Where to Shop in Wellington

The Deadly Ponies label is known for its high-quality leather goods with edgy hardware and interesting finishes. Founder and designer Liam Bowden has been producing cult leatherwear, jewellery and accessories from his New Zealand workshop since 2005. The brand’s newest retail space is located in the cool capital of Wellington. We asked Bowden to show us around.

Best for high-end wear

“Scotties Boutique has a minimal, clean aesthetic and an amazing, curated selection of international designers from Lanvin to Dries Van Noten. There’s always something beautiful to find there.”

4 Blair Street, Te Aro

Best for streetwear

“You can’t go past Good As Gold for the best sneakers and sportswear collections in town. The staff are super-friendly and they’re really clued up on the ins and outs of all their brands. The interior has exposed native New Zealand timber walls and upstairs is the nook-and-cranny section with all the sneakers - you can get lost in there for hours!”

120 Victoria Street, Te Aro

Best for vintage

“Hunters and Collectors on Cuba Street has a great selection of cowboy-inspired pieces and the best range of designer vintage – you can find labels like Vivienne Westwood and Moschino.”

134 Cuba Street, Te Aro

Best for shoes

“New Zealand label Zambesi stocks a great range of limited-edition shoes from international brands like Maison Margiela and Raf Simons.”

107 Customhouse Quay, Wellington

Best for accessories

"I can't not say our Deadly Ponies boutique. It holds lots of styles exclusive to Wellington, and our wider range of leather bags, wallets, small leather goods and silk scarves. Our next door neighbours, ENA, also have an incredible, curated range of contemporary jewellery including rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces from Natalia Peri, Holly Ryan and Alexandra Dodds."

Deadly Ponies: 28 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro

ENA: 30 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro

Best for homewares

“Vessel on Victoria Street is a local institution and it offers a range of handmade ceramics and homewares by Kiwi artists. It’s a local old favourite of mine and perfect for filling up an empty house.”

87 Victoria Street, Victoria

Best for a souvenir

“The Te Papa Store at the museum is the perfect gift shop to visit after wandering around our national museum. If you’re after a good book full of rich New Zealand history or celebrating New Zealand designers and artists, you’ll find it here.”

55 Cable Street, Te Aro