Whether you’re starting fresh or just need to grab a few essentials, here’s your guide to shopping in New Zealand. Don’t forget to ask your new work colleagues or neighbours for tips—locals often have the best advice!
Getting Set Up
- Charity Stores: Find affordable, good-quality preloved furniture while supporting amazing causes like SPCA, Hospice, Red Cross, and The Salvation Army. A great way to save money and do good!
- The Warehouse & Kmart: Great starting points for home setup essentials – furniture, kitchenware, bedding, clothing, and possibly a whole lot of stuff you didn’t know you wanted, at super friendly prices.
Groceries
- Supermarkets: New World, Pak’n Save and Woolworths make grocery shopping a breeze, with in-store options or Click & Collect.
- Local Dairies: Four Square and independently owned dairies are perfect for last-minute staples like milk, bread, or icing sugar for the morning tea cake!
Furniture Finds
- If The Warehouse doesn’t have what you need, try Target, Big Save or Freedom for furniture that feels like home.
DIY & Hardware
- Bunnings or Mitre 10 for outdoor furniture, tools and garden supplies. Get anything from the tiniest of picture hooks to a gas barbecue to make your home sweet home.
- And if you’re tackling a DIY project, don’t hesitate to ask the staff. We’re a nation of DIYers so ask your neighbours too. It’s a great way to meet them, especially if you have to return their hammer!
Tech Essentials
- For electronics and gadgets, check out JB HiFi, PB Tech, Noel Leeming, and Harvey Norman.
Outdoor Adventures
- Ready to explore? Kathmandu, Macpac or Torpedo 7 are popular for camping or hiking gear.
- Fisherperson or golfer? Head to Hunting and Fishing and Golf Warehouse to get set up for the things you love to do.
Online Shopping
- Trade Me is New Zealand’s version of eBay – find everything from teaspoons to cars, and even rental accommodation.
- Facebook Marketplace: Join your local group to find treasures nearby and maybe meet some new friends along the way!
