Central Queenstown is a shopper’s paradise! Compact and picturesque, no need to find transport to navigate downtown Queenstown as it is well designed to enable visitors the luxury of being able to stroll around all the fabulous shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, while enjoying the breath-taking lake and mountain views.

As one of the most popular visitor destinations in New Zealand, Queenstown aims to please those that enjoy shopping! Don’t be surprised to find shops open all day and much of the evening, pretty much all year round! From the latest international designer labels and boutique fashions to affordable clothing chain stores or unique New Zealand labels, this is where you can satisfy your holiday shopping cravings, no matter how big or small your budget!

Visitors can also secure some great buys when it comes to New Zealand’s renowned products and materials, including stylish New Zealand woollen garments, possum fur, leather, ski gear, outdoor adventure wear and funky Kiwi souvenir clothing.

Specialist stores galore! This is the place to buy your recreational equipment and adventure outdoor gear, including skis, snowboards, kayaks, mountaineering, biking, hiking and hunting gear.

If getting all hot and sweaty in this alpine adventure paradise isn’t on your shopping list, don’t despair!  There is plenty of unique shopping to tempt even the most jaded shopping tastebuds. Here’s a taste of the style of shops to get you started…

Lets get started with my favourite… fashion clothing. There are plenty of standard New Zealand, Australia and USA chain brand stores to keep you up with the latest fashion without breaking the bank account. These include the popular teenage and 20 something’s shops such as Dotti, Jacqui E, Jay Jays, Just Jeans and Portmans.

Other popular branded clothing stores include Rodd & Gunn for classy outdoor male and female clothing designed for New Zealand and Australia climates, Annah S for unique ‘special occasion’ female clothing and Canterbury of New Zealand for the world’s toughest and fashionable active-wear and the globes number one rugby brand (including all your All Black supporter clothing)!

For premier unisex street fashion you have to visit the 100% locally owned Detour clothing store and for totally Queenstown you need to get yourself into AJ Gear which is the sister company of AJ Hackett Bungy and boasts a unique Queenstown clothing brand for urban wear. T & Ski Originals Ltd is the place to get some awesome casual Kiwi style clothing in fabulous colours, including your souvenir t-shirts.

Of course you will need to accessorise, so make sure you visit New Zealand’s number one chain of sunglass stores, The Sunglass Hutt, for all major luxury brands including Ray Ban, Gucci and much more. Contemporary jewellery stores, including New Zealand jade products can also all be found in downtown Queenstown.

Art enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them happy! There are a number of galleries boasting unique art from talented locals. I recommend a visit to Milford Galleries for New Zealand contemporary and investment art, including painting, sculpture, ceramics and cast glass.

Of course if the great outdoors is your entire reason for visiting this stunning alpine resort, you might want to hire or buy some outdoor gear. Check out Browns Ski Shop & Hire for specialist winter rental gear, while Element boasts to being Queenstown’s largest outdoor adventure store and is located in Frankton. Don’t forget Gravity Action, offering a complete range of quality ski and snowboard equipment at low rental rates.

While Queenstown can boast to an impressive array of specialist stores, you can still easily fine shops for your everyday and general requirements, including pharmacy shops, hairdressers, florists, music stores, travel agents, supermarket, 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.