If you need some inspiration for a unique gift for that special someone, the perfect Secret Santa gift for your colleague, or cute stocking stuffers for the kids - look no further than the Taupō region. You won’t be disappointed with the wide variety of boutiques and galleries that uniquely represent the vibrant culture of the region!
This is a busy time of the year, but that doesn't mean it has to be a stressful one. With plenty of free parking, shops within easy strolling distance, and many unique boutiques, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift – even for the hard-to-shop-for person in your life. And when you need a pick me up, there are loads of vibrant café’s, restaurants, and bars to keep you fueled during your shopping spree.
Below is the list of 21 boutiques – including the additions to the Taupō shopping scene!
A gallery and studio like no other. Home to the works of award-winning glass artist Lynden Over. Shop for unique one-off hand-blown glass art with designs inspired by the colours and landscapes of Taupō. Every piece is an original work of art and makes for exquisite gifts.
This mosaic wonderland is filled with creativity at every turn. It is home to a working pottery studio and gallery. Call in for a coffee, wander through the art-filled gardens, and purchase an artsy gift for yourself or a fellow garden lover.
Treat yourself to lunch at the award-winning The Brantry, followed by a visit to their exclusive galley. They exhibit stunning artwork, limited edition, prints, sculptures, ceramics, stylish jewelry, and so much more.
The award-winning Replete Café & Store offers delicious food, great coffee and plenty of beautiful homewares perfect for Christmas gifting this year. From baby products and linen to gorgeous ceramics, books and gourmet foodie products – you won’t walk away empty-handed!
This creative and unique boutique supports both local and international designers alike. Find brands like Status Anxiety and the organic Nature Baby range and delicious foodie delights like lemon curd, meat rubs and infused oils. Charlie Who provides beautiful quality gifts and products for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Jak&Co is a beautifully curated design studio and store where the owners’ creative flair and eye for interior design are evident. Working with a talented network of artisans, the team are passionate and knowledgeable about all the products that they sell. Pick up a fine fragrance, funky piece of statement jewellery or a hand-crafted piece of furniture.
Spacecraft is a planet-friendly boutique store that offers creative homewares, eco-friendly products, potted greenery, artwork and beautiful gifts. Working with New Zealand artists and having a passion for handcrafted and sustainable products, the team at Spacecraft know the story behind all their suppliers and products.
Meaning small treasures, He Taonga Iti is your one-stop shop to find anything uniquely kiwi. Their remarkable gifts range from colourful Tetra Pak jewellery to New Zealand story books, including drawings and pictures from local illustrators - perfect for an authentically Taupo gift. Read more about Taupō Museum.
Food, coffee, and shopping all in one place! A favourite amongst locals, the Storehouse Taupo is a divine brunch spot with an industrial feel to the space. Discover handmade pieces from the collective of local artists in-store like Camo Chicken, Epic Aotearoa, and Rusty Tussock, open 7 days a week.
Take away a charming piece of Taupō from the weekly Market Central Taupō, currently held on Sunday mornings at Northcroft Reserve. Meet local producers, artists, crafters and bakers feel inspired by their creativity, and grab some delectable treats along the way.
Also known as Woody’s Place, this eco-friendly gallery creates amazing wood craft pieces and sand art. Their philosophy is natural, sustainable, and recycled, meaning that all their creations are great for the planet and beautiful to look at too.
Based in the small lakeside village of Waitahanui, just 10 minutes from Taupō town, master artists Robbie and Sue Graham showcase unique paintings and stunning woodcrafts, all lovingly created in their home studio and gallery. From garden sculptures to braziers, watercolor artworks and wooden ornaments.
Also known as Ross Palmer Pottery, this gallery shows off a vast range of beautiful pottery and ceramics suitable for all occasions. Producing unique pieces in a range of colours - perfect for serving those yummy new potatoes this Christmas.
Located in Tūrangi, you will find many exciting gifts for purchase, inspired by the region’s surroundings. Exhibiting local artists from the Tūrangi and Tongariro area, the gallery showcases a range of beautiful paintings, pottery, jewellery, sculptures, flax fibre art, photography, wooden crafts and so much more.
"A definite stop on your pressie hunt!" Give yourself some time to search through the unique finds here. From fun outdoor ornaments to colourful Fiona Clark artwork to funky homewares – you can even get your very own #LoveTaupō mug when you’re there! The Cat's Pajamas is the perfect place to shop for the person who has everything.
Boutique shopping isn’t just for the grown-ups in your life. Little and Mighty stock hand-crafted New Zealand creations and a carefully curated collection from around the world. This is the place for the littles in your life, from hand-crafted toys to the cutest summer outfits.
If ethical shopping is your thing, then look no further than The Collective Taupō. Being a co-op, they stock a wide collection of Fair Trade women’s clothing, New Zealand-made items from the Luv It ranges of massage balms, essential oils, and natural soaps to their fair-trade handbags and linens. A highlight is the unique jewelry – you'll find necklaces, bracelets, and rings that the ladies in your life won’t want to take off.
Want a one-stop-shop for brekkie and stocking stuffers? You'll shop 'til tea time once you've tried Baked With Love's full breakfast and lunch menu. Fill up on their Doughnut French Toast, Farmers Omelette, or the doughnuts that started it all, and then use that energy to shop the section stocked with artesian candles, soaps, and bags of delectable treats.
The Merchant isn't just for purchasing holiday cheer in a bottle. You can order incredible culinary gift baskets to delight any foodie!
This Tūrangi-based café and store is a favourite for anglers and locals alike. Offering great coffee, perfect pastries, Taupō and Tongariro-inspired homewares and gifts, fishing hardware and accessories - a wonderfully quaint place to pick up a gift for your fish-loving friends.
A kitchenware wonderland where you will find absolutely everything you need for the cooking and baking enthusiast in your life. You will feel inspired as soon as you walk in the door, with creative serveware, eco-friendly food storage solutions, cake decorating supplies, stylish small appliances, kitchen tools and accessories galore.
