Rotorua is a haven for those seeking unique and delightful treasures, offering a variety of shops catering to different tastes and interests.
Whether you're looking for a few new things to zhuzh up your home or trying to find the perfect gift for someone special, Rotorua has you covered. Skip the mall and check out these boutique and specialty shops and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Gifts for house-proud folks
For those passionate about interior design and houseplants, Curiosity Blooms (pictured at top) in Ngongotahā is a must-visit. This charming store combines European and industrial styles, showcasing a diverse range of home and garden wares. The collection includes one-of-a-kind creations by New Zealand potters, designers, and even a taxidermist (hint: she’s one of the store's owners). In addition to boutique clothing and accessories, there is a vibrant selection of houseplants, making it an ideal destination for finding cheerful thank-you gifts or decorative items.
A relative newcomer making waves is Juniper Art + Home (pictured above), a multifaceted establishment offering home interiors, florals, plants and a working art and candle studio. Owners Becs and Shelley create their own candles, jewellery, art and more, showcasing local talent and providing a feast for the eyes and wallet.
For those drawn to Boho, exotic, or industrial décor, Exotic Imports in the city centre is a hidden gem. Directly importing furniture, lighting, textiles, and other items from Mexico, India, and Morocco, this shop is perfect for those who prefer quirky, colourful, and handcrafted pieces that stand out.
Another place to find unique treasures is Rotorua Antiques & Collectables. With a lifelong passion for objet d'art, owner Chris has honed his knowledge and expertise in recognising, buying and selling antiques and collectables over the past 30 years from all corners of the world. He truly has something for every collector.
You’ll find original artwork and sculptures, Kiwiana (typically New Zealand vintage collectables), wooden Māori carvings, pounamu pendants, pottery, porcelain, Art Glass, crystal, Oriental, retro, scientific instruments, jewellery, coins, medals, clocks, watches, small furniture, vintage toys and so much more from pre-Colonial times to the late 20th century.
Celebrating our culture
Ahu Boutique offers a taste of New Zealand’s elegance with garments featuring Māori cultural flair. Rotorua-based fashion designer Adrienne Whitewood infuses indigenous art and culture into her screen-printed Māori designs, creating unique and visually stunning pieces.
Iti Gifts is a bright and versatile store catering to a wide audience. From jewellery and clothing to adorable whētero hoodies for children, Iti also stocks locally made homewares, art, and botanical hauora products. Supporting New Zealand designers and artists, this shop is a one-stop destination for various locally crafted items. NOTE: The shop is open on Mondays only.
Puawai Jade (pictured above) and Mountain Jade offer a stunning selection of pounamu jewellery and artefacts sourced from around the world, including New Zealand. At Mountain Jade, guests can take a guided tour of a greenstone studio, meet local artists as they craft jade by hand, and become immersed in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a real carving workshop.
Additionally, Āhua Gallery, operated by the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) at Te Puia, provides a range of wood, bone, and pounamu carvings, as well as bronze statues, fibre arts, apparel, and books.
Treasures for creatives
Supporting local artists is easy at Amokura Glass, where glass blower Heather Kremen creates high-quality items like drinking glasses, vases, and bowls. Functional pieces of art, these items also make for unique and thoughtful gifts. Consider purchasing a glassblowing class for a crafty family member or friend. Visit between 9:30am to 3pm to see live glassblowing and talk to Heather about her craft.
Most people in Rotorua have been to one of the frequent Art in the Park events or exhibitions held by The Arts Village. These events are great for showcasing up-and-coming as well as established local artists, and great for sourcing original artworks.
Bibliophiles stop here
For those who appreciate the tangible feel of a book in hand, Rotorua boasts three locally owned bookshops. McLeods Booksellers offers Staff Picks, handwritten reviews by staff, and the Cleod Crate, a book subscription box perfect for gifting.
City Books & Lotto is a family-run shop providing a range of books, magazines, and stationery.
Atlantis Books cleverly stocks an epic selection of quality used books. If you’re hunting a particular book or author, contact Atlantis through their Request a Book page on their website and they’ll try to help you out.
Little bits for the littlies
When it comes to gifts for the little ones, Monkey Kids is a must-visit. Proprietor Kimberley stocks toys, games, adorable clothing and outerwear, and everything that educates, engages and ignites exploration. This is a seriously cute shop full of treasures for the little ones in your life. And if you don’t have any of your own, you might be tempted to change that!
