Wellington Shopping

New Zealand's wines make wonderful gifts. Some of the best wines come from the Martinborough, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Gold Country regions.

Sheepskins, woollen 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 a cutting-edge, unique style, with influences from Europe, Polynesia and the Pacific Rim - from simple and practical to sophisticated or the avant-garde high-art creations of the World of Wearable Arts (an internationally recognised fashion festival in Nelson). A free Wellington Shopping Guide and The Fashion Map are available at the visitor centre.

Lambton Quay is flush with boutiques, shoe shops, music shops and bookshops, and Wellington's most famous department store, Kirkcaldie & Stains. Bohemian Cuba Street is more alternative.

The Harbourside Market, on the corner of Chaffers and Cable Streets, is a vibrant open-air Sunday morning market.

Shops in Wellington are usually open Monday to Friday 0900-1730, Saturday 0900-1630 and Sunday 1000-1400.

A GST tax of 12.5% is included on all goods, but with receipts visitors can claim a tax refund at the airport or through the local New Zealand embassy upon return.