From original art to designer fashion and film memorabilia, the capital is a shopping haven. Spend up a storm at these top spots around town.
Formed by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place, the ‘Golden Mile’ encompasses some of the best shopping on offer in the capital. High fashion and boutique stores abound in its pedestrian-heavy paths. In Lambton Quay, don’t forget to visit David Jones, a department store with an abundance of local and international labels, and Old Bank Arcade, an historic building that’s home to top Kiwi designers.
The best known strip in Wellington, Cuba Street brings a slice of bohemia to the capital. Home to eclectic fashion, vintage finds and independent boutiques, it is a funky street where retail stores blend in with a miscellany of cool cafes, bars and restaurants. Shopping here is always plenty of fun!
An experience in itself, Wellington has a number of markets where you can pick up New Zealand arts, crafts and artisan food products at a bargain price. Top markets include the Wellington Night Market (held off Cuba St on Fridays), Hill St Farmers’ Market (Saturday mornings at Thorndon), Wellington Underground Market (Saturday mornings at the Wellington waterfront) and Harbourside Market (Sundays by the iconic Te Papa).
A must-visit for film buffs, Wētā Cave is the shop front of the Academy Award-winning Wētā Workshop. Come face-to-face with characters, props and costumes from your favourite films. You can also purchase a wide range of Wētā-related movie and TV merchandise here.