10 New Zealand’s Best Shopping Malls and Shopping Centers

When it comes to the shopping experience, New Zealand ranks down below, yet it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an occasional excursion to the mall. There’s something unique and nostalgic about in-person shopping that will always be trendy. And that is where shopping malls come in. Although shopping in New Zealand is less popular than in some other countries, malls will never go out of style.

List of the best shopping malls and shopping centers in New Zealand includes:

• Sylvia Park
• Lynn Mall
• Westfield St. Lukes
• Chartwell Shopping Centre
• Rotorua Central
• The Palms
• Queengate Shopping Centre
• Westfield Riccarton
• Centre City Shopping Center
• Richmond Mall

Are you looking for the perfect mall for your next shopping adventure? Keep on reading this article to learn about the best shopping malls in all of New Zealand, so you know where to head next!

Best shopping malls in New Zealand

1. Sylvia Park

Sylvia Park is an all-in-one experience for shopaholics; your one stop to shop, eat, entertain, and work. Located in central Auckland, Sylvia Park has been declared the largest shopping center in Zealand. 

The mall has been hitting new peaks ever since its opening in 2006. With more than 200 shops and 2,500 staff members operating, it attracts both tourists and locals alike. 

The mall features an extraordinary lane called ‘Sylvia Lane’ dedicated to eateries. There’s a flavorful ambiance all around, with restaurants, cafes, and bars all in the same place. 

From The Coffee Club to Better Burger, Garrison Public House, and Yum Cha, there’s something for everyone! And the even better news is that the mall also has a children’s playground and a childcare facility to take care of your kid while you shop.

Being the largest and one of the best malls in New Zealand, it features all of the local and international brands you can think of. Allure Beauty, H&M, Miniso, Nike — you name it, and they have it!

The Hoyt’s Cineplex and supermarket make Sylvia Park a safe and wonderful place to visit with your family. One unique thing about Sylvia Park that sets it apart is ‘The Galleria,’ a newly introduced space with an atrium that lights up the mall with sunlight during the day, while at night, a soft aura is created by the discrete light sources.

This dynamic and eye-catching space attracts a wide variety of customers and creates a distinct setting. Some other events are always going on during the day from 9 am to 7 pm.

Address: 286 Mount Wellington Highway, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand

Website: Sylviapark

2. Lynn Mall

Lynn Mall is the answer to all of your needs. It’s one of the oldest malls in New Zealand, in fact, Lynn Mall is New Zealand’s first shopping centre located in New Lynn, a suburb in the west of Auckland. 

Ever since its opening in 1963, it has gone through revolutionary changes to adjust to the style and sophistication of the customers. The mall has 100-plus stores and 1216 car parks for people of all ages and tastes.

Except for the weekend, you can access the mall during working hours from 9 am to 6 pm. All types of shops, from clothing brands to footwear, electronics, and supermarkets, are open to offer a great experience.

The mall attracts a lot of people from all locations in Auckland and surrounds. The place is as popular as any of New Zealand’s amusement parks. But what makes it better than every other mall is the quality of services provided for the ease of customers. 

From a parents’ room to a children’s playground and childcare facility, EV charging and free Kiwi-Wifi is also available. Check out the website to learn more!

Address: 3058 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600, New Zealand

Website: Lynn Mall

3. Westfield St. Lukes

Opened in 1971, Westfield Lukes has more than 167 stores. Situated on St. Lukes Road, Mount Albert, Auckland, it’s one of the biggest three shopping centers in Auckland, with 6 million shoppers visiting annually. 

Owned by Scentre Group, which is the biggest name in the shopping center companies. The mall is undergoing expansion plans to become the largest shopping center in all of New Zealand. 

The mall has exclusive outlets for men’s and women’s clothing, leisure stores, jewellery, furniture, sports, technology, and more. Well-known brands such as Kmart, Countdown, Pandora, and Farmers have also made a home here.

What’s more is that you’ll find supermarkets, junk food, and even full-service restaurants to satisfy your hunger. Parents’ room, kids’ play area, free WiFi, and Cineplex are also present. 

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or the kids, watching a movie, or grabbing a snack — Westfield Plus is the place to be. With membership, you can also save up on the latest promotions and offers happening in the shopping mall.

Address: 80 St Lukes Rd, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: Westfield St. Lukes

4. Chartwell Shopping Centre

Yet again, one of the oldest shopping centers of New Zealand, Chartwell Shopping Centre is a marvellous place to visit for all purposes — whether you’re a shopaholic, a food lover, or a movie maniac, this place is for you!

It is located in Chartwell, north of Hamilton, and was opened 49 years ago in 1974. It constitutes 129 stores, 3 floors of parking, a Skycity cinema complex, a buzzing food court, and a kids club for your little ones. 

What is unique about this shopping center is how it retains its historical background yet creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all. The place is also known as ‘Chartwell Square’, which was the old name given by the residents of Hamilton.

When it comes to the types of shops, there is everything for everyone. You can choose any options from a go-to Dollar Store to a high-end Gloria Jeans Coffees, Reen’s Beauty Salon for the girlies, and Penny’s Book Store.

Address: 201 Hukanui Road, Chartwell, Hamilton 3210, New Zealand

Website: Chartwell Shopping Centre

5. Rotorua Central

Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua Central combines regular retail stores with world-renowned brands to offer you a killer experience. The mall attracts a huge number of people from all over New Zealand because of its central location right in the heart of the city.

The all-indoor shopping mall features 52 plus specialty shops with fantastic shopping and dining possibilities. Rotorua Central opens at 9 am and closes at 5:30 pm, except on weekends, which you can search on the website for more information.

The center is known for its safe and friendly environment for people of all ages and all backgrounds. It’s among the few best malls offering reasonable prices and discounts year-round.

This mall is well-maintained, with broad alleys to stroll through. You can find stores and brands like Farmers, Hallenstein Brothers, Rebe Sport, The Warehouse, and Columbus Coffee.

For most Kiwis, Rotorua Central has a long history. It was once the site of a Railway Station and Railway Yard. But, in 1995, work was in progress to develop Rotorua’s first-ever retail shopping mall.

Address: Corner of Queens Drive and Bunny Street, Hutt Central, Wellington 5011, New Zealand

Website: Rotorua Central

6. The Palms

Amongst the best shopping malls in New Zealand, The Palms is worth visiting if you’re a crazy shopaholic. Mall is located in the suburb of Shirley, Christchurch, about 4 kilometers away from the main city centre.

The Palms has 95 retailers in total, with a very inclusive and pleasant environment. There are 88 specialty stores, three restaurants, six different banks, and a post office for an all-in-one shopping experience.

The mall is large enough to accommodate various department stores, local stores, beauty, lifestyle, adventure and sports, and home decor — all in one. It hosts the first-ever Reading Cinemas multiplex of Christchurch and has an outdoor food court to enjoy a spectacular sunset view.

Another fascinating thing about The Palms is its unique architecture and design. The main entry plaza of the mall was awarded an NZILA Silver position for landscape design in 2004. 

Address: Corner of Marshland and New Brighton Road, Shirley, Christchurch 8061, New Zealand

Website: The Palms

7. Queensgate Shopping Center

This premier shopping center in central Lower Hutt, Wellington, has 134 stores and services. You will never leave empty-handed after visiting Queensgate Shopping Center.

Established in 1986, Queensgate Shopping Center is a medium-sized mall with opening hours from 9 am to 6 pm. You’ve probably heard of it as one of the most popular shopping destinations in all of New Zealand.

It’s a great place for leisure activities such as eating, going to the movies, shopping, having a spa day, or just getting lost in the buzz of excitement. The craziest and most unique thing about this mall is how it attracts a large number of southern-based people by playing classical music on the loudspeakers.

The shopping center is kid-friendly and comes with a parents’ room as well as a kid’s recreational area. Fun activities for little ones are also happening around the clock, such as Little Mornings for Preschoolers.

Explore different brands such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Footlocker, Max Fashions, Spark, and other clothing, fashion, footwear, electronics, and beauty stores.

Address: 1170 Amohau Street, Rotorua 1170, New Zealand

Website: Queensgate Shopping Center

8. Westfield Riccarton

There is no doubt that Westfield offers premium shopping experiences in New Zealand, and Westfield Riccardo is not an exception by any means.

The mall is the greatest attraction site for both, locals and tourists alike and gets very crowded during the weekdays. With 198 stores and service centers, this is the place of your dreams where you can get anything.

As of 2020, Westfield Riccarton is estimated to have 12.6 million shopper visits annually. This makes way to the only downside of the mall: finding parking is a challenge.

The mall aims to create an inclusive and diverse experience for all customers. Different outlet stores by H&M, Amazon, City Chic, Glassons, Pascoes The Jewellers, Starbucks, and Tank Juice add to the joy of shopping here.

The mall also has a massive food court with multiple choices, Hoyt’s Cineplex, spa time, and salons for pampering sessions. You can enjoy all of this and more exclusive events during working hours from 9 am to 6 pm.

Address: 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand

Website: Westfield Riccarton

9. Centre City Shopping Centre

Home to Farmers, Jay Jays and Max, Centre City Shopping Centre is another great mall in New Zealand. It’s situated in the center of New Plymouth on 11 Gill Street. 

Meet, dine, and shop at Centre City with your family and friends during the opening hours from 9 am to 5:30 pm. The upscale mall is known for providing reasonably priced stores and multiple dine-ins and cafes.

This iconic destination hosts several fashion spots, such as clothing stores, expensive jewellery and makeup brands, salons, and nail parlors. You will not be able to ignore Centre City when you know that it offers brands like Sushi Train, K&K, Lovisa, Merchant 1948, and The Health Shop elsewhere.

Address: 11 Gill Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand

Website: Centre City Shopping Centre

10. Richmond Mall

Richmond Mall offers a combination of affordable retailers, mid-level stores, and luxury brands. Located in Richmond, just next to Nelson, and has been a favorite among the people of the community for over 40 years.

The mall features over 70 stores, a spacious food court, and plenty of parking space to accommodate customers. The stores here have everything for everyone in the family. You have choices from Cotton On to Pagani and EB Games to The Body Shop.

Besides brands and stores, the best thing this mall has to offer is its close vicinity to supermarkets such as Pak’nSave, Kmart, Farmers, and Fresh Choice. What sets this shopping center apart is how it has the biggest and first-ever food court in the area.

You can indulge in the various tastes at the food court with brands like Donut King, Hungry Wok, Pizza Hut, The Cheesecake Shop, and more. 

Facilities provided include Richmond Mall gift vouchers, cost-free gift wrapping service, parents’ room, kid’s play area, and mobility services for all ages.

Address: Richmond Mall Corner Queen, Croucher and, Talbot Street, Richmond, Nelson 7020, New Zealand

Website: Richmond mall