nearby Te Waikoropupū Springs, and variations include NZ's first barrel-aged gin, and gin flavoured with wasabi, chocolate or saffron. Free tastings will help you choose.

Shopping in Takaka

There's no shortage of arty and crafty action along Takaka's main street, but Paper Scissors Rock stands out from the more ethnic and hippie-influenced offerings of most of the shops. Five local artists take turns to front the collective, with their creations ranging from interesting jewellery and leather goods to quirky screen-printing and paper works.

Shopping in Blackball

Take time to sample Blackball's namesake salami, beloved up and down the West Coast. The garlic and peppercorn varieties have a kick, the venison version is rich and distinctive, but we like the fattier 'Italian-style' cut. Also available from this humble shop are bacon, black pudding, cheeses and sausages.

Shopping in Dunedin

This cooperative of Dunedin designers sells high-end fashion, jewellery and homewares made by its 12 members and special guests. You'll find bright and beautiful fabrics, artful clothing cuts and very wearable designs. Pop in for a chat with a local maker – it's always staffed by a member of the co-op.

Shopping in Christchurch

This pretty little stretch of pastel Spanish Mission–style shops was described as NZ's most beautiful street when it was completed in 1932. Fully restored post-earthquake, it's once again a delightful place to stroll, and has become something of a hub for quality cafes, bars and restaurants.

Shopping in Oturehua

New Zealand's oldest continually operating store (1899) features floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves stocked with old boxes of soap powder, rolling tobacco and laxative tablets, and rusty shaving kits mingling with brittle magazines from the 1980s. Simple B&B rooms are also available here.

Shopping in Murchison & Buller Gorge

Rummage through an ever-changing array of vintage cars, foreign number-plates, hubcaps, 1970s kitchenware and vintage clothing at this impressive archive of curios housed in the historic Commercial Stables building. They're all originals – dust and rust comes included in the price.

Shopping in Greymouth

Ostensibly the gallery of local landscape photographer Stewart Nimmo, this stylish space overflows with cracking souvenirs (with more handicrafts and clothing sold in the courtyard out back). Honeyed beauty products, postcards, pounamu, pottery, woodwork: it's got it all.

Shopping in Te Anau

Bev hires everything you need to undertake a Great Walk, including warm clothing, quality sleeping bags, packs, cooking gear and other bits and pieces. The Great Walks special ($160) includes all these things. Book ahead via the website. Cash only, unless you pay online.

Shopping in Queenstown

Occupying an attractive 1863-built Freemason's Hall on the lakefront, Artbay is always an interesting place to peruse, even if you don't have $10,000 to drop on a painting. It showcases the work of contemporary NZ artists, most of whom have a connection to the region.

Shopping in Glenorchy

A wee little tin shed that's a cut above a standard souvenir store, Made in Glenorchy sells Glenorchy-specific T-shirts designed and printed on-site as well as local scenes set in laminated glass, from coasters to wall prints to splashbacks.

Shopping in Christchurch

A well-established Christchurch independent bookstore, Scorpio Books relocated post-earthquake to this modern central city location after several years in Riccarton. There's in-store seating and relaxed browsing is definitely encouraged.

Shopping in Ruby Coast & Moutere Hills

An endearing blend of microdeli and cafe (stocking scrumptious local jam), with a gallery and gift shop on the side. Cute cards and compact souvenirs are all go, and wines from the tiny 3-hectare Harakeke Farm winery are also available.

Shopping in Hokitika

Juergen Schacke's large-scale nature photography takes centre stage at this gallery/gift shop, which also sells an excellent range of NZ-made craft: woodwork, pottery and carved pounamu, in particular.