Wellington shoppers brave sideways rain for Boxing Day sales

Friday, 26 December 2025

Some stores had queues out the door before even opening as shoppers anticipated the sales.

A dose of classic Wellington sideways rain didn’t deter committed shoppers from hitting the streets to make the most of the Boxing Day sales.

Friday’s weather was in stark contrast to Christmas Day, which was windy but sunny, but retailers were hopeful for a busy day after a disappointing Christmas Eve spending.

The streets in central Wellington were bustling with shoppers carrying bags, even in the rain earlier on in the day.

Among them were sisters Nico Daly, 20, and Zita Daly, 23. Nico Daly, visiting from the United States where she is studying, had made an itinerary for the day, excited to be able to shop in Wellington again.

“She’s had a plan all week,” Zita said. “It’s a pretty serious day,” Nico laughed.

Nico Daly, 20, left, and sister Zita Daly, 23, were out since the morning with a busy day of shopping.

They had been shopping since the morning, making pit stops at their car to drop shopping off.

“There’s not too many sales, but I’m buying stuff anyway cause we’re here.”

At Lush on Lambton Quay, a queue had formed down the street since an hour before opening at 10am.

Store manager Mikayla Kelly said the line didn’t stop forming till about 11am.

It was their main and biggest sale for the year and people had even been talking about it on social media.

“People are anticipating this,” Kelly said. “It was very insane but it’s been a nice flow of things.”

She thought the weather might make it a quiet day, “but no, people still still showed up. I respect it”.

At nearby clothing store, Flo and Frankie, it had been busy.

Lambton Quay was bustling with people all day.

“Everyone’s in a good mood, even though the weather isn’t the brightest,” one worker said.

A lot of people had come in to use their gift cards and Christmas money, taking advantage of the sales.

Izzy Hunt, 16, had had a relaxed start to the day and joined her friend Frankie Taylor, 17, for some afternoon shopping.

Retailers have reported a steady day, similar to last year.

She liked to be able to try things on, rather than buying online.

Taylor said there were so many people everywhere it was “stressful”.

“I’ve given up so I might do it mostly online.”

Retail NZ spokesperson Carolyn Young said it was too early to tell how Boxing Day spending has gone given sales now last much longer than the day.

But overall, retailers across the country were reporting a steady day, similar to last year, she said.

“Some towns and areas are busier than others, reflecting where people are on holiday.”

A rainy day like in the capital could also encourage people to go out shopping when they were unlikely to be inspired to engage in any outdoor summer activities.