Handbag shopping in New Zealand

Unfortunately NZ is not really a shopping paradise. Gucci NZ used to have one of the lowest price worldwide (much cheaper than buying in Europe), hence you would always see a crazy long line outside the store, and stocks were constantly low. However price has increased gradually every so often and since early this year it’s no longer so, Europe pricing is better. No Chanel (bags and clothes, only a beauty/cosmetic store), or Hermes here. LV, Dior, Prada boutiques are on Queen Street (the main street in Auckland CBD). DFS is around the corner from those boutiques mentioned above, there are some selections of brands there. Oh worth mentioning, LV stocks on limited ed items and hot items are more readily available. I’m quite surprised to be able to score the Monogram Giant Cannes bag (they got one transferred from LV Queenstown), I even get to see and try the Monogram Giant Boite Chapeau Souple which I could get if I want to (someone who reserved it didn’t want it). I was in Paris 1.5 weeks ago, all LV boutiques in Paris said no no no to either of the bags, said needed reservation, VIP, or whatever reason they gave me to reject my request. They also have the standard monogram reverse Cannes readily available.

Oh Rolex (paying duty free price) is worth buying in NZ, cheapest worldwide I heard, but the hot items usually have long wait list… Two authorized dealers (Partridge and Mansur) on Queen St. Partridge has an airport store too.

There’s Tiffany & Co, not sure about the stocks availability and pricing. Cartier is inside DFS. You would pay for duty free prices for the luxury goods (at least 15% less than retail price), but you can only pick up the items in the airport when you leave the country. That’s the way it works here in NZ.

Hope this helps :) welcome and enjoy NZ!!