Shopping info

Public holidays and shopping

There are a number of public holidays in New Zealand. Mostly, these are national public holidays, but each region also has a local public holiday, e.g., Otago Anniversary Day is a public holiday each year on the Monday nearest to 23 March. See the dates of all New Zealand public holidays (link to external website, new window).

On some public holidays there are restrictions on whether shops can be open (link to external website, new window). Over the Christmas and summer months, many people go on holiday, meaning it can be hard to find tradespeople if needed, and some shops may close for a while.

Some cafes and restaurants may open on public holidays, but they may charge slightly more for their services.

Dunedin's main retail centre

Dunedin's main street, George Street, contains a wide variety of shops. Other shopping areas include South Dunedin, nearby Dunedin towns such as Mosgiel, Port Chalmers, and Waikouaiti, and the large-scale ’big box’ shopping areas on State Highway 1 between the central city and South Dunedin.

Where can I buy second-hand goods?

Buying used (often called ‘second-hand’) goods is a common practice in New Zealand. All sorts of goods can be purchased second-hand in Dunedin, including cars, kitchenware, toys, electronic equipment and clothing. Second-hand clothing and home equipment stores are often run to raise money for social charities. There are also rental agencies which will rent you whiteware and appliances.

Second-hand goods can also be bought online using websites such as Trademe website (a national online buying/selling service), or at private sales called garage or boot sales which are advertised in the local newspaper or on social media sites.

Where can I find cars for sale?

There are car dealers for new and used vehicles in many parts of Dunedin and there are several areas where there are many car sales businesses. They are: Andersons Bay Rd, Kaikorai Valley Rd and Hillside Road.

Trademe (link to external website, new window) also advertises used cars for sale. These can be cars that are being sold through a used car dealer or being sold privately.

A car is a big investment. If you are thinking of buying one it is important to:

• research the reputation of the model of car
• take the car out for a test drive
• get an expert, independent opinion before you buy.

The government Consumer Protection (link to external website, new window) service offers some helpful information, including your rights as a consumer when you buy a car.

It is highly recommended that you buy insurance for your car. You are advised to visit this website to compare insurance company services

What are my rights when making purchases?

• The Consumer Guarantees Act (link to external website, new window) sets out standards that goods and services must meet when sold by a retailer or service person.
• The Act gives you rights when you buy faulty goods. It also ensures your rights if services you have paid for (e.g. work on improving your home) are not done properly.
• If you have a problem with an item or service you have purchased, you should first contact the retailer or service person, either by visiting them to talk or by writing to them.
• If you and the retailer/service provider cannot solve the problem, and the amount of money involved is less than $7,500 (or $12,000 if both parties agree), you have the right to take your conflict to the Disputes Tribunal, by lodging a claim form at the Dunedin District Court, Stuart St.
• If the dispute involves a larger amount of money, you are recommended to go to a lawyer for help and advice.

Should I tip people when buying things?

Tipping is not compulsory in New Zealand, but it is always a choice when service has been very good. Many cafés have a tip jar on the counter.

Can I bargain or barter here?

Bargaining is not usual in most retail shops. However, when making an expensive purchase, for example a fridge or a washing machine, it is acceptable to ask for a lower price (or discount) if you are paying in full with cash. This will usually be about 10% off the asking price but the retailer has the right not to give a discount.

Where can I buy food?

Supermarkets selling food and other household items are found in the central city, South Dunedin, and several suburbs.

The supermarkets operating in Dunedin are:

• PAK'nSAVE
• Countdown
• New World
• Fresh Choice
• Four Square

Food in New Zealand may be different to other countries. Some people find food to be more expensive than they expect. There are several stores in the city which stock food from different cultures, such as Asian and Indian foodstuffs. There are also smaller shops that sell vegetables and specific foods, for example butchers that supply halal products (link to external website, new window).

Dunedin also has New Zealand's largest outdoor food market, the Otago Farmers' Market (link to external website, new window), held in the northern carpark at the Dunedin Railway Station from 8am until 12.30pm every Saturday morning. It only supplies food grown or made in the Otago region.

Clothing and shoe sizes

Because a lot of clothing is imported to New Zealand there are different sizing systems used depending on where and what you buy.

• Number One Shoes - shoe size conversion guide page (link to external website, new window) can help you understand NZ shoe sizes
• Moneyhub website - womens dress sizes international conversion chart (link to external website, new window) can help you understand NZ clothing sizes.

Where can I buy alcoholic drinks?

In Dunedin, all forms of alcoholic drinks can only be sold to people 18 years and older. They are only available from licensed liquor retailers, including bars, liquor stores and some sporting clubs. Wine and beer are available from most supermarkets.

What measuring system is used in New Zealand?

New Zealand uses the metric system for all weights and measures. A metric conversion calculator (link to external website, new window) is a useful tool.