Shopping in New Zealand - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

New Zealand is not an internationally famous shopping destination because the rich and gorgeous nature of the country is its main treasure. However, it is always interesting to combine sightseeing and recreation with visiting interesting and unique shops. Moreover, it is very easy to buy something really authentic in this country. First of all, merino wool clothing and items made from possum wool have always been very popular with tourists. Local cosmetics enriched with seaweed, healing mud, salts, lanolin, and kiwi is another great buy.

Are you searching for a gift to a lady? New Zealand’s jewelry is famous for its unusual design and use of rare minerals. Take a look at items with jadeite, abalone shells, and rare paua snails that, by the way, lives only in local waters. Tourists can buy interesting and authentic jewelry in Hamilton, in Rei Jewelry Limited shops. Traditional souvenirs from the islands also include various items with the kiwi bird and silver fern – main symbols of the country. Among handmade items, tourists may find it interesting to check wooden and bone figurines, Maori weapons, ritual masks, and nephrite jewelry. A box of New Zealand sweets or local wine is always a good souvenir that is perfectly suitable for friends and colleagues.

Numerous souvenir shops in different cities and towns of the country sell all the items mentioned above. Kiwi Arts Gallery in Auckland is another great place to check. That being said, in order to find something unique and rare, tourists should visit Otara Market that works only on Saturdays from 6 am to 1 pm. Here, indigenous Maori people, as well as people from Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga islands sell fabulous jewelry and traditional clothing. Tourists, who prefer to sleep on Saturday morning, no need to hurry to visit Otara because they can buy everything they need in local shops that usually stay open from 9 am to 5 pm. Some shops in resort areas stay open until 9 pm. Only large shopping centers are open on Sundays, and even these shops close in the afternoon. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you plan to visit numerous shops, Auckland is the best destination. The city’s Queen Street is a magnet for all shopaholics and fashionistas. This three-kilometer-long street is home to countless shops, outlets, and boutiques. Smith and Caughey Department Store is the biggest shop in the area. There are many modern shops in Parnell Village. Do you like fashion? If yes, don’t forget to visit Ponsonby Road. In this street, there are many shops of local designers with unique items that are not available in many countries of the world. The list of New Zealand’s fashion stars is really big and includes such names as Yvonne Bennetti, Minnie Cooper, Karen Walker, and Juliette Hogan. In the neighborhoods of Auckland, there are also several shops by popular Australian company Westfield.

Such resort destinations as Takapuna, Devonport, Mount Eden, and Remuera also have many interesting shops. Tourists wishing to shop in the capital of the country are welcome to visit Cuba Street and Lambton Quay. Numerous charming bookstores, jewelry shops, shoe stores, and Farmers department store (one of the biggest in New Zealand) will not let tourists feel bored. While visiting the North Island, don’t forget to check Bounty Store open in Coromandel. It offers goods made by local craftsmen at a very affordable price.

New Zealand market is not only a place to purchase food and non-grocery goods but also an authentic landmark with its own atmosphere. In the country, there are more than fifty markets that offer food from local farmers. Tourist centers usually provide tourists with information about the location of these centers. The oldest market is open in Whangarei in the North Island. It is open every Saturday from 6:30 am to 10 am. In KariKeri’s market, visitors can buy quality coffee beans and local jam made from exotic fruit. The market is open only on Sunday morning. In Auckland, tourists can always visit Matakana Market that works only on Saturdays. It is a wonderful place to try hot chocolate with spices and Puhoi Valley cheese, buy wine, and olive oil.