Auckland Travel Forum

Hi!
I'll be going to Auckland next year and was wondering what to bring home. I hear New Zealnd wine is good so where should I go to to buy affordable wine? What other souvenirs should I look for and where should I shop?
Thanks!

Paua: shells, 'nick nacks', jewellery
Original 'mud soap'
Greenstone/Jade jewellery
Original 'kete', Maori bag from flax

If you are staying just in Auckland you will find shops along Queenstreet and some side roads. Another luxury (duty free) shop is Galleria Auckland; see

http://www.dfsgalleria.com/Galleria/English/New_Zealand/New_Zealand_Destination_Home.html

And those Maori necklaces are cool to. Be sure they're not made in China or of plastic though...

Hi, with regard to buying wine, try the supermarkets as they buy in bulk and can usually offer a good price when they run a special deal. The independent wine stores tend to specialise more. For a nice average priced wine try the 'Montana' range in either a riesling/sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. Most wines that come from the Marlborough region are usually quite good.

Hi,

If you are going to buy wine then look in the supermarkets. All supermakets get fantastic deals on the exact same wines as specialty stores but half the price. Good wines that have won awards will have stickers on them identifying them so you should be able to make an informed decision on a goody! (I'm a huge fan of "Oyster Bay" if you like a white wine, or "Carrick" if you like a red).

I personally would go to malls and look at the jewellery stands and smaller stores (though this is probably a bit of a cop-out but I find that Queen St is overpriced) NZ does some beautiful Paua items. I'm a huge fan of greenstone necklaces, when you buy one be sure to ask if they were made in NZ (and preferably blessed). A specialist shop (probably most likely to be found in Queen St!) would be your best bet for a genuine article. Also sheepskin items are great (like a snuggly pair of Ugh Boots - slipper boots lined with sheepskin are a classic).
Enjoy your stay here.