Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname “Windy Wellington.”

Whether your style is latest fashion or vintage glamour, Wellington’s inner-city streets have something for you.

One of the main shopping thoroughfares in the capital, Cuba Street famous for its bohemian spirit and quirky boutique shopping. Swing by vintage stores such as Ziggurat and Hunters & Collectors for expertly curated second-hand looks. The funky street is also home to top New Zealand designers including Kate Sylvester and twenty-seven names and boutique gem Madame Fancy Pants and Mandatory.

Lambton Quay is known for its high end retail shopping. Check out department store David Jones for the best local and international brands from skincare and cosmetics to shoes and handbags. Visit neighbouring boutiques featuring world-renowned New Zealand labels such as Trelise Cooper,
Ruby, Taylor, Workshop and Ricochet.

It’s all very, well, Wellington here, and we mean that in a good way. On haphazardly placed racks you’ll find lots of black dresses, and loads of edgy and unstructured silhouettes, from Wellington’s limited-run label Herriot (as worn by the PM in Vogue), Dunedin favourites NOM*d and Company of Strangers, and international designers such as Masami and Baggu coupled with outstanding selections of jewellery, eyewear and trainers.

This Wellington label’s minimalist aesthetic and focus on sustainable materials are echoed in its distinctive flagship store, the strikingly simple lines and ethically sourced fittings themselves a salute to lasting style. While knitwear and blouses are the standouts, you really can’t go wrong here, with exquisite womenswear made to stand the test of time. We’ve got our eye on the wave and dandelion prints in the new summer collection.

Coco is one of those hidden gem stores that you need to seek out. Stocking hard-to-find labels from New Zealand and beyond, this high-end boutique on Willis Street is the perfect place to find a special occasion outfit. In an elegant, gallery-like retail space, Coco presents Australian labels like Zimmermann and Senso and New Zealand ones like Ingrid Starnes, Harman Grubiša and Charmaine Reveley. You never know what you’ll find at Coco, but you’ll be so glad that you sought it out.