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, woolen 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. 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 recognized 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 Monday to Friday 0900-1730, Saturday 0900-1630 and Sunday 1000-1400.
The
Wellington Market, on the corner of Taranaki and Cable streets 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.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Wellington Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related New Zealand Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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