Shopping

Dunedin offers excellent shopping, with most stores open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 5:30pm, Friday from 9am to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm (some later).

A good place to park your car and start browsing is the new Meridian Shopping Centre, George Street (tel. 03/477-1129), which has over 40 specialty stores and an international food court. For a Kiwi memento to take home, check out The New Zealand Shop (tel. 03/477-3379), in the civic center, next door to the visitor center on The Octagon. It's open Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm, Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9:30am to 4:30pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm -- and will even open just for you if you call ahead. It'll pack and post your order overseas, too.

If you want something with a "bonny wee Scottish" flavor, head for The Scottish Shop, 187 George St. (tel. 0800/864-686; scottish.shop@xtra.co.nz). It has a wide range of tartan and heraldic goods, right down to tartan ties. Helean Kiltmakers, 8 Hocken St., Kenmure (tel. 03/453-0233), continues the theme with made-to-measure kilts.

Hides, 185 George St. (tel. 03/477-8927), has top-quality Dunedin-made sheepskin and leather jackets, while Glen's Leather & Accessories, 192 Castle St. (tel. 03/477-3655), offers good-value lambskin and leather products. Kathmandu Ltd., 144 Great King St. (tel. 03/474-5178), will see you right for all your outdoor gear.

For top-quality, one-of-a-kind New Zealand designer jewelry, you can't do better than Fluxus Contemporary Jewellery, 99 Stuart St. (tel. 03/477-9631). This cooperatively run gallery exhibits the works of leading New Zealand jewelers such as Kobi Bosshard, Georg Beer, and Lyn Kelly. Exquisitely detailed pieces beg to be purchased!

The award-winning University Book Shop, 378 Great King St. (tel. 03/477-6976; www.unibooks.co.nz), offers just about anything you're likely to want to read. It's just across the road from the Otago Museum and open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday from 9:30am to 1:30pm.

Milford Galleries, 18 Dowling St. (tel. 03/477-7727), is the best dealer showing contemporary New Zealand art.

International doll artistry is best displayed at Jan McLean Originals, 494 George St. (tel. 03/479-2909; www.janmcleandolls.com). Jan designs and sculpts limited-edition porcelain dolls and has a large selection of limited-edition collectible teddy bears. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Gourmet Gifts -- Everyday Gourmet Ltd., 446 George St. (tel. 03/477-2045), provides instant gourmet satisfaction and the chance to find the perfect, unusual gifts for friends and family back home. Quite apart from the delicious counter food and light meals on offer, there are shelves bulging with products from near and far. I've decided it's easier to give into temptation than to resist. You'll find New Zealand-made items that will surprise and delight: the country's best olive oils, sauces, honey, preserves, chocolates, and cheeses, all presented in attractive gift packs. While you try to decide what to buy, enjoy the terrific coffee. It's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm.