Wellington Shopping Tips by wkcsmt

Lambton Quarter has the most concentrated shopping in Wellington and is reputed to be one of NZ's best shopping stretches along with restaurants, cafes & bars and is famed for its high-fashion stores. Serious shoppers should check out the Golden Mile...

Take a visit to Wellington's historic department store, Kirkcaldie & Stains on 165-167 Lambton Quay (www.kirkcaldies.co.nz), where you'll find local and international brands merchandises.

The restored Old Bank Shopping Arcade, corner Lambton Quay & Willis Street, is one of the city's famous landmark. You'll find designers clothings, café, souvenirs / crafts, bath & beauty products...etc in the arcade. During the restoration, ship’s timbers were found under this 1880s Old Bank & Chambers complex. They were the bilges of the 1848 Nova Scotia built wooden sailing ship The Inconstant that was beached during early colonial development and converted to a Warehouse and wharf. The bow section remains under the floor of the now restored Old Bank Arcade while the remainder is @ Plimmer’s Ark Gallery on Queens Wharf.

Just naming a few shops that you'll find here... Canterbury of New Zealand, Country Road, Colorado, Barker's, Four Seasons Active Gear, The Home Store, Sommerfields (NZ handcrafted gifts), Swarovski Crystal, Starbucks, Sounds Music... Also, explore Featherston Street, Woodward Street & Customhouse Quay.

General shopping hours (varies from shops):
9am-5:30pm Mondays to Fridays
10am-4pm Saturdays & Sundays



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Theme: Other
Address: Lambton Quay

Willis Quarter is a mix of lifestyle shops - sporting goods, art, books, designer gifts... Many of Wellington’s own fashion designers have their stores here Willis Quarter. Check out Voon, Starfish, Juno and House of Hank... they are all close by, located between Dixon & Manners streets.

Just to name a few of the shops you'll find here... Kathmandu, Paddington Coat Factory, Inside Out (home furnishing / crafts), Sony, New World Metro (supermarket)...

Don't forget to explore Civic Square, City Gallery, Capital E (for children) and catch the views from the City to Sea Bridge.



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Theme: Other
Address: Willis Street

Cuba Quarter is a community of colourful, funky markets, trendy bargain shops, alternative boutiques & bustling trendy cafés. You can either sample a cup of coffee @ one of the cafés on Cuba Mall / Street or just enjoy the colourful character of the quarter. Local fashion designers can also be found here alongside with antiques and collectables. This is also a place where street buskers gather, especially during the NZ International Arts Festival in late February to mid March every 2 years. The next festival is in 2006.

Just to name a few shops you'll find here... Abstract (NZ craft), Christopher for Crystal, Trade Aid (handcraft from 3rd world country), Iko Iko (gift shop), Plum Café, Olive Café, Hotel Bristol (bar & accommodation), Manners Regent Cinema...

Places to explore... James Smith's Corner, Wellington (Wakefield) Market, Cuba & Manners Malls, Left Bank.

Every February Cuba Street hosts NZ’s most spectacular street party the Cuba Street Carnival. This year the carnival is on 26 February from 11am till late. Checkout the official Cuba Street Carnival site @ www.cubacarnival.org.nz.



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Theme: Other
Address: Cuba Mall & Street
Website: www.cuba.co.nz

Name of Shop: Sheepskin Warehouse

if you're looking for sheepskin products of NZ... here's the one stop shop. The Sheepskin Warehouse stock the largest range of best quality sheep, lamb skin and woollen products, such as vests, jackets, rugs, mattress overlays, babycare, duvets, car seat covers and specialising in sheepskin footwear, eg. snugg boots & slippers. Overseas posting service is available, plus you won' have to pay the 12.5% GST if you post here.

Hours:
10am - 5.30pm Mondays to Saturdays



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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: (04) 386 3376
Address: 312 Evans Bay Parade,Greta Point
Directions: Follow Oriental Parade, around the bay, for about 2-3km. It'll be on your right. You can also take bus 24 from Courtenay Place.