Must-see shopping in South Island

  • Tannery

    Christchurch

    In a city mourning the loss of its heritage, this post-earthquake conversion of a 19th-century tannery couldn't be more welcome. The Victorian buildings…

  • Waewae Pounamu

    The West Coast

    Linked to Ngāti Waewae, a local hapū (subtribe) of the broader Ngāi Tahu tribe, this stronghold of pounamu carving displays traditional and contemporary…

  • Vesta

    Queenstown

    Arguably Queenstown's most interesting store, inside inarguably the town's oldest building; Vesta sells a collection of prints, jewellery and homeware as…

  • Ivan Clarke Gallery

    Queenstown

    Be prepared for industrial-strength levels of whimsy in this gallery devoted to the work of pooch-loving local artist, Ivan Clarke. Hanging alongside his…

  • Blackball Salami Company Ltd

    The West Coast

    Take time to sample Blackball's namesake salami, beloved up and down the West Coast. The garlic and peppercorn varieties have a kick, the venison version…

  • Guild

    Dunedin

    This cooperative of Dunedin designers sells high-end fashion, jewellery and homewares made by its 12 members and special guests. You'll find bright and…

  • New Regent St

    Christchurch

    This pretty little stretch of pastel Spanish Mission–style shops was described as NZ's most beautiful street when it was completed in 1932. Fully restored…

  • Artbay Gallery

    Queenstown

    Occupying an attractive 1863-built Freemason's Hall on the lakefront, Artbay is always an interesting place to peruse, even if you don't have $10,000 to…

  • Scorpio Books

    Christchurch

    A well-established Christchurch independent bookstore, Scorpio Books relocated post-earthquake to this modern central city location after several years in…

  • Wilderness Gallery

    The West Coast

    Juergen Schacke's large-scale nature photography takes centre stage at this gallery/gift shop, which also sells an excellent range of NZ-made craft:…

  • Remarkable Sweet Shop

    Queenstown

    Stock up on local and imported confectionery (fudge, chocolate truffles, boiled lollies – you name it!) at this Wonka-esque pantry. There's another branch…

  • Hokitika Glass Studio

    The West Coast

    Call in on weekdays to watch the blowers at work at the furnace producing glistening glass birds, multicoloured bowls and stemware. And yes, these fragile…

  • Romer Gallery

    Queenstown

    Call in to ogle large-format, perspex-finished NZ landscapes from Queenstown-based photographer Stephan Romer. You may want to leave your credit card in…

  • Hokitika Craft Gallery

    The West Coast

    The town's best one-stop shop, this co-op showcases a wide range of local work, including pounamu (greenstone), jewellery, flax handbags, hand-coloured…

  • Walk in Wardrobe

    Queenstown

    Benefitting from travellers lightening their suitcases before jetting out, this 'preloved fashion boutique' is a great place to hunt for bargain designer…

  • Hard to Find Books

    Dunedin

    Bookworms will spend hours prowling the shelves of this sprawling store. With 140,000 catalogued books, and another 360,000 in storage, if you can't find…

  • Henry Trading

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This tiny but perfectly curated store stocks a range of lovely homewares and gifts, many made by local producers, as well as a sweet line in artisanal…

  • University Book Shop

    Dunedin

    Dunedin's best bookshop is perfect for browsing, with lots of Māori, Pacific and NZ titles in stock. You can also buy GoCards to use the Orbus netwrok…

  • Ballantynes

    Christchurch

    A venerable Christchurch department store selling men’s and women’s fashions, cosmetics, travel goods, stationery and speciality NZ gifts.

  • Gallery De Novo

    Dunedin

    This interesting, contemporary, fine-art gallery is worth a peek whether you're likely to invest in a substantial piece of Kiwi art or not.

  • Dead Souls

    Dunedin

    Crammed to the rafters with interesting volumes. Worth a peek just for the ceiling, which is papered with old book covers.

  • London St Bookshop

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Dimly lit and crammed full of intriguing volumes, this charming secondhand bookshop is a bibliophile's dream.

  • Picture Lounge

    Wanaka

    Showcases large-format art shots from NZ photographers, mainly (but not exclusively) of local landscapes.

  • Kapa

    Queenstown

    Quirky and eclectic NZ design infused with a healthy dose of contemporary Māori culture.

  • Scribes

    Dunedin

    Stacks upon stacks of treasures await at this excellent secondhand bookshop.

  • Twizel Bookshop

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A sweet, well-curated bookshop offering both new and secondhand titles.

  • Riccarton Sunday Market

    Christchurch

    Allegedly the South Island's largest outdoor market, this 300-stall extravaganza offers fresh produce, flowers, handicrafts, clothing, bric-a-brac and…

  • Riverstone Country

    Dunedin & Otago

    Behind a set of fake heritage shopfronts, Riverstone Country is literally packed to the rafters with gifts, crafts, homewares, fake flowers, garden…

  • Colombo Mall

    Christchurch

    Within walking distance of the CBD, this hip little mall is home to a few interesting, independent shops, an art-house cinema and a range of culinary…

  • The Crossing

    Christchurch

    Opened in 2017, this shiny complex fronting the Cashel St pedestrian mall is home to all manner of local and international retailers. There's also a good…

  • Santana

    The West Coast

    More compelling than the average Kiwiana souvenir shop, Santana sells possum and merino blend gloves, scarves and other fuzzy-warm clothing, along with…

  • Roam Clothing

    Queenstown

    Grab a uniquely Kiwi hand-screened T-shirt, hoodie or cap, or create your own design as a wearable souvenir of the time you bungy jumped, mountain biked…

  • Tectonic Jade

    The West Coast

    If you like your greenstone art and jewellery with a side-order of spirituality, the lustrous pounamu carved by local artist Rex Scott will leave you…

  • South Coast Environment Centre

    Fiordland & Southland

    The volunteer-run South Coast Environment Centre has a good range of organic fruit, vegies and store-cupboard supplies, along with homemade jams and other…

  • Sweet Alice’s Fudge Kitchen

    The West Coast

    Treat yourself to a slice of Alice’s handmade fudge, real fruit ice cream or a bag of boiled lollies – or maybe all three. A slice of fudge costs around …

  • Jagosi Jade

    The West Coast

    Aden Hoglund carves traditional and modern Māori pieces from local stone; will make to order. For opening times, ring ahead or look for the roadside open…

  • Small Planet Outdoors

    Queenstown

    This warren-like store is something of a bazaar of outdoors gear, with everything you might need for backcountry skiing, climbing, snowboarding or hiking.

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