Old Bank Arcade

Your one-stop shop in Wellington should be The Vault, since they carry a wonderful array of locally made gifts. But for a more varied shopping experience, don't miss the restored Old Bank Arcade, which feels like a mix between a steamship, Hong Kong's Pedder Building and a high-end mall. The interiors are gorgeous – complete with colorfully tiled floors and an old bank clock that rivals that of Grand Central in historic grandeur. It also happens to be animated: every hour on the hour, it opens to reveal animated scenes, a fun detail for children especially.

The floors are lined with a good mix of boutiques, from fashion and accessories to beauty and concept stores. There's a good lunch spot (Smith the Grocer) and a bustling vibe, as many locals use the arcade for short-cuts across town, since the building occupies an entire city block.