4 Best Shopping in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

Part gallery, part gift store, this establishment has a strong contemporary Māori current running through its merchandise. Some of the smaller, less-expensive items make unique souvenirs.

Just off the main highway in Carterton, Paua World is an interesting diversion. Akin to abalone, paua has been collected by the Māori since ancient times (they used it to represent eyes in their statues). The highly prized, rainbow-color shell interiors are polished, processed, then turned into jewelry and the like.

Let the wind blow you past the airport and into the movie-making suburb of Miramar. Here, local artists Nick Blake and Michelle Fyson specialize in making rustic-chic accessories for you, your home, and your garden.