As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland offers an impressive range of shopping experiences for enthusiasts. Due to the city’s unique geography, several distinct shopping areas showcase various characters and offerings. Most locations are easily accessible via a short taxi or bus ride from the heart of the city.
Queen Street and the Central City
Queen Street begins at Auckland Harbour (known as Downtown) and stretches nearly three kilometers in a straight line. As both the commercial and shopping center of Auckland, it features a comprehensive array of options. The harbor end predominantly hosts souvenir shops, while numerous arcades and side streets reveal boutique stores and delightful eateries.
Notably, Smith and Caughey, Auckland’s premier department store, is situated about a third of the way along Queen Street from the harbor end, providing an expansive selection of products.
Parnell
Originally a working-class district, Parnell transformed into one of Auckland’s most fashionable locales, thanks to developer Les Harvey’s vision in the 1970s. Be sure to explore Parnell Village, a charming collection of unique shops located near the top end of Parnell Road, which offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for leisurely visits.
Newmarket
Adjacent to Parnell, Newmarket caters to the affluent residents of Auckland’s eastern suburbs. The main thoroughfare, Broadway, features a multitude of well-known fashion retailers. Additionally, the surrounding streets provide excellent exploration opportunities. Make sure to look out for well-stocked Asian grocery stores that add to the locality’s diversity.
Conveniently, Newmarket is also a short train ride from Britomart Station, the central hub located at the bottom of Queen Street.
Ponsonby Road
Positioned on a ridge close to central Auckland, Ponsonby Road has evolved into a trendy nightlife destination over recent years. A significant draw for daytime shoppers is the presence of internationally recognized and emerging New Zealand fashion labels, with shops such as Juliette Hogan, Karen Walker, Minnie Cooper, Robyn Mathieson, and Yvonne Bennetti.
Additionally, several quirky cafes cater to locals, making for a perfect daytime retreat. One standout is One 2 One Cafe, featuring a cozy courtyard and some of the best coffee in the area, which is definitely worth a visit.
Further Afield
Auckland’s suburbs are well-served by shopping malls, most of which are owned by the Westfield group. Moreover, the nearby areas of Takapuna and Devonport (both situated on the North Shore), along with Mount Eden and Remuera, offer intriguing shops that add to the shopping experience in Auckland.
