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Wellington
Shopping is great fun in Wellington, whether you're browsing bookstores, sifting through local markets or wandering through upscale boutiques. If you're looking for souvenirs, consider a bottle of wine, perhaps a Pinot Noir from the nearby Wairarapa region, or a pair of gloves made from a blend of possum fur and sheep's wool. Both will warm you up back home.
Get a glimpse of history while you shop in the Old Bank Arcade on Lambton Quay. The building is Old-World beautiful, and the remains of an old-time ship can be seen through a section of glass flooring. The aforementioned Lambton Quay is the prime spot for big-name designers and department stores. (It's often called the Golden Mile.) Head to Cuba Street for second-hand stores and funky boutiques (along with plenty of cafes where you can stop for a refresher). Wellington has a number of markets worth browsing for food, crafts and artisan wares, including the City Market (Sunday morning), the Wellington Underground Market (all day Saturday) and the Wellington Night Market.