Shopping in New Zealand

Shopping in New Zealand

An outstanding number of international and local shops exist in New Zealand. These shops give the opportunity to the buyers to pick up a wide array of products, consisting of award-winning fashion clothes, outdoor clothing and equipment, craftwork and electronic goods. The shops include goods and service tax (GST) in retail prices.

Shopping Hours

Though New Zealand shopping hours varies a great deal but then the shops are generally open from 9.00am-5.30pm, Monday-Saturday. Few of the shops remain open on Saturday mornings and even 9pm on Friday or Saturday night. Whereas most of the stores in towns and cities are open on Sundays for somewhat limited hours, 10am-4.30pm). The city shops remain open seven days a week. Everyday till late in the evening or sometimes for 24hours the supermarkets are left open. Stores that are meant for the tourists are generally open everyday, frequently with extended hours.

Where to go

It is difficult to shop from somewhere that is not your native country. While shopping it is very important to find the "right shop to get the right thing." You may not find the shops grouped together as you expect it to be. The shops sometimes even do not sell the expectant things. In New Zealand's main centers the regular CBD retail outlets are located. These retails shops consist of department stores, selling quality brands and exclusive products as well as souvenir shops. Those who are passionate about shopping can check out the malls offering fashion, food and fun. The factory outlets are devoted for selling well known brands in clothing, kids wear, sportswear, shoes, accessories and music. It offers a 70% off on the normal retail prices. As you go throughout the country you will find a number of designer boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops and specialty shops. There are also arts and craft shops of which some offers the opportunity to see skilled craftsperson at work.

Duty Free Shopping

In New Zealand you will find the cheapest duty and tax free shopping of the world. The duty and tax free stores are located at International airports of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as in many city and tourist centers. One thing that you should be conscious of is the fact that compared to the other countries you cannot claim back tax on any purchases made here. To avoid such a condition you can either make large purchases at duty free stores or you can purchase duty free goods online prior to coming. While you purchase you will need your passport and airline ticket or the boarding pass.

Fresh fruit, Vegetables and the Dairy

In New Zealand there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables which can be easily purchased directly from the farmers. At the farm gates of the countryside you will often find saleable goods. If you are unattended you can just pick up what you want and then put the right amount of cash into the container provided. In New Zealand this is called the "honesty system". In the suburbs New Zealand's corner stores popularly known as the "dairies" stock groceries. It is a convenient place to pick up bread, fresh milk, ice-cream, postage stamps and newspapers.

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