The Heart of the City is home to many of Auckland's flagship, destination and unique concept stores that are definitely worth a visit - from designer fashion stores to international beauty retailers, bespoke jewellery boutiques and an award-winning bookstore. There's such a diverse shopping experience in the city centre - get acquainted with these places and plan your next visit.
Smith & Caughey’s | 253-261 Queen St
First established in 1880 by Marianne Smith, making it one of the oldest companies in New Zealand (140 years in 2020!), Smith & Caughey’s is one of Auckland's most iconic shopping destinations on Queen Street. Set over multiple floors exuding opulence, but with a mix of brands that make it accessible for the everyday, head here for a true department store experience and shop beauty, fragrances, fashion, homewares, food, wine and more from some of the world's best brands.
Kathryn Wilson | 10 Te Ara Tahuhu Walkway, Britomart Pavilions
One of New Zealand's most famous and exciting designer footwear brands, Kathryn Wilson has grown over the years and is now stocked in over 100 boutiques across the country. Its first retail store was initially a pop-up shoe box that travelled New Zealand (see here for pictures!) and was later replaced by the flagship store in Auckland city centre. The Britomart Pavilions boutique is an ideal gallery for the brilliant colours and sculptural shapes of Kathryn Wilson's gorgeous shoes, arranged reverently on minimalist shelving. With shoes and accessories for women, men, children and even pets, all styles are limited runs, so pop in today to get your hands on a pair.
Merii | Commercial Bay
If you're looking for high-quality merino garments for yourself or a loved one, the Merii flagship store in Commercial Bay is a great place to head to. This 100% Kiwi owned business is extremely proud of its local roots and product made from a luxurious blend of natural Merino wool and silky Possum down. Go and check it out for yourself today.
Sephora | 152 Queen St
Pursue all your wildest makeup dreams at the Sephora flagship store on Queen Street. Only here can you find international beauty brands like Fenty Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and The Inkey List and on top of that, enjoy complimentary makeup lessons from the highly-skilled makeup artists in the store. From flawless foundation to perfectly sculpted brows and that classic smokey eye, your makeup skills will improve dramatically after a few trips to Sephora. It's no wonder there were queues all the way down Queen Street and beyond when the store first opened in 2019.
Image credit: Aotea Facebook page
Aotea | Commercial Bay
Committed to making functional and healing herbal health products, Aotea's first concept store at Commercial Bay is as incredible as their product range. As described by the team at Aotea (the Maori name for Great Barrier Island), "the land and the mātauranga (Maori knowledge) has always been an inspiration for us, and to see it manifest in our range alongside elements like the kauri slab (that’s from Aotea and has its own story) and the corrugated iron sink (like the ones in our wash house back home) in our small store is special to us." Head inside and learn about each of their unique plant-based health products, from manuka oils to kawakawa night creams and more.
H&M | 1/21 Queen St
Known for its affordable and wide-ranging clothing lines, H&M's flagship in Commercial Bay, Queen Street is great for both basics and statement pieces. Always keeping up with the latest styles and trends, come to H&M when you want a wardrobe update. Complete with 3 levels, the store includes a homeware section, filled with delightful and stylish home decor that will brighten up any room in your house.
Allbirds | 5 Gore St
Allbirds has consistently kept their reputation as one of the most comfortable, innovative and sustainable shoe brands in the world and with New Zealand origins thanks to Kiwi co-founder Tim Brown. Said to be disrupting every sneaker convention in the world, Allbirds doesn’t shy away from challenging norms and being trailblazers for change. Come down to its New Zealand flagship store in Britomart which is 150sqm full of incredible products, and invest in ethical and carbon-footprint conscious shoes.
Zoe & Morgan | City Works Depot Shed 6C, 90 Wellesley St W
Launching in 2005 by siblings Zoe, Ruth, and Morgan, Zoe & Morgan is a thoughtful jewellery brand which aims to celebrate individuality. In the tradition of their goldsmith father, the siblings use precious gemstones and premium gold and silver to create intricate and beautiful jewellery. Zoe & Morgan also makes one of a kind bespoke jewellery, so you can be sure that what you are wearing is completely and utterly unique to you. The store itself is remarkable, filled with Victorian display cabinets and sculptures and plants being used to showcase the designs.
Edmund Hillary | Commercial Bay
This new flagship store within Commercial Bay pays homage to our of our greatest heroes, Edmund Hillary Sir Edmund Hillary with a fantastic range of premium New Zealand lifestyle clothing label. Head in store to find seasonless and durable garments made from natural materials – often heritage fabrics – with a portion of every sale going towards projects in the Himalayas and outdoor youth initiatives.
Unity Books | 19 High St
Known for its shining reputation as an award-winning independent bookstore (it won the International Bookstore of the Year award in 2020), Unity Books has upheld a fantastic reputation and continued to delight readers for more than 30 years at its store on High Street. With warm and knowledgeable staff, a cosy atmosphere, and a shop brimming with incredible reads, pop in and browse through the titles yourself today. There's also Little Unity - Unity's bookstore for children - right next door too.
T Galleria by DFS | Corner of Customs and Albert Streets
Set inside a beautiful heritage building, experience luxury shopping with a trip to T Galleria by DFS, home of designer fashion and accessories, luxury beauty and fragrance brands, top-quality watches and jewellery as well as a selection of impeccable wines, spirits and food. With a trip to this destination store you'll feel like you're in another country with international labels such as Chloe, Gucci, Burberry, Dior, Marc Jacobs and many more.