10 Best Shopping in Auckland, New Zealand

This store showcases unique contemporary pieces by about 45 New Zealand artists who work with fine metals and stones to create beautiful jewelry. Many of the artists have works in the New Zealand National Collection, and customers who purchased items at an early stage of a maker's career are being rewarded with significant increases in value. Look out for works that combine precious metal with more mundane materials like rocks, seashells, or even plastic.

The sign hanging above this gift shop sets the tone—the letters are shaped from paua shell, which resembles abalone. You'll find one-off bags, place mats, picture frames, cushions, jewelry, and many other handmade items.

Always among the top New Zealand designers, this fashion label run by an informed family team has always charted its own course. You'll find its garments for men and women are never dated and are worn by very influential people who want a look that is both strong and understated.

This independent contemporary gallery shows both international and local artists plus occasionally hosts talks and seminars. The most up to date list of events and shows is on the gallery's website.

This gallery exhibits and sells contemporary New Zealand art, glass, ceramics, and jewelry and is the place to go if you are looking for something different. Its location on Upper Queen Street is an easy walk from the center of town. Masterworks holds some 15 group and individual exhibitions a year, including student work, and will pack and ship any item purchased.

For many years people from all over Auckland have headed south on a Saturday morning looking for bargains to the sounds of hip-hop beats and island music. Vegetable stalls groan with produce such as taro, yams, and coconuts. More Asian food stalls are joining the traditional Polynesian tapa cloths, paua-shell jewelry, greenstone, and bone carvings, reflecting the city's increasingly multicultural profile, but sadly some junky stuff is creeping in. The market opens around 6, and stalls come down around midday. Exit the Southern Motorway at the East Tamaki off-ramp, turn left, and take the second left.

This is a good place to see plenty of local and international brands under one roof, coupled with extremely good service and the largest cosmetics hall in the city.

If you are after New Zealand--related books, travel, and fiction, this is the place for you. Smart staffers will help you find that special text.

It's well worth driving the winding road to this West Coast beach to see work by some 200 artists living in the region. There's everything from paintings, ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry to photography, glasswork, books, and CDs. Prices range from NZ$20 or NZ$30 to thousands of dollars. The gallery hosts regular events and occasional themed art projects that get locals involved.