Finding a bargain or a hidden gem is often half the fun of shopping, and when it comes to hidden gems, Gisborne has plenty.

Whether you’re looking for designer fashion or homewares, handmade jewellery or vintage treasures, visitors to Tairāwhiti are spoilt for choice when it comes to boutique shopping spots.

The city centre in Gladstone Road is home to a diverse mix of locally-owned shops and national retail stores. For designer womenswear labels from New Zealand and abroad, pay a visit to Beaufoy’s beautiful new location before heading further down to Truly Boutique and BMS. The latter also has the wider family covered, with leading fashion labels for womenswear, menswear, and kids too, including an amazing range of footwear and accessories.

Hunters and collectors should check out our epic op-shops – Salvation Army Family Store, Red Cross Shop and Hospice Tairāwhiti Shop are all local favourites, and visitors with time to peruse are usually rewarded for their efforts. 

For beautiful Saturday morning strolls, you should check out the Gisborne Famers Market! Check out the local produce, fresh dairy products, wines and treats.

If you prefer a more curated vintage selection, leave the city and head to Retro in the Ballance Street Village. In the front of owner Ro Darrall’s stylish villa, you’ll find antiques, Crown Lynn pottery, mid-century furniture, and covetable vintage clothes and accessories. Whether you’re looking for a gift or something unique and timeless for the home, Retro literally never disappoints.

While in the Village, check out other locally owned stores including Touchstone for gardening and plant supplies, Down to Earth for naturopathy, gifts, and organic foods, and, for all things home-related, the Village Homewares Store.

If interior décor is your interest, also be sure to stop in at The Workshop on Carnarvon Street. Converted from an old industrial workshop, this inspiring retail space features furniture and homewares, Moroccan rugs, and works from local artisans. The shop is such a visual delight to browse, it will come as no surprise that it’s owned by the winner of The Block NZ in 2018, Amy Moore. She’s often in-store and offers interior styling services from there.

The Aviary Collective located in the historic Poverty Bay Club building will tick several boxes on the shopping itinerary. It’s a shared space between four small local businesses – ethically made lifestyle and home pieces from Isla and Olive, unique handmade jewellery by Helena Andersson, houseplants and accessories from Hello Petal, and beautiful paper crafts, weaving and gift items handmade by The Book Apothecary.  While you’re at the PBC, head inside to Mediterranean Living for stunning Turkish lighting, rugs, ceramics, and copper kitchenware.

Outside of the city, plan a visit to The Stone Studio in the industrial subdivision on Stanley Road. One of the most renowned Greenstone carving businesses in NZ, you can watch carvers at work in the studio before choosing from the beautiful, finished products on display. The store is filled with jewellery, carvings, crystals, art, and souvenirs – it’s the perfect place to find a little piece of Tairāwhiti to take home with you. They also sell a range of decadent fudges by the slice – think Crème Brulee, mint chocolate, and passionfruit – all super tempting and one flavour is never enough!