Rekindle, the local initiative which turns waste wood from demolished homes into accessible furniture, jewellery and art has set up a permanent shop on New Regent Street.

Working on the principle that less is more, Haunt encourages their customers to juxtapose their beautifully crafted antique French furniture against a modern backdrop. A house filled entirely with 18th Century French furniture may be a little over kill, after all.

A huge warehouse heaving with unwanted couches, bicycles, tables, outdoor furniture and wares for the house and bach. Pretty much anything you can dream of. Highlights include 1960s filing cabinets and a Cherry Bomb arcade game.

This antiques and collectables shop is amazing. It offers two floors of fabulous vintage merchandise with a 60s and 70s retro theme.

If you’re looking for furniture to fill a student flat then let me introduce you to Step 2’s Bargain Corner

Form Gallery on Colombo Street is home to works of art by some of New Zealand’s best contemporary object artists. Having been established for over twenty years, this gallery is one of the leaders in cast and blown glass, ceramics and jewellery in Christchurch.

Expression on New Regent Street is more than just your typical tattoo studio. Walk in and you might think you’ve stumbled into the wrong place – you may be surprised to discover that Expression is also an art gallery.

ArtBox is a project set up to provide studio and gallery space for local artists in the central city. The complete plan will see 18 ‘boxes’ combined into four buildings that will act as a hub for people to socialise and engage in the arts. The first building is already open and operating as a small gallery.

An attractive modern gallery that regularly exhibits the work of local and national artists, the Marlborough Art Society is an ideal place to pick up a piece of art for your living room wall.

Located slightly off the beaten track in an upstairs space on a Sydenham back street, it is definitely well worth the trip, with a huge collection of clothes, furniture, and collectibles on offer.

Making great use of the space, Vintage Cupboard will help you re-discover your love for pretty frocks, crocheted blankets and pillbox hats.

Everything is thoughtfully arranged in a single-story family home, reminiscent of a by-gone era filled with busy, colourful prints and delicate teapots. Drop by for lovely dishes, reasonably priced vintage and vintage-inspired dresses and bags and a nice slice of yellow and orange-hued nostalgia.

Here you’ll get vintage-inspired clothing for a modern life. A must visit!

An eclectic selection of well presented second-hand vinyl records, with a great selection of kiwi artists are rare finds. Everything is sourced locally, and nothing is bought online- talk about taking it back to old school! I love the old vibes this store gives off, and it is a great place to find vintage vinyl.

Not a record store as such but a great place to pick up some instruments so you can make your own!

Again, not a record store but Oamaru’s go-to-store for musical instruments

Located just past the Octagon, this independent liqour store has an incredible and well-priced range of spirits, mixers and wines from across the globe. Enjoy a New Zealand made Sauvignon Blanc, a famous Australian Syrah, or a classic French Champagne.

A great selection of wine and beer, this student located alcohol store is priced for students. This does not mean their product is a lower quality however

Enjoy tasting over 80 different wines in the heart of Queenstown. Taste boutique and limited release wines as you take a virtual tour of the top wines in our Country. Relax and unwind in the wine lounge with a cheese board and get lost in the tasting!

Exactly what it says it is. Huge amounts wine, and they don’t discriminate to just Central Otago grapes, you will find Marlborough and Gisborne grapes too, as well as wines from all over the world. This is the place you come when you need to find that pesky bottle of Chianti (as I had to do last weekend- bingo!) or a soft California red.

Dark and sophisticated, this lounge bar caters to many age groups, mainly targeted at the 30’s. The staff are somewhat cocktail connoisseurs and anything you ask, they will make.

Server of Dunedin’s best martinis. Truly. Go try them. The classic with an olive is top notch, but their fruity variations are also winners with the younger crowds.

What used to be a former butchers is now a rustic hole-in-the-wall bar in the center of town. It attracts those of all ages, from University students, to the working class to the retired.

Money Shots. This is not technically a cocktail but it deserves its own spot in this list. The famous money shot is a secret recipe held only by the bartenders at Bar Up in Queenstown and they will take it to their grave.