Entertainment

New Zealand offers unique shopping experiences and a vibrant entertainment scene that highlights local culture, cuisine, and creativity. Here’s what you can expect.

New Zealand Shopping

Shopping in New Zealand is a blend of modern retail outlets and local artisan markets. Major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have large shopping centers featuring international brands alongside New Zealand designers. For a more local experience, visitors can explore boutique stores, weekend markets, and souvenir shops in smaller towns and tourist hotspots like Queenstown and Rotorua.

Markets are a great place to find handcrafted items, art, and regional specialties that showcase New Zealand's Maori and Pacific Island heritage. Trading hours are generally from 9 AM to 5.30 PM, but larger stores and shopping malls often remain open later, especially on weekends.

What to Buy

New Zealand is known for its high-quality wool products, especially merino wool and possum-merino blends, which are perfect for cozy sweaters, hats, and scarves. The country is also famous for greenstone (pounamu), a precious stone significant in Maori culture. Carved greenstone pendants are not only beautiful but carry spiritual meaning, making them a meaningful souvenir. Additionally, New Zealand is a top source for manuka honey, known for its natural antibacterial properties and health benefits. Other popular items include Maori wood carvings, skincare products made with local botanicals, and artisan foods like locally crafted chocolates and jams. New Zealanders take pride in eco-friendly products, so many items are sustainably produced, which appeals to eco-conscious visitors.

Food and Wine

New Zealand’s food and wine scene is world-renowned, and visitors have a wealth of options to explore. The country is known for its fresh seafood, including green-lipped mussels, paua (abalone), and crayfish. New Zealand lamb is another must-try, often served in fine dining restaurants and traditional Sunday roasts. The country has diverse culinary influences, with Pacific, European, and Asian fusion styles commonly featured. Wine is a key part of New Zealand’s identity, with famous wine regions like Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Central Otago producing award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Visitors can tour wineries, participate in tastings, and purchase wines directly from cellar doors. Additionally, farmers' markets are popular throughout the country, offering fresh produce, artisan cheese, baked goods, and organic products from local producers.

Alcohol

Alcohol is widely available in New Zealand, with the legal drinking age set at 18. The country has a strong craft beer culture, with breweries in nearly every region creating unique brews from local ingredients. Cities like Wellington are known for their vibrant beer scenes, featuring craft beer bars and tasting rooms. In addition to beer, New Zealand has a growing craft gin industry, with distilleries experimenting with native botanicals like kawakawa, horopito, and manuka. Visitors can find locally produced spirits and liqueurs in specialized liquor stores and even some larger supermarkets. Alcohol is available in restaurants, bars, and supermarkets, but stores and bottle shops cannot sell it after 10 PM.

Shows

Entertainment in New Zealand includes a variety of shows, from traditional Maori performances to contemporary music festivals. In Rotorua, visitors can attend Maori cultural shows, which feature traditional songs, dances like the haka, and storytelling that brings Maori legends to life. Urban areas, particularly Auckland and Wellington, have a dynamic theater scene with both local and international performances in venues such as The Civic, ASB Waterfront Theatre, and St. James Theatre. New Zealand is also home to several film festivals and hosts major concerts and events, including WOMAD and Rhythm and Vines. Throughout the year, comedy shows, outdoor music events, and art exhibitions add to the entertainment options, giving visitors a chance to experience the country’s lively creative culture.