Shopping in Queenstown

Queenstown is a great place to buy all kinds of things from  jewellery to fashion and outdoor clothing.

Key areas

There is an excellent range of small shops in Queenstown, many of which are concentrated on Beach Street and The Mall. Kapa, 29 Rees Street, sells eclectic, high quality NZ design ware with an infusion of Maori culture.

At The Bead Shop, 2B Shotover Street, shoppers can design and create their own unique jewellery, with the help of staff if necessary, using the many beautiful beads stocked here. Steamer Wharf is just down from The Mall on Beach Street and boasts a decent collection of arty stores and clothes shops.

A few upmarket shops are also located in the Steamer Wharf complex, off Beach Street.

Markets

Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market at Earnslaw Park is a local weekly Saturday artisans' market selling sculptures, pottery, paintings, carvings and much more.

Shopping centres

Queenstown's main shopping centre is O'Connell's, corner of Camp and Beach Streets, which has a wide range of shops. The upmarket Sofitel Arcade, between Duke Street and Man Street, has more than a dozen shops.

Opening hours

Shops are generally open from 0900 until 2100.

Souvenirs

Pick up Maori jewellery, particularly pieces in jade, paua and bone, carved in traditional Maori designs, plus arts, crafts, sculptures and pottery. Other good buys include outdoor clothing and accessories for hikers, boaters and skiers, New Zealand-produced woollen sweaters and sheepskin goods. Bargains can be had, although you won't find any between November to February and during the winter high season months.