Queenstown Shopping Tips by kiwi

Name of Shop: The Warehouse.

A lot of New Zealand towns have one of these shops: "The Warehouse". Known as the "Big Red Shed" - it's obviously RED! You can get most of your needs here.
The local kids call it the "WareWhare" - you need to understand Maori pronunciation to understand the significance, but Whare means House in Maori.
The photo shows the view from the carpark, which I found more stunning than the shop itself!
Quite difficult to find initially, I'll try to explain.
At Frankton, turn towards the Remarkables/Kingston direction. Just a short way along that road with the lake on your right, take the first road on the left. Then follow the signs to Remarkables Park. Make sure you don't turn into the housing area. There are a few 'round-a-bouts' to encounter, but it's worth it in the end. You weave around behind the airport and it's associated buildings.
UPDATE: More shops have now been built in this area, it's more complete now. And of course the view is a bit more cluttered. June 2008

What To Buy: The Warehouse sells almost everything. Clothes, hardware, fishing rods, toys, cd's (the cheapest place for these!), stationery, bedding, kitchenware, tents, just everything!

What To Pay: Most items are low priced, however you must take care with your shopping in The Warehouse. If you are travelling and just need something to last a short time, and to be discarded then this is the place for you. Clothes are very cheap, but be selective as the quality varies.

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Theme: Department Store
Address: Remarkables Park, Queenstown.
Directions: It is situated behind the airport, quite a way out of town.

Name of Shop: Oceanic Gallery

This is a very interesting shop with very New Zealand flavoured items inside. I was intrigued with it's wares and how they were created. The people were very kind and friendly and willing to help.
Some of the interesting jewellery was made from old items, anything small and with texture and shape.


What To Pay: Yes it's a little above average, but most of these items are original and local artists, who often do command a high price, but good on them!

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Theme: Art
Phone: 64 3 442 6076
Address: 43b Beach Street, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Directions: Near the main street.
Other Contact: email: oceanic@spacificgifts.co.

Name of Shop: Steamer Wharf Shopping centre

The Wharf has two levels with the following shops:

The Copper Club - Food & Wine
Frasers on the Wharf - Bar
The 19th Restaurant
Queenstown Arts Centre - Gallery
Body Treatz - Body products and Gifts
Interforex - Money Exchange
T & Ski - Leisure Clothing
Real Journeys
The Cigar Bar
Wai Waterfront - Restaurant & Wine Bar
Take 5 Expresso & Juice Cafe
Loaded Hog - Bar
Fatz Cat - Italian Restaurant

and on the Upper level:

Wharf Casino
Memories of Hong Kong - Restaurant
Boardwalk Seafood Restaurant & Bar



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Theme: Other
Address: Beach Street, Queenstown.
Directions: Head down to the lake, in town, and walk along to where the old steamer, Earnslaw is docked. This wharf is the Steamer Wharf.

Name of Shop: AJHackett Bungy Centre

If you are at all interested in Adventure Clothing, you can't buy better than the AJHackett brand. You can buy this range of clothing at the AJHackett Bungy Centre, situated on Hwy 6 between Queenstown and Cromwell.

What To Buy: Great jackets, for protection against cold weather.
Nice woollen vests, and many other styles.

What To Pay: These garments are not cheap by NZ standards and are probably some of the most expensive. But the quality is surperb.

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Theme: Sporting Goods
Address: Hwy 6, Queenstown to Cromwell.
Directions: Just head out of town on Hwy6 towards Cromwell, and look for the Bungy Centre. It's signposted.

Name of Shop: Untouched World

Untouched World is a group of shops driven by the founder's desire to provide planet-friendly garments and to market these New Zealand items to us and the world. She has styled her shops and wares on the natural earth and introduced some maori culture as well. The logo is a Maori Kite, which symbolises the link between man and nature, the earth and the sky. She develops a relationship with these links for us all to share.

What To Buy: I'd go for the Merino Wool jerseys, as Merino wool is grown locally in and around the mountains of Queenstown and it's area.

What To Pay: This range is not cheap by NZ standards, but you can be sure that the quality is of a high standard.

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Theme: Women's Clothes
Phone: 03 - 442 4992
Address: 1 The Mall, Queenstown.
Directions: Untouched World is on the ground floor of the famous Eichardt's Hotel building near the lake in downtown Queenstown. It can be found at the lake end of what they call The Mall.
Website: www.untouchedworld.com