This year, do your Christmas shopping the right way, right here in Takapuna. Stop fighting the city crowds and start breathing the coastal calm of the North Shore. Give yourself the gift of Auckland seaside shopping.
Here are some ideas for where you can tick off your list, find thoughtful gifts and enjoy the festive process.
The formula for no-stress shopping
Fresh air: We’ve got that low-rise, beach-infused atmosphere with fresh, sea air. A visit to Takapuna feels more like a day off than an actual shopping trip. This is retail therapy with an ocean view. While you’re here check out Regatta Bar & Eatery for a beachside bite.
Over 4000 carparks: Abundant streetside parking, several large parking lots and Shore City Shopping Centre’s own free parking. This means zero circling, zero stress and more time for coffee (or gift hunting).
The best of both worlds: Enjoy the cool, air-conditioned convenience of Shore City. Then, walk outside to Hurstmere Road and explore boutiques in the sunshine (before a stop at the beach for a well-deserved cool-off session)
Make it an indulgence
Christmas shopping in Takapuna is less of an errand and more of a self-care session.
Fuel up:
Your brain needs coffee and your stomach needs sustenance to make tough gift decisions. With so many cafés and restaurants, you can bookend your shopping with something delicious.
Check out our Eat & Drink Directory for the best spots in town.
Treat yourself:
Due to recent legislative changes, when you’re shopping by the sea, in the sun, you are now legally required to take an ice cream or gelato break (we don’t make the rules, we just happily comply!).
We’ve already rounded up the local hot spots for a cold treat.
Keep the kids happy:
Numerous playgrounds dotted around the area mean you can build in pit stops to burn off energy. You get gifts. They get to run wild. Everyone wins!
We highly recommend swinging by the new and improved Gould Reserve Playground, right on the Takapuna beachfront.
The 2025 Takapuna Christmas gift guide
Need some inspiration? Ready to solve all your gift dilemmas?
We got you. Here are just a few of our favourite gift treasure troves.
Elegant homeware
Put your feet up at Città while you scan the ultra-trendy space for homeware and textiles.
You’ll absolutely find the perfect piece to elevate any space, and a gift that will make the trendiest person in your life go “oooooh”.
For just about everything…
Farmers has always been the reliable option for toys, clothing, cosmetics, appliances and pretty much everything else on the list. It’s the department store with the goods, that won’t break the bank.
Book lovers unite
There’s always someone who needs a bestseller under the tree, and Paperplus Takapuna has them sorted. Bonus tip: if you need stocking stuffers that are actually useful, check out the range of beautiful stationery, magazines, puzzles and books.
Shopping for the collector
Card Merchant has got all the trading card games from Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh to Magic: The Gathering. It’s also packing accessories like robust and cool card storage, as well as board games and collectible toys.
And don’t miss Retrospace! Travel back in time for unique science fiction and pop culture collectables, including Pop! Figurines, Dr Who, Star Trek and diecast collectible cars.
A drink and a recommendation
If it’s fancy booze you’re after, then First Glass should be your first stop.
This isn’t a liquor store; it’s a collection of curated wine and spirits for the connoisseur.
Anything you find here will be great, but if you need a helping hand, let the experts guide you to the perfect bottle to impress the host (or yourself, you earned it!).