Where to shop in Tauranga
Words by Casey Vassallo
Let’s be frank – Tauranga’s CBD has long lived in the shadow of its more, shall we say, traditionally beautiful sibling (Mount Maunganui), but times are changing. And there are plenty of hidden gems and beloved shops that we think everyone needs to know about. Want to know where to get your hands on freshly cut flowers straight from a grower’s backyard, imported French cheeses, and experimental sourdoughs worth lining up for? We’ve rounded up a few local shop favourites that are levelling up Tauranga’s CBD and making it the place to move to.
Vetro Mediterranean Foods, 111 Third Avenue Tauranga
Vetro Mediterranean Foods
All your culinary bases are covered at this specialty market, whether you’re shopping for pantry staples or unique ingredients for your next dinner party. Here, you’ll find imported cheeses, olives oils, cold cuts, tinned fish, french Rosés, and every style of pasta, alongside fresh eggs and Mount Sourdough Co. bread, spices, decadent chocolates and bulk bags of seeds, nuts and grains. Much of their stock is hard to find anywhere else in the Bay of Plenty – their Tauranga store is one of five in the North Island.
111 Third Ave
The White Rabbit Store
Never know what to get that family member, work colleague or friend that has everything? Head to The White Rabbit Store, and you’ll undoubtedly find something perfect for them – and walk out with something for you, too. The store is full of locally made items, vintage pieces, collectables and knick-knacks. Think brightly coloured shopping baskets, journals and prints, and vintage Penguin paperback classics.
53 Ninth Ave
Special Studio
This store is one to stumble upon, but you may have already seen their pieces in some of the country’s most favoured furniture and lifestyle stores. Special Studio is a 3D printing and production studio known for creating objects like the Lulu stools and planters made from 98% recycled plastics.
3 Waihirere Ln
Breadhead
Former Love Rosie Bakery owners Kate and Brent Beamish expanded on their love of baked goods by opening Breadhead around the corner in 2018. They’ve since sold the former in 2021 and expanded Breadhead from a simple grab-and-go bakery to one where you can sit and enjoy pastries and coffee while you ponder what to take home. Alongside seeded and country-style sourdoughs and experimental loaves of the miso-tahini variety, there’s Spanakopita danishes, salted caramel and pecan brioche, cruffins and traditional croissants. Need we say more?
2A Saint John St
The Floral Hub
If you fancy yourself a florist at heart, hit The Floral Hub growers’ market on Thursday mornings in spring, summer and autumn for seasonal blooms and bunches en masse. Located at the Holy Trinity Church on Devonport Road, the public can buy cut flowers and foliage directly from the growers between 8 and 9.30am.
215 Devonport Rd
For Lighthouse, it’s all about creating homes and communities with an enticing lifestyle to match. Whether you’re having friends over for dinner, going on an impromptu date night around the corner, or wandering the city streets to see what you might find, living in a home you love in a thriving location means you can have the most fulfilling lifestyle. Want to find out more? View our most current projects here.
Special Studio, 3 Waihirere Lane Tauranga