While most visitors come to Rotorua to experience the amazing Maori culture, unique scenery and world-class attractions, if you enjoy strolling the city streets and window-shopping, or perusing local stalls and markets, then you will be pretty satisfied with what Rotorua has to offer.

With over 250 stores, visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of international chain stores, small boutiques, retail shops, speciality souvenir outlets, jewellery plus art and craft markets.

Rotorua’s central shopping area is located within the CBD, which is where you will find Rotorua Central Mall (this is where the majority of national and international chain stores are located) and the main street shopping which is situated on Tutanekai Street. Typical city shop trading hours are Monday – Friday from 9am till 5pm, Saturday from 9am till Midday while some shops are open on Sunday also.

If you’re an art enthusiast then you will enjoy the great range of galleries and shops! There is an impressive selection of local and international galleries along with a range of styles to suit anyone, from glass blowing demonstrations at de Flute Glass, Jade sculpture and jewellery at the Jade Factory, to The Goods Shed for local arts and crafts and the Te Puia Gallery where you can watch master carvers and weavers at work.

For visitors interested in genuine, authentic Maori art work, look no further then Toi Te Aranga, Taheke Gallery and Te Raukura, for contemporary and traditional Maori art.

Souvenir hunters are in for a treat in Rotorua thanks to a huge range of quality New Zealand made giftware and souvenirs available from Rotorua shops such as Out of New Zealand, Silverfern NZ Souvenirs and Tutanekai Souvenirs. For unique Kiwi souvenirs I suggest you visit The Jade Factory, and for Maori souvenirs make sure you pop into Koha Souvenirs. If you are looking for New Zealand books, postcards, general magazines, newspapers and stationary you will find Paper Plus and Whitcoulls on Tutanekai Street.

Visitors can enjoy great buying for all New Zealand’s renowned quality products and materials, including fashionable New Zealand woollen garments; leather, outdoors adventure wear as well as the latest international fashions and New Zealand labels. Along with chain brand stores such as Glassons, Hallensteins, Jay Jays, Just Jeans, etc you will find some great fashion stores, including Kathmandu for trendy outdoor clothing and camping gear, Wild South and Grace.

Of course, with so many great lakes and mountain biking tracks to be found in Rotorua, it would only seem right to mention some of the top retails shops to help ‘kit you out’ for your outdoor activities.

Fishing or hunting enthusiasts will find everything they need at Hamills Hunting and Fishing, outdoor clothing and sports equipment can be purchased from Rebel Sports, Outdoorsman Headquarters and Bill Davis Outdoor Sportsworld. Mountain Bike riders have a huge range of stores to choose from, including Bike Culture for specialised service, Bike Fix, Bike Vegas and Planet Bike provide hire, service and gear while MTB Skills Clinic will help you develop your riding skills before you ‘hit’ the tracks!

The heart of Rotora may boast a great selection of specialist stores, however you will still be able to easily locate general shops for your everyday requirements, including pharmacy shops, hairdressers, florists, music stores, travel agents, banks, post office, photography, etc.

Major credit cards are accepted in most shops along with banks that can assist with changing travellers’ cheques and foreign currency.