The long-awaited 34,000 sq m store at the Sylvia Park shopping centre in Auckland employs 500 people and is IKEA’s 505th store.
IKEA’s New Zealand expansion was announced in 2019 and comes 50 years after opening in neighbouring Australia.
IKEA now operates in 64 markets around the world.
IKEA franchisee Ingka Group said the opening, which drew thousands of people on Thursday, was special given New Zealand’s distance from Sweden.
"It’s a real leap of faith, investment and friendship, showing we’re not just exporting a store, we’re planting roots for the long term, creating jobs, learning from local communities and tailoring our offer for Kiwi homes," retail manager Tolga Oncu said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the new store created jobs and competition which benefits consumers.
