New Zealand’s grocery market is dominated by a duopoly: Foodstuffs (Pak’nSave, New World, Four Square) and Woolworths NZ, whose Countdown stores all traded as Woolworths by December 2025. No overseas chain has entered: Aldi has said it has no plans to expand into New Zealand. Here’s how the options stack up on price, availability, and use case.
Pak'nSave is Foodstuffs' no-frills, warehouse-style format aimed at low prices; where it isn't available, Woolworths' own-brand budget range is the usual budget alternative. Prices vary by region, store and week, so compare a basket of what you actually buy. Costco is best for bulk non-perishables if you have a membership and nearby store.
Comparing Prices
Supermarket prices vary by region, store and week, and Pak’nSave prices vary by store location. The most reliable comparison is your own: price a basket of the items you buy every week on each supermarket’s website or app, using own-brand lines where you would buy them, and repeat it occasionally because specials change the result.
Store-by-Store Breakdown
Pak’nSave — Best for Price
Owned by: Foodstuffs (co-operative, NZ-owned) Number of stores: ~50 (mainly cities and larger towns) Format: Warehouse-style, no-frills. You bag your own groceries. No loyalty card.
Best for: Families and anyone prioritising low prices on weekly shopping. Not available in: Many smaller towns, some regions. Check paknSave.co.nz for locations. Online: Pak’nSave online shopping available in most cities.
Woolworths (formerly Countdown): Most Convenient
Owned by: Woolworths Group (Australia) Number of stores: ~185 nationwide Format: Full-service. Woolworths loyalty programme (Everyday Rewards).
Best for: Convenience, online ordering, wide locations. Tips: The own-brand budget range closes much of the price gap vs Pak’nSave. Weekly specials are aggressive. App-based deals. Online: Strong online ordering and Click & Collect nationwide.
New World — Mid-Premium
Owned by: Foodstuffs (same co-op as Pak’nSave, but independently owned stores) Number of stores: ~145 nationwide Format: Full-service. OneCard loyalty programme.
Best for: Quality fresh produce and specialty items, good specials. Tips: New World often has better-quality fresh produce and deli sections. Worth it for premium fresh items.
Four Square — Convenience
Owned by: Foodstuffs Format: Small neighbourhood stores. Prices higher than supermarkets.
Best for: Emergency top-up shopping when nothing else is accessible. Not a regular shop destination.
Aldi: Not in New Zealand
Aldi has no New Zealand stores. The government invited overseas grocers, including Aldi and Lidl, to consider entering the market in 2025; Aldi declined and has said it has no plans to expand into New Zealand.
Costco — Bulk Buying
Owned by: Costco (US, publicly listed) NZ stores: check costco.co.nz for current warehouse locations Membership: ~$65–70/year (required)
Best for: High-turnover bulk items — toilet paper, laundry detergent, olive oil, nuts, cheese, frozen meat. Not suitable for: Fresh produce (large quantities), infrequent purchases (may expire), if no freezer space. Break-even: Annual savings typically 3–5x the membership cost for regular buyers.
Fresh Produce Markets and Asian Supermarkets
Often the cheapest source for fruit, vegetables, and ethnic staples.
| Type | NZ examples | Price advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend markets | Avondale Market (Auckland), Harbourside (Wellington) | 20–40% cheaper on produce |
| Asian supermarkets | Pan Asia, Tai Ping (Auckland) | 30–50% cheaper on produce, rice, noodles |
| Indian/Middle Eastern grocery | Various Auckland/Wellington | Much cheaper for spices, legumes |
When to Shop Where
| Shopping need | Best option |
|---|---|
| Main weekly shop (city) | Pak’nSave |
| Main weekly shop (no Pak’nSave nearby) | Woolworths, using its own-brand budget range |
| Bulk staples (membership) | Costco |
| Fresh produce and specialty | New World or local market |
| Emergency top-up | Four Square / Woolworths |
| Cheap vegetables and produce | Asian supermarket or weekend market |
Online Grocery Shopping
All major NZ supermarkets offer online shopping and delivery.
| Provider | Delivery fee | Click & Collect |
|---|---|---|
| Woolworths | $5–10 (free over threshold) | Yes |
| New World | $6–12 | Yes (select stores) |
| Pak’nSave | $5–8 | Yes |
Tip: Online shopping reduces impulse purchases, which often more than covers the delivery fee.