New Zealand has an excellent range of international and domestic shopping. Products include award-winning fashion clothes, outdoor clothing and equipment, craftwork and electronic goods. Goods and services tax (GST) of 12.5% is included in retail prices.

Shopping Hours

Shops are generally open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Some shops are open Saturday mornings and until 9pm on Friday or Saturday night. In cities, most shops are open seven days. Supermarkets are open seven days until late in the evening, and sometimes for 24 hours.

Where to go

The key to successful shopping in a foreign country is finding the right shops. Ask your New Zealand classmates, listen to the radio or look at newspaper advertisements, especially in local newspapers.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

New Zealand has an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, often available directly from the farmers. In the countryside you will often see produce for sale at farm gates. If unattended, just take what you want and put the right amount of cash into the container provided. It is called the "honesty system".

The dairy - a New Zealand icon

In the suburbs there are many "dairies" (New Zealand's word for corner stores), which stock groceries and are a handy place to pick up fresh milk, bread, ice-cream, postage stamps and newspapers.

Your rights as a consumer, when you are entitled to a refund, etc.