Expat Guide on Pharmacies in Auckland
If you are currently taking a prescription drug and it is also available by prescription in New Zealand, you will need a prescription from a New Zealand doctor. You can bring your prescription from overseas to your doctor’s office, or simply let the doctor know that you are taking a specific drug and your doctor will write you a prescription. If the drug is not available in New Zealand, you can discuss your symptoms and find an NZ equivalent.
Some drugs available in other countries are not available in New Zealand. Additionally, some drugs that are only available by prescription in some other countries are available over the counter in New Zealand.
When you buy certain non-prescription drugs at a pharmacy, also called a chemist, the pharmacist may take down your name and address. This is standard practice to prevent consumers from abusing certain drugs. NZ pharmacists are very knowledgeable about their field and can offer helpful advice for treating a wide variety of symptoms.
Every neighbourhood has at least one pharmacy – however, be advised that pharmacies in Auckland that are not in malls often close at 5pm and are not open on Sundays. Those inside malls usually close at 6 or 7pm. There are no 24-hour pharmacies in Auckland. The last pharmacy to close is:
Newmarket Day Night Pharmacy
Telephone: 520 6634
Email: mailto:newmarketdaynight@xtra.co.nz?subject=NBA Inquiry
Address: 160 Broadway, Newmarket
Open every day of the year 9am to 11.30pm
Major pharmacies in Auckland are:
- Life Pharmacies — http://www.lifepharmacy.co.nz; 15 locations in Auckland
- Unichem Pharmacies – http://www.unichem.co.nz; 28 locations in Auckland
- Radius Pharmacies — http://www.radiuspharmacy.co.nz/; 10 locations in Auckland
