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World Travel Guide > Guides > Oceania > New Zealand > Wellington

Local time Wellington

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Shopping in Wellington

Wellington has tons to offer the avid shopper from shopping departments where the best New Zealand and international designers are represented to bustling markets and vintage boutiques.

Key areas

Lambton Quay, Willis Street and Courtenay Place form the Golden Mile as most of the major shops are here; it is flush with boutiques, shoe shops, music shops and bookshops. Bohemian Cuba Street is more alternative. For quality souvenirs, Simply New Zealand (195 Lambton Quay) and Te Papa (inside the museum) are your best bets.

Markets

Harbourside Market, Wellington’s oldest market, is open every Sunday. There you can find the finest coffee, cheeses, olives, condiments, deli meats, fresh fish, sweets and hot food. Wellington Underground Market takes place every Saturday from 10am to 4pm and is good for locally made designer homewares, clothing, craft creations and gourmet food. Wellington Night Market, open every Friday and Saturday, hosts artists and local performers in addition to stalls selling a large range of international cuisine.

Shopping centres

David Jones Wellington on Lambton Quay is the city’s largest shopping centre and department store. It was previously Kirkcaldie & Stains, which operated for more than 180 years and became Wellington’s most famous department store.

Opening hours

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

Souvenirs

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. New Zealand's wines also make wonderful gifts. Some of the best wines come from the Martinborough, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Gold Country regions. The Kiwi fashion industry is a cutting-edge, unique style, with influences from Europe, Polynesia and the Pacific Rim - from simple and practical to the sophisticated or avant-garde, A free Wellington Shopping Guide and The Fashion Map are available at the visitor centre.

Tax information

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.

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Ohtel

Inspired by New York’s high-end boutique hotel scene and modern architecture, Ohtel is a small but luxurious place to stay for the traveller who wants a unique Wellington experience. All the mid-century furnishings are from the founder’s private collection, and the hotel itself is built into the base of a steep coastal cliff space. Even the cheapest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee. 

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Right in the centre of Wellington Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers a wide selection of accommodation options ranging from eight bunk dormitories to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The hotel first opened its doors back in 1937 and underwent a number of extensive revamps after being purchased by its current owners in 1997. Facilities include a bar a café a 24 hour fully equipped kitchen and a travel desk.

Cambridge Hotel

The Cambridge has been a Wellington establishment since 1883 - Queen Elizabeth herself stayed here in the 1960s. Overall, it offers great facilities at amazing prices. Located in the centre of Wellington, it is minutes from major attractions, fine dining, and great shopping. The Cambridge has rooms to suit all budgets, from backpacker dorms to en-suite doubles and all of the rooms come with SKY TV and a mini fridge. 

Victoria Court Motor Lodge

In the heart of downtown Wellington, this lodge offering studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments, is ideally located within easy walking distance of theatres, shops, bars and museums. Most of the 25 units have spa baths/showers, cook tops, queen-size beds and Sky TV. Off-street parking is available.

InterContinental Wellington Hotel

The imposing InterContinental Hotel, the best five-star hotel in town, is one of the city's landmarks, with two restaurants, café, pool, sauna, fitness centre, large indoor heated swimming pool, conference and banquet facilities, and business centre. Many of the 231 modern and stylish rooms and suites have excellent harbour views.

Ibis Wellington

This international budget chain hotel is a good-value option for those who want to be close to the action, but don't want to stay in a backpacker's hostel. There's a restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner but limited parking.