New Zealand Shopping

Shopping Hours

Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays. In resorts you will find most stores open in the evenings. Banks are closed at weekends.

What to Buy

New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. For traditional New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of superb Māori carvings in wood, bone and pounamu (greenstone or jade). You can also find jewellery and ornaments made from the iridescent paua shell (abalone), treasured by Māori for centuries.

New Zealand potters are recognised as among the world's finest and today many fine artisans are also working in stone, wood, glass and metals. The country's vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful handknitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings, homespun yarns and top-quality sheepskins.

Alongside top international fashion in boutique stores in the main city areas, you will also find New Zealand's own award-winning fashion labels, including Zambesi, NomD, Karen Walker and World.

View more key facts and information about New Zealand.