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
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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…
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Queenstown
Arguably Queenstown's most interesting store, inside inarguably the town's oldest building; Vesta sells a collection of prints, jewellery and homeware as…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Christchurch
A well-established Christchurch independent bookstore, Scorpio Books relocated post-earthquake to this modern central city location after several years in…
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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:…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Queenstown
Benefitting from travellers lightening their suitcases before jetting out, this 'preloved fashion boutique' is a great place to hunt for bargain designer…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Christchurch
A venerable Christchurch department store selling men’s and women’s fashions, cosmetics, travel goods, stationery and speciality NZ gifts.
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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.
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Dunedin
Crammed to the rafters with interesting volumes. Worth a peek just for the ceiling, which is papered with old book covers.
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Christchurch & Canterbury
Dimly lit and crammed full of intriguing volumes, this charming secondhand bookshop is a bibliophile's dream.
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Wanaka
Showcases large-format art shots from NZ photographers, mainly (but not exclusively) of local landscapes.
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Stuart Street Potters Co-operative
Dunedin
If you're after a unique souvenir, this sweet store stocks locally crafted pottery and ceramic art.
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Creative Queenstown Arts 'n Crafts Market
Queenstown
Gifts and souvenirs crafted from around the South Island; on the lakefront beside Steamer Wharf.
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Queenstown
Quirky and eclectic NZ design infused with a healthy dose of contemporary Māori culture.
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Queenstown
Interesting and varied collection of NZ books, fiction and quality vinyl.
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Christchurch & Canterbury
A sweet, well-curated bookshop offering both new and secondhand titles.
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Christchurch
Allegedly the South Island's largest outdoor market, this 300-stall extravaganza offers fresh produce, flowers, handicrafts, clothing, bric-a-brac and…
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Dunedin & Otago
Behind a set of fake heritage shopfronts, Riverstone Country is literally packed to the rafters with gifts, crafts, homewares, fake flowers, garden…
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Christchurch
Within walking distance of the CBD, this hip little mall is home to a few interesting, independent shops, an art-house cinema and a range of culinary…
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Christchurch
Opened in 2017, this shiny complex fronting the Cashel St pedestrian mall is home to all manner of local and international retailers. There's also a good…
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The West Coast
More compelling than the average Kiwiana souvenir shop, Santana sells possum and merino blend gloves, scarves and other fuzzy-warm clothing, along with…
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Queenstown
Grab a uniquely Kiwi hand-screened T-shirt, hoodie or cap, or create your own design as a wearable souvenir of the time you bungy jumped, mountain biked…
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The West Coast
If you like your greenstone art and jewellery with a side-order of spirituality, the lustrous pounamu carved by local artist Rex Scott will leave you…
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South Coast Environment Centre
Fiordland & Southland
The volunteer-run South Coast Environment Centre has a good range of organic fruit, vegies and store-cupboard supplies, along with homemade jams and other…
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The West Coast
Treat yourself to a slice of Alice’s handmade fudge, real fruit ice cream or a bag of boiled lollies – or maybe all three. A slice of fudge costs around …
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The West Coast
Aden Hoglund carves traditional and modern Māori pieces from local stone; will make to order. For opening times, ring ahead or look for the roadside open…
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Queenstown
This warren-like store is something of a bazaar of outdoors gear, with everything you might need for backcountry skiing, climbing, snowboarding or hiking.
