Costco NZ tips/observations from a grumpy mid 30s fella:
- If you're going to order food, do it before you start your shopping.
- You also don't need a card to order food, so if you want to sample the 'Costco experience', go in and order a hotdog with the masses.
- Your Costco US card is accepted, no need to re sign up.
- The Aus sourced red meat doesn't hold a flame to NZ red meat, though they do have some larger cuts more readily available than your local butcher or supermarket might. Good for a big barbie or cook up.
- Most grocery items are comparable in cost to a Pak'n'Save special, or Tai Ping regular price.
- Fuel's comparable to NPD or Waitomo, can't beat Riverhead Caltex.
- Vitamins/supplements are cheaper at Chemist Warehouse, which shouldn't be an issue shopping at if you're considering Costco.
- Returns are a breeze. Mrs got caught up in the consumerism and did a decent clothing shop, got home and realised some were cheaper online or from local NZ stores and others she didn't actually want - just got caught up in the consumer-spend mentality Costco market so well, and returned with no questions asked.
Best use of our card to date is boxes of Stroopwafels (you're welcome if you haven't tried these before).