Dotted throughout the Manawatū are little shops that spark joy – from handmade local products to unique bespoke pieces, you’ll find off the beaten path shopping spots that offer something extraordinary for everybody.
Design and Desire boutique at Caroline’s Garden
Just a scenic 15 minute drive from Palmerston North’s city centre, Design and Desire boutique is located in Caroline’s Gardens, a popular wedding venue in Aokautere. For over 20 years, this interior design and soft furnishings boutique has had a growing clientele, locally and from further afield, who knew that this hidden gem is like stepping into another world. With home décor pieces that will sweep you off your feet, dreamy drapes and gifts galore, Design and Desire is a must-do in Manawatu.
Design and Desire boutique
Urban Charm on George Street
Situated along George Street in Palmerston North’s CBD, Urban Charm is a true shopper’s delight. With an amazing range of cards, cookbooks, award-winning chocolates, locally made products, homewares, jewellery and much more, there’s always something to catch your eye. When you’ve had your dose of retail therapy, pop over to sister shop, Urban Pantry just two doors down and enjoy this cool little BYO café’s tasty offerings including organic kombucha and cold-brew nitro coffee on tap.
Urban Charm
Hansen’s Café & Store in Kimbolton
Stocked with handmade local products from Kimbolton, including the newly launched Heritage Mill NZ line of pre-packed cornbread and cookies mix, Hansen’s Café & Store offers a beautiful selection of soy candles, lip balms, soaps, shampoo and lotion bars. Feast your eyes on upcycled collectibles, reclaimed timbers like vases, candle holders, and furniture or any of the delicious items on the menu of course.
Hansen’s Café & Store in Kimbolton
The little shop at Apiti Lavender Farm
Located at Apiti Lavender Farm in northern Manawatu along The Country Road, this quaint little shop is full of organic lavender products including essential oils produced from the lavender harvested onsite, eye masks, wheat bags, soy candles, candle holders, bath bombs and more. Pet-friendly and picnic perfect, this is definitely a destination shopping experience you won’t want to miss.
The little shop at Apiti Lavender Farm
Rewa Gallery in Waituna West
Rewa Gallery is an off the beaten track gallery located just 25 minutes outside of Feilding on the iconic Stormy Point Route. Seekers shall find a creative space filled with brilliant clay based ceramics by resident artist Stewart Fulljames. Having explored and experimented with Raku, a traditional Japanese firing technique for over 25 years, Stewart’s artistic creations of whiteware and earthenware are beautiful to behold and practical to use.
Wholegrain Organics on The Square
Offering a great selection of pasta, bread, and carob bars all handmade onsite, Wholegrain Organics is a registered charity that operates like a business, and is a one stop shop for the conscientious consumer. With a delicious menu of vegan, organic eats to enjoy alongside the organic produce and dry goods available for purchase, this is a place where healthy eating is made easy – and located conveniently along The Square.
Wholegrain Organics dry goods
Waireka Honey Centre
Conveniently located on State Highway One just south-west of Sanson, this road side shop is a must-do shopping experience. Waireka Honey Centre produces an incredible range of honey on site as well as an impressive selection of beekeeping equipment for hobby and commercial beekeepers alike. Creamed or combed honey, honey mead, their ever popular homemade honey ice creams, bee pollen and even pure beeswax pellets, you’ll be amazed at the variety of skincare and health care honey products here, not to mention a honey hive viewing area where you can see the busy bees at work.
Waireka Honey Centre beekeeping equipment
