From fashion districts to flea markets, department stores to malls and retail parks – shopping is as much a recreational activity for Aucklanders as watching for the latest sale (discount promotion) is a sport – big retailers are only too happy to oblige – widely advertised sales and offers are announced daily. Competition keeps prices reasonable – although supermarket (food) prices are expensive when compared with some countries in Europe.

Most retail shops and supermarkets accept credit cards and EFTPOS (an electronic card similar to a credit card linking directly to your (NZ) cash account). At markets and smaller shops/food outlets pay with cash or EFTPOS. Some larger retailers and supermarkets allow cash back when paying with EFTPOS (i.e. amount deducted from your account is the sum of the goods purchased plus the amount you wish to take from the retailer in cash).

The downtown area of the CBD has a number of souvenir shops for a range of budgets. Check around the lower Queen Street and lower Albert Street area. Also DFS Galleria on the corner of lower Albert Street and Customs Street West. Hobson Street (at the top end) has a couple of large shops also stocking honey and health products. Auckland Museum has well-stocked shops as does the Zoo. The airport has souvenir items both before and after immigration.

The High Street/Vulcan Lane/O’Connell Street area is the Fashion centre of Auckland Central and has local designer stores as well as international brands. Look out for womenswear in Ruby, Moochi, Ricochet, Karen Walker and Agatha Paris French Fashion Jewellery as well as many other international brands. For menswear, visit Little Brother, Crane Brothers, and World Man. For New Zealand and international brands in both mens and womenswear, see Workshop, Brave, Browns and Fabric, along with Ashley Ardrey for shoes. Womenswear in Zambesi, Karen Walker, World, Cybele, Miss Crabb, Hepburn, Jaimie stocking local and international brands (Vivienne Westwood), IsaKelle.