8 of the best places to shop in Auckland

New Zealand’s biggest city is also its undisputed shopping mecca. From quirky fashion boutiques and homeware stores to major malls and retail precincts, Auckland offers the country’s best, most varied shopping experiences. But where to start? No matter what’s on your list or who you’re buying for, we have your ultimate guide to the best places to shop in Auckland.

1. Iconic fashion brands at Britomart

Think of a New Zealand fashion label, and you’ll probably find it in Britomart. The historic downtown precinct plays host to such renowned names as Karen Walker, Huffer, Allbirds, Zambesi and Deadly Ponies, alongside retail locations for international brands like M.A.C., Adidas, Jo Malone and Tiffany & Co.

With a big central courtyard surrounded on all sides by fantastic bars and eateries, Britomart is one of the city’s loveliest places to give your wallet a workout.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, check out the architecturally gorgeous Commercial Bay, a shopping centre for people who don’t like shopping centres. 

2. A mega mall in Newmarket

Offering everything from high-end homewares to Korean skincare, the central suburb of Newmarket is the place to go for some serious retail therapy.

Newmarket’s shopping precinct is spread across a number of delightful back streets and pedestrian lanes, but the crown jewel is Westfield Newmarket.

Spread across two buildings, this shopping mall features a head-spinning range of luxury, mid-range and affordable fashion stores, as well as major draws like New Zealand’s only Lego store.

Once you’re done shopping head upstairs to the rooftop for a curated selection of restaurants, cafes and bars with the choice of indoor seating or outdoor terrace dining.

3. Boutiques galore on High Street

Running parallel to Queen Street is a shopping precinct that’s the polar opposite of the big-name brands and familiar chains of the main thoroughfare.

High Street and its surrounding laneways are a true shopper’s paradise, home to a plethora of fashion boutiques specialising in everything from streetwear to suiting, including standalone stores for New Zealand brands like Barkers, Ruby, AS Colour and Working Style.

Many of Auckland’s top jewellers have premises here, and it’s also where you’ll find the widely beloved Unity Books and its spinoff store for kids, Little Unity.

Refuel at one of the many noodle bars in the vicinity, or stop into the excellent cafe Chuffed for a coffee on the outdoor terrace.

4. Designer stores on Ponsonby Road

If you find yourself in need of shopping and a stroll on a sunny Saturday, Ponsonby Road is calling your name. Auckland's most stylish street since the 1980s, when independent retailers and new designers began moving in.

These days, Ponsonby Road still has some of that pioneering sensibility, but it’s better known as the place to go for high-end fashion, super-cool streetwear and endlessly desirable homewares and gifts.

Check out Flotsam and Jetsam for aesthetically interesting antiques and bric-a-brac, Everyday Needs for simple and sustainable objects for the home, and the Māori-owned Curionoir for luxurious fragrances, candles and soaps.

5. Second-hand treasures on Karangahape Road

It’s just around the corner from uber-trendy Ponsonby Road, but Karangahape Road – K’Road for short – has a different vibe altogether.

K’Road is Auckland’s destination for live music, alternative culture, and the LGBTQ+ community, and its retail stores reflect that left-of-centre outlook.

Find a bargain at some of the city’s best second-hand clothes stores including Crushes, Vixen Vintage and Paper Bag Princess. Or browse the ethically sourced wares at Buana Satu and The Third Eye.

Music lovers, listen up: just off K’Road is where you’ll find Auckland’s coolest record store, Flying Out.

6. Locally made gems at Auckland’s museums and galleries

Looking for a piece you’ll treasure for years? Head to Auckland’s gallery stores for art objects, jewellery and unique souvenirs imbued with the mauri, or essence, of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Following a visit to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, stop by the retail store in the foyer to browse a large range of New Zealand-made homewares, jewellery and fun stuff for kids.

At Auckland War Memorial Museum, the store sells incredible examples of ngā toi Māori (Māori arts and crafts) including woven items, wood carvings, and one-of-a-kind works made from pounamu, the highly-prized greenstone found only in the South Island.

Beyond the museums, find gorgeous, artisan-made objects and art pieces at The Poi Room in Ponsonby and Newmarket, Crushes on K’Road, and Haus of Flox, the Ponsonby concept store from the woman behind New Zealand’s most-loved mural art.

7. Glorious food at Auckland farmers markets

For foodie gifts and local souvenirs, there’s nowhere better than a farmers market or craft market. Luckily Auckland has a whole lot of options, across all parts of the city and beyond.

Some of the best include the Parnell Farmers Market every Saturday morning, the Mt Eden Village Craft Market on the second Saturday each month, and the buzzing Britomart Saturday Market, a weekly outdoor food market right in the heart of downtown.

If you’re happy to make a day of it, check out the Matakana Village Farmers Market on the northern outskirts of Auckland, the Ostend Market on Waiheke Island, or the Clevedon Village Farmers Market, located an easy drive away in the southeast of the region.

8. Low-key charm in Devonport

Cultured and quirky, Devonport offers a retail experience befitting its status as one of Auckland’s most historic suburbs.

The intact Victorian and Edwardian shop fronts along Victoria Road are delightful places to fossick for vintage finds, from antiques and collectibles to clothing and out-of-print books.

Be sure to pop into Devonport Chocolates for some beautifully boxed treats (and hopefully some free samples) and stop by Miller Road Fragrances for unique perfumes and hand-poured candles.

The shopping is great, but a trip to Devonport is about so much more than retail therapy. Take a Fullers360 ferry there from the downtown terminal, have lunch at one of the many great cafes, and finish with a walk along the beach or up Takarunga / Mount Victoria. Voila – you’ve just had one of Auckland's best days out!