Auckland is a city with a lot of variety when it comes to climate and landscape. You could be forgiven for thinking that that makes it a difficult place to shop; however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Auckland has a thriving retail scene with lots of great shopping opportunities both in and outside the city’s central business district. There are plenty of stores selling everything from local artisan produce to international luxury brands – all within walking distance of each other. Auckland’s shopping venues are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the city and are conveniently located, with excellent transport links to take you from store to store. Whether you’re visiting Auckland for a day or for a longer stay, there are plenty of places to go that will satisfy all your shopping needs.
Central Auckland
Auckland’s Central Business District (CBD) is an excellent place to start any shopping trip in the city. With many of the top retail shops, restaurants, cafes and bars all within easy walking distance of each other, the CBD is a great place to spend the day exploring while doing your shopping. You’ll find that the CBD is particularly popular with tourists, which means you’ll have no trouble finding a seat in one of the many cafes or bars, or lingering in a shop browsing the shelves. The Central Business District is also conveniently located for those travelling to Auckland from other parts of New Zealand or the rest of the world, with plenty of shuttle bus services running from nearby train and airport stations.
Queen Street
Queen Street is one of Auckland’s main thoroughfares, running from the Auckland CBD in the north all the way to the city’s southern edge in the south. It is one of the city’s most famous streets, hosting a variety of high-end shops, designer boutiques and gift shops, as well as some more affordable shopping options. You’ll find some excellent restaurants located along the length of the street, making it a great place to go for lunch before you start your shopping trip. You’ll also find that many of the stores along Queen Street are open until late, making it an excellent place to do some late-night shopping.
Queen Street West
This part of Queen Street is the shopping and dining hub of Auckland’s eastern suburbs. Here you can find a range of cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as a selection of high-end retailers, designer shops, gift shops and more. Many of the shops in this part of Queen Street are open until late, making it an excellent place to do some late-night shopping. The main draw for many people visiting Queen Street West is the Auckland Art Fair, which is held here every year. This makes the area particularly busy during the event, but is also a great place to shop year-round.
Ponsonby Road
This is Auckland’s fashion and design district, which means you’ll find a wide selection of shops selling clothing, jewellery, shoes, accessories and more. Many of the stores in Ponsonby Road are independently owned, which means you’re likely to find a variety of different designs and designs that aren’t available anywhere else in Auckland. Ponsonby Road is also an excellent place to visit during the Auckland Fashion Weekend, which takes place each year during summer. The Auckland City Fashion Festival is also held in this part of the city.
Eden Terrace
If you’re looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, you might want to consider visiting Eden Terrace. This neighbourhood is a great place to do some browsing, with many of the shops offering second-hand goods and a variety of other interesting items. You’ll find that many of the shops in Eden Terrace specialise in a particular type of merchandise, making it an excellent place to shop for gifts for your friends and family back home.
The Auckland Public Market
The Auckland Public Market is a great place to find local produce and other goods. It is also a good place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, especially if you’re staying in a hotel or apartment that doesn’t provide room for a full-sized garden. Many of the producers at the Auckland Public Market either sell directly to the public or to other businesses operating in the city, which means you’re likely to find a selection of products that you won’t find anywhere else in Auckland.
Auckland Domain and Gardens
If you’re looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, you can visit the Auckland Domain and Gardens. The Domain is a landscaped park that sits on the Auckland city’s southern edge, while the gardens are also part of the park. The gardens are a great place to relax, while the park also has several different attractions, including a wildlife sanctuary, a playground for children, a duck pond and more.
Conclusion
Auckland is a city that offers plenty of shopping options, no matter what your budget is. There are several different areas that you can choose to shop in, depending on your tastes and the type of items that you’re looking to purchase. There are also plenty of ways to get around Auckland’s many shopping venues, whether you’re on foot, by car or using one of the many public transport options available.