Destination: New Zealand
Shop New Zealand Auckland and Upper North Island - Major Shopping Districts Wellington and Lower North Island - Major Shopping Districts Christchurch and Upper South Island - Major Shopping Districts Queenstown and Lower South Island - Major Shopping Districts Auckland - Department & Clothing Stores Wellington - Department & Clothing Stores Christchurch - Department & Clothing Stores Queenstown - Department & Clothing Stores Dunedin - Department & Clothing Stores Auckland - Books and Magazines Wellington - Books and Magazines Christchurch - Books and Magazines Auckland - CDs and Cassettes Wellington - CDs and Cassettes Christchurch - CDs and Cassettes Dunedin - CDs and Cassettes Auckland - Handcrafts, Antiques & Markets Wellington - Handcrafts, Antiques & Markets Christchurch - Handcrafts, Antiques & Markets Queenstown - Handcrafts, Antiques & Markets Dunedin - Handcrafts, Antiques & Markets Auckland - Tourist Souvenirs Wellington - Tourist Souvenirs Christchurch - Tourist Souvenirs Queenstown - Tourist Souvenirs Dunedin - Tourist Souvenirs Upper North Island - Visitor Information Offices Lower North Island - Visitor Information Offices Upper South Island - Visitor Information Offices Lower South Island - Visitor Information Offices	With or Without Tax? New Zealand has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5 percent applicable to all goods purchased, including food and accommodations. In general, this tax is included in the price stated unless (by law) otherwise indicated. However, it is always as well to check that the price is inclusive, particularly at some of the more expensive hotels and restaurants. Some of the guided walking tours may also advertise prices without tax. Chain Stores In New Zealand, the Woolworths name is applied to a chain of grocery supermarkets. The goods and services associated with the name in other countries can be found at Deka stores. The Warehouse chain operates as a discount operation, with a wide variety of general merchandise. Most cities and towns also have a Farmers store, offering a large range of household goods and clothing. K-Mart stores, selling similar stock, are found in many major suburbs and towns. New Zealand Labels Internationally recognized New Zealand labels are always in demand. Canterbury brand clothing is popular. Swanndri and Kathmandu are two recognized outdoor clothing labels. Zeal, Hot Buttered, and Origin are other New Zealand labels sought by the young at heart. Karen Walker, World, Zambesi, and Moontide are top labels for fashion-conscious women. Bookshops Whitcoulls have branches in all cities and major suburbs. Paper Plus is a franchise chain. The larger cities usually have a number of specialist bookstores carrying selected subjects. Second-hand bookshops in towns tend to stock mainly paperbacks, whereas in the larger cities second-hand hardbacks can also be found. Music Shops All towns have one or more stores selling CDs and cassettes. As well as the usual range, Maori and Polynesian music is available in both formats. Sounds is a chain of music stores in many North Island locations. Records are not widely sold, but second-hand records, along with used cassettes and CDs, can be found in the country's three main cities. Antiques True antiques are rare in New Zealand and most items regarded as antique are in fact only between 40 and 80 years old. The terms second-hand and antique tend to be used rather loosely and often a good deal of the former has to be sifted through before anything of value can be found. English dinner sets, Victorian bric-à-brac, and art of all kinds are sought-after and popular collectors' items include small toys, cigarette cards, jewelry, and ginger jars. Souvenirs Generally, souvenirs of New Zealand reflect its Maori culture, its agricultural heritage, and its scenery. Handcrafted items are prevalent and there are good selections of pottery, paintings, Maori-designed woodcarvings, greenstone (jade) jewelry, sheepskin rugs, woollen ware, honey, wine, placemats, books, and calendars of scenic photos. Lucky Charm The hei-tiki, more often known simply as the tiki, is a favorite Maori souvenir. Thought possibly to have originated as a fertility symbol, its true significance has been lost in time. These days it is widely sold as a small good-luck charm, carved from either greenstone or wood. Photographic Film Major brands of photographic film can be bought nationwide. Processing of color prints, with a price structure related to the time taken, is also undertaken at many places. The processing of slide film is not so widespread and film will probably have to be forwarded to an appropriate laboratory. All cities and towns have an office belonging to the Visitor Information Network, operated locally, which can provide information about and usually make bookings for attractions, tours, transport, and accommodations. The offices are signposted nationally with the symbol L. All national parks have a visitor center run by the Department of Conservation (DoC) with information about the geography, geology, environment, flora, and fauna on display. The centre also provides details about what can be done and seen in each park, including walking routes. The New Zealand head office of the Automobile Association is located at 99 Albert Street, Auckland. There are also a number of other offices throughout the country.	COUNTRY New Zealand   Viewing   Top Ten   What To See   Where To ...     Eat & Drink     Stay     Shop     Take The Kids     Be Entertained     What's On When   Practical Matters REGION CITIES MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK Book Info Order Online