Auckland - Shopping

Auckland has an ever-increasing reputation for being an excellent shopping destination, with a vibrant homegrown fashion industry and retailers stocking all the latest international designer labels. 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.

Key areas
Good fashion outlets are mainly located in the city centre, notably the High Street. Local names include Karen Walke, Marla Brajkovic, Workshop and World.For souvenirs and gifts a fine option is Maori traditional crafts and items made from pounamu (greenstone). For jewellery, Fingers, 2 Kitchener Street, stocks creations from dozens of top native designers, while Pauanesia, 35 High Street, is a celebration of Polynesian handcrafted items and gifts.

Shopping hours
Shops are usually open on weekdays from 0900-1700, with late-night shopping on Friday until 2100 in some parts of central Auckland, such as Queen Street. In these areas, and some of the larger suburban shopping malls, you can shop on Saturday 0900-1700 and Sunday from about 1000 until 1600.

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