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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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