As the center of New Zealand’s largest metropolitan area, the port of Auckland has an almost unlimited number of shopping options. Whether you just want a few souvenir trinkets or a larger item that better represents your cruise down under, you won’t have to look too far here.
Once you leave the ship, here are the places you’ll want to go to get the best shopping experience possible:
Inner City
Believe it or not, New Zealand has its own thriving fashion industry, and you’ll find it along Vulcan Lane, High Street and O’Connell Street. Many of the nation’s best designers have studios and stores here that are open to curious shoppers. Within the Inner City district, you’ll also find the Chancery shopping area, which houses stores from many international luxury brands. Check out Cou Cou Boutique for their vintage clothing and accessories.
Photo courtesy of Cou Cou Boutique
Parnell/Newmarket
This is probably Auckland’s most expensive shopping area, but it’s also known for its historic buildings that have been recently restored. Parnell Street is also a great place to have a pastry at a cafe and watch Auckland’s most posh residents go in and out of shops.
Photo courtesy of The Elephant House
If you’re looking for unique gifts to take home, then check out The Elephant House on Parnell Street. You’ll find hand-crafted jewelry, wool scarves and hats, and beautifully carved wood.
Ian is very proud of his display at The Elephant House. Photo courtesy of The Elephant House
Queen Street
Here, you’ll find many duty-free shops and well-known retailers that you will probably recognize from home. The most exciting parts of Queen Street, however, are the side roads and alleys that branch off from it. In these places you’ll find specialty shops that sell jewelry, pottery and wood carvings. This is the place to go if you want to find crafts that are unique to New Zealand. You must check out Hogland Glass which can be found at the ArtPlus Gallery on Hobson Street.
Photo courtesy of Hoglund Glass
Fun fact: Shops in Auckland serve a large number of foreign tourists every year. To help you avoid paying taxes and tariffs, many will mail your purchases back to your home country. All you need to do is ask!
If you’re interested in taking an exciting cruise vacation–whatever your destination– let the cruise agents at CruiseExperts.com do all of the hard work. Contact us by calling 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784), visiting our website www.CruiseExperts.com or emailing us at info@cruiseexperts.com
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