The latest electronic card sales data from Stats NZ shows spending in retail industries fell 0.4 percent, or $33 million, in September compared with the previous month.
Hospitality was the biggest driver of the September decline, falling $33m, or 2.3 percent, from the previous month.
Spending on apparel fell $6.7m, or 2 percent, while spending on durables was down $6.6m.
However, fuel spending rose $6.4m, or 1.3 percent, reflecting higher global oil prices.
For the three months to September, seasonally adjusted spending across retail industries was up slightly.
Statistics New Zealand said retail spending in the September quarter rose 0.1 percent, or $14m.
Food was a major driver of the quarterly increase, rising $109m, or 1.3 percent.