Supermarkets and Groceries
New World
Generally New World is more expensive than other stores but offers greater variety and has better quality stock. A lot of Vic students catch the cable car on Lambton Quay to the New World Metro on Willis Street. Buses leave outside of the store every 20 minutes on weekdays. The largest, full-sized store is located on the Oriental Bay side of the waterfront.
Countdown
Similar to New World but with the bonus of online shopping and door to door delivery, check out Countdown. Save this option for bigger shops or split the extra charge for delivery with your flatmates! The main Countdown in Newtown is a short bus ride for Vic students (catch the no. 10 or 11), and a 10-minute walk from The Cube for Massey students. There’s also the smaller Countdown along Willis Street near the shortcut to the Cable Car.
Pak ‘n Save
No frills and the cheapest of the supermarkets, this franchise is ideal for larger shopping trips.That said, there are none in the main city so you’ll have to catch a ride with your mates or get on a bus heading towards Seatoun or Kilbirnie (catch the no. 10 or 11). Go to Metlink for the bus schedule.
Moore Wilsons
Moore Wilsons is the closest thing in town to a Whole Foods. There is only one location in Wellington on the corner of Tory and College Streets in Mount Cook. The store is divided into a ‘fresh’ section, featuring daily baking and artisan products, and the ‘catering’ department, where customers can buy in bulk.
Four Square
These are corner/convenience stores and so you’ll find them scattered across the city. They only stock the necessities and you’ll also find the cost of food more expensive, but they’re great for last minute milk, eggs and bread.
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s markets are the cheapest and freshest way to stock up on vegetables. Better yet, as you’re supporting local farming initiatives, you are putting money back in the community and reducing your carbon footprint by cutting down on food miles. There are many throughout the city but these are our top picks!
The Waterfront Market
7.30am – 1.00pm
Held every Sunday in the Mount Victoria side of Te Papa Museum car park. Here it’s not only the veggies that are fresh, local fisherman bring their morning catch and fillet the fish right in front of you! You’ll find their boat docked adjacent to the Chaffers dock complex (the building between Te Papa and New World). Moreover, the farmer’s market sells free range eggs at exceptional prices and artisan vendors make a guest appearance on the pedestrian access along the waterfront and in the foyer of Chaffers Dock building.
The Victoria Street Farmer’s Market
7.30am – 1.00pm
Held every Sunday in the Moore Wilson’s (not the supermarket chain) car park on the corner of Victoria and Vivian Streets. This market is walkable from both Victoria and Massey. It’s a bit smaller than the market on the waterfront but generally has the same variety; the earlier you go the fresher the produce!
The Night Markets
The night markets are a great way to try local and artisan food at very reasonable prices. Expect to pay between $10 – $15 for a meal.
Left Bank Market
5.00pm – 10.00pm
Held every Friday on the Left bank, Cuba Street.
Cuba Night Market
5.00pm – 10.00pm
Held every Saturday night at the base of Cuba Street.
Homewares
When you need homewares, bedding and other miscellaneous items, head to the below stores. All three are chains so you’re likely to see them scattered across the country.
The Warehouse
The Warehouse is New Zealand’s equivalent to Target or Walmart but has less variety. The closest to the CBD is at 133 Tory Street.
Briscoes
Briscoes is similar to The Warehouse but caters more extensively to homeware. It’s slightly better quality and therefore a little more expensive. The closest to the CBD is located at 116 Taranaki Street.
Kmart
You may be familiar with this one! In New Zealand Kmart has a better range of items than The Warehouse and is just as cheap if not cheaper. Many students have found themselves on what can only be described as a ‘Kmart binge’ as it’s easy to buy far more than you really need every time you go there. The closest is in Porirua so you’ll have to catch a bus there.