While one is out for shopping in New Zealand, each of the markets presents an opportunity to check out the best local produce and the freshest regional food. These are often ideal to pick up interesting arts and crafts as gifts and souvenirs.
Best local markets for shopping in New Zealand:
1. Matakana Farmers Market
Matakana Farmers Market located in the serene Matakana village in Auckland offers a range of delicious Kiwi food like the Puhoi cheese and whitebait fritters. There is an abundance of stage performers, food stalls and artisans on every Saturday while it is held.
2. Nelson Farmer’s Market
One can splendidly purchase fresh and local produce on a Wednesday at Nelson Farmer’s Market. On Saturdays, the market has primarily arts and crafts items. The Monty’s Sunday market at Montgomery Square Car Park is apt for collecting recycled items.
3. Riccarton Market
The best among food markets in Christchurch, Riccarton Market is also loved for the pleasant scenery. It has over eight stalls currently which serve delish baked food items and also savouries. Located close to the Avon River and the Riccarton House, the market was established back in 2003.
4. Wellington Harbourside Market
The HarbourSide Market held every Sunday in Wellington is a century-old now. Famed for the numerous diverse stalls and the organic companionship among the community, the market has fresh fruits and vegetables along with stellar products from the artisans. It is also admired for the baked goodies, the fresh produce and the many performances held during shows.
5. Otara Market
The Otara Market held eighteen kilometers southeast of Auckland on every Saturday has a Polynesian atmosphere. There are rows of fruits and vegetable vendors, clothing and arts and crafts stalls for shopping in New Zealand. Music and cultural performances are also held occasionally. Its food delicacies include Hangi, Sushi and Kebab. Due to the market’s huge popularity, those who plan to visit are advised to arrive early itself.
6. Bay of Islands Farmers Market
Established in 2004, Bay of Islands Farmers Market is regularly held on Sunday mornings. It is a well-known breakfast place. Farm produce of the finest quality is available here on the early hours of the market.
7. Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market
Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market is an incredibly creative event that happens every Saturday on the lakefront at Earnslaw Park in Queenstown. The market is a venue where painters, photographers, carpenters and many other artists gather and exhibit their exemplary artworks.Different Types of Shopping in New Zealand:
Shopping in New Zealand can get even more gratifying if you consider picking up some of the prized Kiwiana.
1. Kiwiana
Kiwiana is the name for a set of items that represent the life and culture of New Zealand. These are usually amusing things that belong in the first half of the twentieth century.A lot of pop culture items referred to as Kiwiana can be found easily in New Zealand’s gift shops. The shops have Wooden Buzzy Bee, Paua shell, No 8 Wire, etc. Although the souvenir shops also sell these items, the weekly garage sales are ideal to obtain authentic Kiwiana products.
Kiwiana also include certain delish food items and branded foods for shopping in New Zealand. Tomato sauce that comes in a tomato-shaped bottle, Manuka Honey, Sanitarium Marmite, Whittaker’s Chocolate, Hokey Pokey ice cream, etc. are available in supermarkets all over the country. L & P short for Lemon and Paeroa, is an iconic New Zealand brand soft drink that is common in New Zealand’s grocery stores. There is also an official L & P Café in Paeroa.
Pavlova, Fish and Chips, etc. are devoured kiwi foods available in all major restaurants and cafes. Also make sure to grab a copy of the classic Edmunds Cookery Book from any of the kitchens in New Zealand.
2. Boutique Shopping
Shopping in New Zealand is not truly complete until checking out New Zealand’s boutiques which offer almost everything ranging from international names to the local designers. They are also huge in number.Collections of the country’s most talented designers like Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester and Tracie Cooper are available at Britomart, Ponsonby and Newmarket in Auckland. Apart from this, these shopping hubs in Auckland have plenty of international labels, beauty products and stylish accessories.
Cuba Street is the most distinguished place for boutique shopping in Wellington. Designer Kate Sylvester belongs to this region. The bohemian themed fashion and apparel collection in Cuba Street is a much-admired aspect of boutique shopping in New Zealand.
There are excellent fashion boutiques in Queenstown’s Shotover Beach, Ballarat and Camp Streets. New Regent Street in Christchurch also has a selection of boutiques. The Tannery in Woolston, Christchurch is another boutique raved for its flaring creativity and hospitality.
Company of Strangers, Carlson and Bellebird are some of the local fashion designers of Dunedin. Their works can be bought from the many fashion boutiques at The Edinburgh Way. The Edinburgh Way is a region in The George Street in Dunedin filled with boutiques.
3. More Souvenirs
The list of souvenirs that one may come across while shopping in New Zealand is a lot more than the Kiwiana. Those include jewellery like the pounamu necklace that displays the craftsmanship of the Maori and Glass art, which is huge in Nelson. The tourists can also consider picking up the merino wool garments for their loved ones. All of these items are available in the souvenir shops. The world-famous wines of the country also deserve a generous spot among the souvenirs you plan to collect.What are your thoughts on shopping in New Zealand? Share with us in the comments.