Shopping in New Zealand
Shopping is an integral of typical student life as a resident in New Zealand. Although things may or may not be different here compared to your home country, there are also some key prices and information you need to familiarize yourself with.
Several malls, supermarkets, and shops are spread across the country fulfilling not only your personal but also household needs, prices vary depending on the area and on the type of supermarket you choose to shop in.
Starting with the most important thing you need to purchase in order to survive, which is Food, here are some typical prices of popular food items and meals in New Zealand. Note that these are typical prices of budget or value prices and can be higher with bigger brands or with organic options. Expect prices to be in this range;
- A liter of milk – 1.20 NZD
- A loaf of bread – 1.0 NZD
- A crate of egg – 3.50 NZD
- 1 kg of cheese – 9.0 NZD
- 1 kg of rice – 2.40 NZD
- Coffee – 7.0 NZD
- Pasta (500 grams) – 0.90 NZD
Fruits and vegetable prices differ around the country and in seasons, however common costs for fruits and vegetables include;
- 1 kg apples - 4.0 NZD
- 1 kg banana – 3.0 NZD
- 1 kg tomatoes – 3.0 NZD
- 1 kg onions – 3.50 NZD
- 1 kg potatoes – 4.0 NZD
Meat prices are around ;
- 1 kg chicken – 8.0 NZD
- 1 kg beef – 10 NZD 1 kg pork – 9.0 NZD
- 1 kg lamb – 20 NZD
The main supermarket brands in New Zealand include New World, Countdown, PAK n SAVE, Four Square, Fresh Choice. There are many smaller grocery stores or neighborhood markets locally referred to as convenience stores or the local dairy, that open all day and can cater to your quick shopping needs. Most universities have supermarkets located on campus that students that quickly purchase items from.
There is also a local farmers market where farmers bring their produce directly to customers without any middle party, these markets are considerably cheaper and can help you save costs as a student.
Many European, Asian, Indian markets sell special food items and spices in larger cities, some of them also carry African and Middle Eastern food produce and condiments.
Some useful RocApply shopping tips to save money include;
- Discount cards; once you've found your favorite go-to supermarket, that is convenient in terms of distance and prices, then please opt for a loyalty card with them. These cards are beneficial and come with discounts and price slashes. PAK n SAVE, Countdown and New World all have special offers and discounts several times in a month in addition to their pocket-friendly prices.
- Online shopping is very active in major cities but has heavy delivery fees so please weigh your options in this regard.
