Travelling to Auckland for boxing day shopping? Count us in!
Does anyone else get excited in this silly festive season to spend their Christmas money on boxing day sales?
Organising a trip with your friends, family or designated errand buddies is always fun, and planning the perfect route for shops is a great start! And of course, shopping in Auckland is always at the top of anyone’s mind. We’ve decided to let you know where the best shopping malls are, so you don’t have to go looking around.
From luxury shopping to outlet malls, there are plenty of options in Auckland. Don’t worry if you don’t have a car either, some of these malls are extremely accessible by public transport too!
Dressmart Onehunga
If you don’t know this location, welcome to every shopper’s dream. An outlet mall where there are sometimes discounts on top of discounts. Shaped like figure 8, this mall is constantly filled with visitors enjoying all the shops available from an incredibly large Adidas store to Dr. Martens, Max and Levis Jeans shops all spread around. Almost any item you’re thinking of buying will be found here. If we could suggest, getting there in the morning around opening time is always more ideal, with plenty of car parks available and less foot traffic when browsing for bargains. It would be fair to say that Dressmart Onehunga is one of the best shopping malls in Auckland. Dressmart is always open between 10am – 6pm on the weekdays, and 9am – 6pm on the weekends with extended hours for Christmas timing.
Manawa Bay
The newest kid on the block is another outlet mall, Manawa Bay, based out by Auckland Airport. Described as a premium outlet mall, this mall is perfect for finding some boxing day sales. Open daily from 10am – 7pm, this mall offers over 100 local and international brands, and you can find everything from footwear and fashion to homeware and lifestyle pieces. The shopping mall has 13 different dining options to choose from including Korean fried chicken, burgers and even pasta, but don’t forget to make a pit stop at the Lindt Shop for chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!
Sylvia Park
The iconic Sylvia Park is a must when shopping and is easily one of the best shopping malls in Auckland. Located in east Auckland, this shopping mall has over 250 shops and you’re almost guaranteed to find some boxing day sales. Sylvia Park is the largest enclosed shopping mall in New Zealand, fit with 30 different dining options from burgers and fast food to restaurants and sushi trains, entertainment options for the whole family like an arcade, movie theatre and build-a-bear workshops. There’s the added bonus of plenty of car parking for those busy days. Sylvia Park is open between 9am – 9pm on boxing day, and 9am – 7pm on other days meaning shopping in Auckland is simple here! The mall is also in a prime spot, easily accessible by car, bus services, and train line if needed.
Westfield Newmarket
This recently renovated mall is the perfect blend of shopping in Auckland. At Westfield Newmarket you are home to some of the world’s most exclusive luxury brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Partridge Jewellers and Prada. Newmarket will be sporting some boxing day sales throughout the mall, and after perusing the shops you can enjoy one of the many different dining spots. There is plenty of variety including fast food, smoothies and restaurants to sit and enjoy. Much like Sylvia Park, Westfield Newmarket is in a convenient location, easily accessible with several train lines and bus services stopping at Newmarket. Newmarket is usually open between 9am – 7pm and extends hours on late nights – perfect to enjoy both your dinner and shopping.
Accommodation when you’re in Auckland
Shopping in Auckland isn’t for the weak, and it comes with a price tag, no matter what the bargains. Finding affordable accommodation when you’re staying in Auckland is important and can turn a shopping day into an enjoyable weekend. If you’re thinking of cruising around the outlet stores in Auckland, definitely consider staying near to the airport. Only a short drive from both Manawa Bay and Dressmart outlet malls, is VR Group’s Airport Kiwi Hotel, Airport Gateway Hotel, Airport Kiwi Motel and VR Auckland Airport. With plenty of options, this accommodation is both affordable and convenient. Being located a short drive from the main motorway, there are plenty of routes for commuting.
For those locals to Auckland, booking accommodation for your shopping weekend might be a welcome change. Being located a 5-minute drive from some of the best shopping malls in Auckland means you’ll have more time to visit one, drop your bags and head out again! The options are endless, much like the possible boxing day sales!
Staying near Auckland airport has plenty of other benefits including fun family activities like Butterfly Creek, the iconic strawberry farm with real fruit ice creams and veges to purchase, plenty of yummy dining options and a of course near to the airport terminals if needed.