How to shop local after moving to a new city in New Zealand

Moving to a new city in New Zealand is the start of a new adventure. Whether you’re swapping the hustle and bustle of Auckland for the sunny charm of the east coast or heading for the creative streets of Christchurch, there’s nothing like starting fresh somewhere new.

After moving, it’s easy to default to routines that are tried and true. This could look like heading to the closest Pak n Save for groceries or, if you’re moving from overseas, shopping online for everything from home goods to clothes. The quickest way to start feeling like a local is to shop like one!

Supporting local businesses, artisans, and events is a great way to build community early on and keep your money flowing into the local economy. This is your local’s guide to shopping like a local when moving to a new city in New Zealand.

Why supporting local matters (especially in New Zealand)

In New Zealand, shopping locally is part necessity and part way of life. Even so, New Zealand isn’t immune to globalisation, and local businesses still need active support. 

1. It keeps jobs and money local

According to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Enterprise, local businesses create about 40% of all jobs in New Zealand. Supporting local businesses means more local jobs and more money for your town, neighbourhood, and community.

2. It protects New Zealand from global risk

Shopping locally might not feel like a big deal, but it’s actually helping create a stable economy! New Zealand is geographically isolated, but our ability to grow a lot of produce locally has meant that a lot of the goods we rely on are transported from within the country, rather than overseas.

3. It’s better for you

Shopping locally often means getting fresher, higher-quality goods from people who know exactly where they came from. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are usually picked closer to their peak, while locally made products are often crafted in smaller batches with greater care. You also have more opportunities to ask questions about ingredients, materials, and production, helping you make more informed choices about what you bring into your home. 

How to shop like a local in your new city

Now that you know why shopping local matters, here are some ways that you can shift your habits and support your new local scene.

Local farmers markets, artisan food, and coffee shops

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A post shared by Taranaki Farmers Market (@farmers_market_taranaki)

When you’re new in town, the weekly food shop is one of the first routines you’ll need to reestablish. While it makes sense to hit up a big chain to get the house stocked, make time to head to your local farmer’s or artisan market. This can help you:

• Form connections: When you’re new in town, even the smallest connections, like chatting to the guy you buy your cheese from, can make you feel at home. Plus, in smaller towns you’re more likely to bump into the one or two people you might know.

• Save money: Farmers markets are stocked by growers that live nearby. They’re as local as you can get, and by cutting out the middleman, they’re able to offer fruits, veggies, and herbs at prices you wouldn’t see elsewhere (even at Pak n Save). 

• Get the freshest produce: New Zealand does pretty well for freshness even at big chain supermarkets, but farmer’s markets are next level. A lot of this produce goes from farm to market within a day or two. So you get fresher produce that actually lasts longer in your crisper drawer. 

• Find hidden gems: Shipping costs across New Zealand can be incredibly expensive for small businesses. Shopping at local markets means exposure to small batch artisans who might only sell within their region. You’ll get to try unique flavours you might not have found otherwise.

Find out how to eat like a local with our Local guide to New Zealand produce.

Local sport, gyms, and clubs

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A post shared by Fused Fitness (@fused.fitness.nz)

New Zealand has a wide range of affordable nationwide gyms. If you’re with one like CityFitness, you might not even need to switch your membership when you move. However, switching or adding in local fitness options means you’ll:

• Meet new people: Large franchises are familiar, but they can also be highly anonymous. If you’re looking to actually meet people, look for locally run independent gyms, boutique fitness studios, or community sports clubs instead.
• Make genuine friendships: New Zealand towns are bursting with grassroots groups for everything from social tennis and rugby clubs to local tramping clubs and twilight netball. Joining a local club is a fast social hack for making genuine friendships in a new town.
• Keep your money local: Locally owned gyms and boutique studios mean that more of your membership money stays local and flows back into the community.

Furniture, clothing, and homewares

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A post shared by Shop Local New Zealand (@shoplocal.nz)

Shopping for locally made homewares, furniture, and clothing can be more challenging as these items are often more expensive than what you’ll find in store. However, you can try adding in local options such as:

• Shop at second-hand shops: Don’t sleep on your new town’s second-hand shops. Whether you’re looking for clothing, books, or furniture, shopping second-hand and local is both affordable for you and supportive of the local economy.

• Shop for hero pieces: Consider buying just one or two high-quality items from a local boutique store rather than big-ticket items. This could be art, hand-painted textiles, or a locally made ceramic mug to give your home unique character.
• Check out garage sales and Facebook Marketplace: Before defaulting to major sites, check out local garage sales, Facebook Marketplace listings or regional listings on TradeMe for furnishings close by.

Check out our guides to second-hand furniture shopping in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Hire a local moving company to hit the ground running in your new area

There’s always lots to do on moving day. Fortunately, no matter where in New Zealand you’re located, Wise Move’s professional moving teams are here to help. Not only will you be supporting a local company, but you can also book the best movers in your area who know the local streets, understand the best routes, and have the neighbourhood knowledge needed to keep your move running smoothly.

From making light work of a big house move to unpacking your belongings, our local movers across New Zealand will sort your stuff while you focus on settling into your new community.