16 Best Shopping in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

On Sunday, between 7:30 am and 1 pm, folks flock to this outdoor food market on the waterfront. Organic produce, cheese, fresh fish and meats are the main draws. There's also a plethora of food trucks serving coffee and international street food.

Street-savvy clothing brands like Adidas and Herschel Supply Co. fill the shelves here, but the real reason to come in is to check out the popular, local Huffer label.

This friendly and locally owned store sells new and second-hand books with a strong focus on New Zealand fiction and nonfiction.

Locals were initially resistant to the arrival of this Australian giant, but they quickly came around when exposed to its range of high-end brands previously unavailable in Wellington. Featuring a lovely early-19th-century facade, this three-level department store is an absolute must for the discriminating shopper. There is a wide range of women's and men's fashion, perfume, household goods, and more.

Based on the gorgeous decor alone, this store focused on leather accessories is well worth a visit. The leather in their products is all ethically and locally sourced.

This spot sells camping gear and outdoor clothing from international brands as well as footwear.

Here is a comprehensive range of Jane Daniels's New Zealand ladies' fashions. All pieces are locally manufactured from European fabrics.

The eponymous owner has made a name for herself overseas. This Wellington store carries her own clothing, accessories, and fragrances.

Wellington is a fine place to stock up on camping supplies before hitting the great outdoors. Kathmandu carries its house brand of clothing and equipment.

Part gallery, part gift store, this establishment has a strong contemporary Māori current running through its merchandise. Some of the smaller, less-expensive items make unique souvenirs.

The Old Bank Arcade sits in the iconic neoclassical walls of the former Bank of New Zealand. The arcade is something of a fashion enclave, containing a slew of well-known boutiques, including New Zealand designers Taylor, Ricochet, and Ruby. There is classic jewelry at The Gold Exchange and delicious handmade sweets at de Spa Chocolatier.

Find a generous supply of New Zealand and Māori literature in this bright and spacious independent store.

Top New Zealand and local Wellington labels line Victoria Street and its little Lombard Laneway. Find phenomenal fragrances at World, chic and understated leather bags at Yu Mei, and luxury lingerie at Lonely. Further fashion can be found at Wilson Trollope, St. Fabiola, Juliette Hogan, Kilt, and Karen Walker's Playpark. Luckily, there are great coffee shops nearby to take a rest from retail therapy.

Well-established New Zealand designer Elisabeth Findlay whips up innovative and extremely wearable clothes.