What to Do When You Didn’t Buy Enough Souvenirs in New Zealand

New Zealand is a shopper’s paradise! I was on a non-stop shopping spree , discovering so many delightful stores that I just couldn’t get enough

Auckland
Our final stop on this trip was Newmarket. We initially came for Bivouac Outdoor, but to our surprise, the area also boasts a sprawling Westfield complex. This shopping haven is packed with luxury brands, a variety of home goods stores, Lululemon, a supermarket, and a Warehouse pharmacy—everything you need in one convenient location for a seamless shopping experience!

I picked up a Gucci belt and wallet for a family member, two sets of Lululemon for myself, and Manuka honey along with other care products from the Warehouse. I also grabbed some chocolates from Woolworths as souvenirs

Queenstown
The heart of Queenstown’s shopping scene is downtown. Alongside well-known sports brands and DFS, I stumbled upon a hidden gem called Cotton On, which specializes in cotton clothing. The styles are reminiscent of trendy online boutiques, but the key is that everything is 100% cotton, incredibly comfortable, and reasonably priced.

Wanaka
In Wanaka, I focused my shopping at Wools of Wanaka, where I found adorable woolen gloves and scarves for friends’ babies. They were simply irresistible

Fantastic Sports and Outdoor Stores

– Bivouac Outdoor Auckland
· With branches in both Queenstown and Auckland, this store is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. The Queenstown branch is near the yellow superstore, while the Auckland branch is right across from Westfield. It features a wide range of top-notch brands like Bird, Eagle, Patagonia, and North Face.

If you catch the seasonal sales, sizes might be limited, but if you find your size in a style you love, don’t hesitate to grab it
– Outside Sports
· With five locations across the South Island—in Queenstown, Christchurch, Wanaka, Tekapo, and Te Anau—Outside Sports offers an excellent membership program.

As a member, 10% of each purchase can be used towards your next shopping trip, and you can even split payments.
– Dress Smart
· This outlet mall in New Zealand was a pleasant surprise. After landing in Christchurch and needing to buy hats, we discovered this outlet near the airport. Though not large, it houses a variety of brands, including Timberland, CK, Kathmandu, and Australian UGG, often with additional discounts.

I was lucky to find the last pair in my size and snapped them up immediately . There’s also a supermarket nearby, making it very convenient!

Tips:
· Most stores in New Zealand, except for large supermarkets, close by 5:30 PM, so plan your shopping accordingly.
· I found the souvenir shops in Te Anau a bit on the pricey side, but the chocolate at the yellow superstore is a steal!

After sorting through all my purchases at home, I realized I really didn’t buy enough