World City Guide

Shopping

New Zealand’s wines make easy gifts to take home. Visitors should watch out for names such as Coopers Creek, Kumeu River, Nobilo and Matua Valley. As for wineries from further afield, the best are in the Martinborough, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Gold Country regions.

Sheepskins, woollen and leather goods are also good options for souvenirs and gifts, as are Maori traditional crafts and items made from pounamu (greenstone). Outdoor gear is also popular (and often significantly cheaper) than in the UK. For quality souvenirs, Great New Zealand Shop, 13 Grey Street, and Te Papa (inside the museum) are your best bets.

The Kiwi fashion industry is at the cutting edge, taking (as the food industry once did) influences from Europe, Polynesia and the Pacific Rim and then, through the process of fusion, coming up with a unique style. This can range from the simple or sophisticated to the avant-garde and from the practical to the high art creations of the World of Wearable Arts (an internationally recognised fashion festival in Nelson). A free Wellington Shopping Guide and The Fashion Map at available at the visitor center.

Lambton Quay is a good place to start a shopping trip, with plenty of boutiques, shoe shops, music shops and bookshops, and Wellington’s most famous department store, Kirkcaldie & Stains. Bohemian Cuba Street is more alternative, and the shops more ‘alternative’. Browse or sit down at one of the many cafes and just watch life go by.

Shops in Wellington are usually open on weekdays from 0900-1730, Saturday from 0900-1630 and Sunday from 1000-1400.

The Wellington Market, on the corner of Taranaki and Cable streets (tel: (04) 801 8991) is open Friday to Sunday and public holidays 1000-1730.

Sales tax is 12.5%. Provided receipts are kept, visitors can claim a tax refund at the airport or through the local New Zealand embassy upon return.