When you mix a laid back beach culture with creative locals & plenty of sunshine, you get the relaxed shopping experiences the Bay of Plenty is known for.

Bay of Plenty
Tasty local produce, Bay of Plenty

Downtown Tauranga

Home to the region’s biggest shopping precinct, downtown Tauranga offers over 300 boutique and department stores to choose from. You’ll also find lots of options for New Zealand-made souvenirs here; whether you’re looking for art, jewellery or simply a special gift to take home.

When it comes to unique arts and crafts, Tauranga city is where it’s at. For both local and national arts & crafts, head to Creative Tauranga, the Tauranga Art Gallery or the Cargo Shed.

Boutique Shopping in Mount Maunganui

Go from beach to boutique at The Mount. The beachside suburb of cosmopolitan city Tauranga is well known for its unique and boutique shopping experiences. Discover the colourful womenswear of Augustine, located on the beach front, or head to Sisters and Co, on the Mount’s Main Street, to choose from an array of world class New Zealand based designers. BLAKCHAOS is a collaboration between trendy New Zealand brands Chaos & Harmony and Blak. For New Zealand inspired, designed and made women’s wear, head to the Repertoire store. Feeling indulgent? Treat yourself to a manicure available on-site at Sisters and Co - The Styling Room, or wander the short distance to one of the Mount’s many beauty salons offering an array of relaxing massages and treatments.

Kiwiana & Souvenirs

Te Puke is the Kiwi Capital of New Zealand and is home to Kiwi 360, the only fully accessible kiwifruit orchard in NZ.

Here you can learn how the kiwifruit is farmed and exported, and sample green, gold and red kiwifruit. The experience starts and finishes at the gift and souvenir shop where a large selection of ‘Kiwiana’ goodies can be found, including Kiwifruit wine and juice, merino wool products and nz-made jewellery.

Souvenir shops dot the whole of the Bay of Plenty region. There are plenty of options for quirky gifts to take home – consider a can of Whakatane sunshine, or a pair of jandals from Mount Maunganui.

Local markets

For local flavour, you can’t go past visiting markets when you’re in the region. From cooking demonstrations to designer goods and artisan food, Bay of Plenty’s markets are top notch – and, in this sunny part of the country, there’s a high chance you’ll strike a blue sky day.

  • The Little Big Markets, Mount Maunganui
    Shop for all things crafty, designer and handmade. These markets only take place once a month, but if you can time your visit here to coincide, you’ll be grateful you made it! In the summer season (October through to Easter weekend) they are located next to Zespri on the corner of Matai St and Maunganui Rd in Mount Maunganui. These markets take place on the first Saturday of each month.
  • Gourmet Night Markets, Mount Maunganui
    This is a summer’s night to remember. Arrive hungry and enjoy dinner and desserts, farmer’s market stalls, live music and stunning views of the Mount itself. Coronation Park, 5pm till dark, every Friday from December to March.
  • The Little Big Vintage Market, Mount Maunganui
    Shop for all things retro & vintage. Located in an outdoor garden bar, enjoy good coffee or a glass of wine after you’ve found that rare LP or vintage suitcase. Held at the Astrolabe Brew Bar on Maunganui Road on the last Sunday of every month from 10am – 3pm during winter, starting in April 2016. 
  • Tauranga Farmer’s Market
    Purchase all the locally grown and made goodies you need for a delicious picnic on the beach at the Tauranga Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday from 7.45am at Tauranga Primary School.
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