Discovering Daiso Japan in New Zealand: A Multidisciplinary Designer's Delight
- Aya
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Daiso Japan in New Zealand: Now Expanded to Four Stores
When you move from Japan to New Zealand, you quickly realize the convenience and quality of Japanese products. One store I particularly missed was Daiso. From tableware to stationery and daily essentials, Daiso is celebrated for its variety of affordable and practical goods.
As of June 2025, there are now four Daiso stores in New Zealand:
Auckland - Sylvia Park, Mount Wellington (Opened June 2025)
Auckland - St Lukes Store at Westfield Shopping Mall
Auckland - Queen Street
Wellington - Manners Street
I’ve visited the stores in Wellington, Queen Street, and now Sylvia Park. I didn’t even know about the one at St Lukes!
The Queen Street Daiso is always lively and well-stocked. With three of the four stores located in Auckland, I hope we will soon see one in Christchurch or even in my city, Hamilton.
A Great Shopping Experience at Daiso Japan
The new Daiso Japan store is located at one end of the Sylvia Park mall, right next to The Warehouse.
Sylvia Park is a large shopping center in Mount Wellington. It offers a variety of restaurants and even a Japan Mart, perfect for getting Japanese groceries.
I originally visited for dinner and shopping at Japan Mart, but noticed a "DAISO JAPAN" ad on an in-store screen. Curious, I looked it up and realized it was opening day!
The new store also features two additional Daiso-owned brands: THREEPPY and Standard Products.
Exploring THREEPPY: A Cute Destination for Shoppers
THREEPPY is a Daiso brand that launched in Japan in 2021. It focuses on cute and affordable items with a soft, pastel aesthetic. This is essentially a 300-yen (about $2.5) store. At THREEPPY, you can find everything from accessories to tableware and travel goods.
At the Auckland location, I found earrings, hair accessories, and handy items like portable fans. The store is always buzzing with teenage girls and families exploring "kawaii" Japanese products. It’s exciting to see these designs gaining popularity in New Zealand.
Standard Products: Simple, Sustainable, and Thoughtful Design
Standard Products is another Daiso brand that aims to create high-quality, long-lasting items focused on sustainability. Their philosophy is "A little bit better is a lot better."
The brand highlights collaborations with local Japanese craftsmen, offering unique products. This includes:
Pencils from Hokusei in Tokyo
Gloves from Hinode in Wakayama
Cutlery from Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata
This approach values craftsmanship and storytelling behind each product. Buying from Standard Products feels meaningful, allowing you to support traditional industries while making environmentally responsible choices.
You can explore their story and product partnerships with local artisans on their website:
Interestingly, the brand has begun collaborating with international manufacturers. One of the June 2025 releases in Japan features recycled glassware made in San Miguel, Spain.
At Sylvia Park, I found wooden toys, USB fans, cleaning tools, incense holders, and bamboo storage cases.
I especially liked the minimalist, functional storage boxes—perfect for organizing small collectibles or hobby items.
The store's design felt clean and approachable. It appeals to a broad audience from families to older shoppers. It’s a fantastic way to introduce Japanese quality and traditional techniques to a wider global market.
Pricing and Impressions of Daiso Japan
The price tag displays the original price in Japanese yen, with the local New Zealand price based on their conversion chart. For instance, if you see 150 yen on a tag, the price will be NZ$5.
As of June 2025, NZ$1 equals about JPY 88. While the pricing feels higher compared to what you’d pay in Japan, it remains reasonable considering the import costs.
For those of us living abroad, it’s worth spending a little more for the reliability and thoughtful design of Japanese-made goods. It still beats buying cheaper local alternatives that don’t last as long. I even saw a staff member from The Warehouse shopping there—friendly competition, perhaps?
The Shopping Experience at Daiso Japan at Sylvia Park
Compared to the Queen Street Daiso, this new store felt more spacious and easy to navigate. Being the first day, it was quite crowded but well-organized.
All purchases, including items from THREEPPY and Standard Products, can be made at Daiso's main checkout counters.
The product selection was diverse, ranging from Japanese "noren" curtains and tableware to baking tools, candy, and green tea bags.
There were even yakitori trays and compact camping gear—perfect for New Zealand's outdoor-loving culture!
Easy Access to Sylvia Park
Sylvia Park is easily reachable by train from Auckland CBD. Just head to Waitemata (Britomart) Station, and it’s a short walk from there.
We drove from Hamilton and, as usual, hit some traffic near Auckland. However, parking at Sylvia Park is abundant, so it wasn’t an issue.
If you are searching for Japanese goods, I highly recommend checking out the new Daiso Japan at Sylvia Park, including the delightful selections from THREEPPY and Standard Products.