Wellington Shopping Tips by fishandchips

Name of Shop: Unity Bookshop

Unity is one of the best bookshops in NZ without question. It carries a large range of books with specialties in literature and science. It often has imported Sci-fi and Fantasy stuff (that I read) so good for a nosey to see what new items are in (though Arty Bee's is best in this genre). Great travel collection and plenty of easy chairs to sit and try before you buy.



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Theme: Books

Name of Shop: Slow Boat Records

Slow Boat has been in Wellington for many years and continues to sell both old and new music including some hard to find collectables. The store is located about 4 blocks up from Dixon st on Cuba St in the narrow eclectic part of Cuba St. It is a great spot to come and just browse for stuff you forgot you ever needed and don't be surprised if you leave with several items.

What To Buy: You'll find both CD's and DVD's plus Tee shirts, casettes and vinyl recordings (for those who still have a turntable!).


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Theme: Music

Name of Shop: Schoc

Schoc doubles as a coffee house and is a small store on Tory Street. The chocolate part of the store is at the back and there are samples of all of the flavours - and there are lots and lots to choose from. The items are created up the coast in the Wairarapa. Have a look at their Choc Website for more info.

What To Buy: Flavours range from single plantation, island named varieties to ones such as Earl Grey Tea and my favourite, Lime Chilli (the combination of citrus & hot has to be tried!!).

What To Pay: It's not the cheapest place to buy your chocolate but the product is of a very high standard. At around $10 for a smallish bar you might think that this stuff is very expensive but on the other hand the number of brownie points one can build up is considerable!!

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Theme: Other
Address: Tory St
Directions: Between Courtenay Place and Cable st. Hours are: Monday to Friday 7.30am - 6.30pm
Saturday 10.30am - 6pm, Sunday 12pm - 6pm

Name of Shop: Arty Bee's

Arty Bee's has been in Welly for quite some time with two shop locations. One is in Courtenany Place (down the Cambridge St end) and the other is on Manners St. Both sell second hand books with the manners st shop also having a range of new fantasy & sci fi books.

The range of books in both stores is quite good with some real bargains to be found if you look hard enough. All genres and topics are catered for in the stores so you should be able to find something to please everyone.

The team at each store are really helpful so if you are after something in particular or are after a suggestion or two you shouldn't be disappointed.

What To Buy: If you're like me then you will be here to buy Sci Fi & or Fantasy books. The new books section is right up to date so you can normally find what you are after. The second hand area has lots of hard to find stuff including many of the old masters of the genre.

What To Pay: The price you'll pay will very much depend on the item with the rarer books fetching a quite high price. The new books are priced a bit cheaper than some of the other stores and the used books average around the $10 mark. Price is very much dependant on the item!!

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Theme: Books

Name of Shop: Lambton Quay

Lambton Quay is a piece of road that strectches from Willis St all the way around to Molesworth St and it is full of good shopping options. Starting at Willis St end you have Dymocks bookstore on one side and the Old Bank Archade on the other (including Lush, Smiths Cafe and fashion stores). Moving down there is Esprite, Whitcoulls, CD Store, Borders, Kirkaldie & Staines (locals call this place Kirks), Living Nature and any number of nik nak places plus coffee and burgers as required.

What To Buy: It's all down to you and what you want and/or fancy. Lambton Quay is long enough to give you sore feet. There is everything from food to music to beauty products so something for everyone on your group.


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Theme: Other

Name of Shop: New World Metro on Willis

New World Metro is located on Willis St and is in a very handy spot to buy your groceries at cheap supermarket prices. Being in the middle of town it is very very popular and therefore very very busy. The queue can stretch for a long way through the store though don't get put off as it moves very quickly. The shop has all of your expected items plus a bakery and deli area. Everything you'll need in the food & drink dept!!



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Theme: Food and Drink