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…
Must-see shopping in South Island
The West Coast
Linked to Ngāti Waewae, a local hapū (subtribe) of the broader Ngāi Tahu tribe, this stronghold of pounamu carving displays traditional and contemporary…
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…
Queenstown
Arguably Queenstown's most interesting store, inside inarguably the town's oldest building; Vesta sells a collection of prints, jewellery and homeware as…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The West Coast
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…
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…
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…
Oturehua
New Zealand's oldest continually operating store (1899) features floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves stocked with old boxes of soap powder, rolling tobacco…
Buller Region
Rummage through an ever-changing array of vintage cars, foreign number-plates, hubcaps, 1970s kitchenware and vintage clothing at this impressive archive…
Greymouth
Ostensibly the gallery of local landscape photographer Stewart Nimmo, this stylish space overflows with cracking souvenirs (with more handicrafts and…
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…
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…
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…
Christchurch
A well-established Christchurch independent bookstore, Scorpio Books relocated post-earthquake to this modern central city location after several years in…
Nelson Region
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…
Queenstown
Stock up on local and imported confectionery (fudge, chocolate truffles, boiled lollies – you name it!) at this Wonka-esque pantry. There's another branch…
The West Coast
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:…
Queenstown
Call in to ogle large-format, perspex-finished NZ landscapes from Queenstown-based photographer Stephan Romer. You may want to leave your credit card in…
The West Coast
Call in on weekdays to watch the blowers at work at the furnace producing glistening glass birds, multicoloured bowls and stemware. And yes, these fragile…
The West Coast
The town's best one-stop shop, this co-op showcases a wide range of local work, including pounamu (greenstone), jewellery, flax handbags, hand-coloured…
Queenstown
Benefitting from travellers lightening their suitcases before jetting out, this 'preloved fashion boutique' is a great place to hunt for bargain designer…
Blenheim
Large windows face the factory, allowing you to watch the chocolates being made while you're engulfed in the most mouthwatering fragrances and tempted…
Dunedin
Bookworms will spend hours prowling the shelves of this sprawling store. With 140,000 catalogued books, and another 360,000 in storage, if you can't find…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This tiny but perfectly curated store stocks a range of lovely homewares and gifts, many made by local producers, as well as a sweet line in artisanal…
Dunedin
Dunedin's best bookshop is perfect for browsing, with lots of Māori, Pacific and NZ titles in stock. You can also buy GoCards to use the Orbus netwrok…
Central Otago
In summer the Cromwell Heritage Precinct plays host to an excellent farmers market, running every Sunday from Labour weekend (late October) to Easter.
Christchurch
A venerable Christchurch department store selling men’s and women’s fashions, cosmetics, travel goods, stationery and speciality NZ gifts.
Dunedin
This interesting, contemporary, fine-art gallery is worth a peek whether you're likely to invest in a substantial piece of Kiwi art or not.
Greymouth
Browse pounamu jewellery – mainly in Māori-style designs but also crosses – all created from genuine West Coast greenstone.
Blenheim
If your time is limited, pop into Wino’s, a sterling one-stop shop for some of Marlborough’s finer and less common drops.
Dunedin
Crammed to the rafters with interesting volumes. Worth a peek just for the ceiling, which is papered with old book covers.
Christchurch & Canterbury
Dimly lit and crammed full of intriguing volumes, this charming secondhand bookshop is a bibliophile's dream.
Wanaka
Showcases large-format art shots from NZ photographers, mainly (but not exclusively) of local landscapes.
Nelson
This big, busy weekly market has fresh produce, food stalls, fashion, local arts, crafts and buskers.
Stuart Street Potters Co-operative
Dunedin
If you're after a unique souvenir, this sweet store stocks locally crafted pottery and ceramic art.
Creative Queenstown Arts 'n Crafts Market
Queenstown
Gifts and souvenirs crafted from around the South Island; on the lakefront beside Steamer Wharf.
