Shopping
A combination of local design and indie fashion labels gives Wellington's shopping scene a unique edge
Popup
From the outside this may look like a kids’ shop, but Popup doesn’t toy around when it comes to designer vinyl collectibles. This vibrant store is a treasure trove of vinyl toys, designer plush and limited edition prints. While this is your one-stop shop for picking up items from leaders in the field such as Gary Baseman and Pete Fowler, Popup also hosts weird and wonderful exhibitions that have placed this tucked-away little gem on Wellington’s must-see quirky stores list.
57 Ghuznee St, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 801 5105 www.popup.co.nz).
Iko Iko
Looking for that perfect rubber goldfish or an irresistible deer antler coat rack? Get yourself to Iko Iko pronto! The fact that this kooky little store is regularly packed to the rafters with curious punters is a testament to its popularity among locals and tourists alike. This Aladdin’s cave of gifty knick-knacks includes kitsch souvenirs, designer homewares and unique objets d’art that will challenge even the most hard-to-please shopper to walk out empty handed.
118 Cuba St, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 385 0977 www.ikoiko.co.nz).
Kilt
Everybody loves locally designed fashion and the creative mind behind Kilt, Melissa Williams, presents her wares with pride. These beautiful and delicately crafted designs will appeal to anyone who appreciates excellent quality and beautiful style. From adorable dresses and skirts through to Merino jackets and warm woollen coats, Kilt puts quality and cutting-edge design before transient fashion fads and has been winning locals over since opening its doors.
100 Victoria St, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 472 4740 www.kilt.co.nz).
Nicholas Jermyn Shirtmakers
You can find a little bit of London in every shirt at NJS. Inspired by the famous Jermyn Street in London, Nicholas Jermyn offers a haven of its own to anyone who appreciates quality shirtmaking and knowledgeable service. You’ll find that evident in every shirt, tie and accessory at the store. With more than 100 designs to chose from, along with an abundance of ties, cufflinks and accessories to complete your wardrobe, it will make a stylish gentleman out of even the most slovenly shopper.
160 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 499 5901 www.nicholasjermyn.co.nz).
World
Established in 1989, World is New Zealand’s leading fashion innovator. World showcases four collections a year and is stocked in leading boutiques from Australasia to Europe. These wears are so fabulous that one half of the design team, Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, was honoured by the Queen in 2002 for her contribution to NZ’s fashion industry. The flagship store in Wellington carries the complete World collections for men and women and can equip anyone with an entire wardrobe in one visit.
85 Victoria St, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 470 7792 www.worldbrand.co.nz).
Slow Boat Records
Slow Boat Records is a delightful refuge for vinyl collectors and music buffs alike. Seemingly trapped in time, Slow Boat stands out as a Cuba Street original with a 20-year history to back it up. If it’s hard to find or has been deleted, there is every chance this old boat stocks it. A visit does come with one warning however – be careful not to get RSI of the record-flicking finger.
183 Cuba St, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 385 1330 www.slowboatrecords.co.nz).
Zambesi
Zambesi is one of New Zealand’s foremost fashion houses, stocking New Zealand and international avant-garde labels for men and women. Labels include Zambesi, Nom D, Martin Margiela, Rick Owens, Raf Simons and Number Nine, as well as shoe collections by Costume National and Dirk Bikkembergs. It’s definitely well worth a visit.
107 Customhouse Quay, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 472 3638 www.zambesi.co.nz).
Quoil
If it’s one thing this town isn’t short of it’s creative artists and this gorgeous gallery features the crème de la crème of New Zealand’s most creative independent jewellery makers. You’ll find a stunning array of bracelets, brooches, cufflinks, rings and earrings, all by innovative and eclectic artists who are doing the local creative scene proud.
149 Willis St, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 384 1499 www.quoil.co.nz).
Mandatory
There is nothing more impressive than a man who knows how to dress – even if he does have two left feet. Mandatory is responsible for turning Wellington’s blokes into gents through their elegant range of designer menswear. This local label is stocked exclusively through Mandatory’s Cuba Street boutique store and is an absolute must in any snappy dresser’s staple shopping diet.
108 Cuba Mall, Cuba St, Wellington 6011. (+64 4 384 6107 www.mandatory.co.nz).