Lovely health food store in a nice neighborhood of Auckland. I enjoyed chatting with the friendly,…read morehelpful staff. Thank you!

Break the piggy bank before you come here. They stock all things natural, organic and local with a…read morefew imported items. I came looking for a natural tooth paste. They had a small selection from $6.30 to $22.80. I may be all about organic and natural, but I'm no fool - you can keep that $22.80 all to ya self! The staff is well versed in the products they stock, which meant the cashier was helpful when I asked her to recommend a product. Turns out she was familiar with Toms of Main. I wanted something comparable, so she helped me make an informed decision. I was also pleased to see they carry Dr. Bronners soap. If you don't know about Dr. B's magic soap, get some and have your world rocked! Aside from toiletries, they also stock locally grown produce and dairy. Dry goods such as lentils, rice, pasta, teas and coffee are also readily available. Overall a friendly store. Most of the natural or local organic items you may be seeking can be found here.

For 12 years I was happy to buy American food and things like toothpaste with peroxide and baking…read moresoda not otherwise available in NZ from Martha's. During those 12 years one of the owners frequently went to America to buy the stock. And for many years they got special orders for me. But ever since the pandemic they have lost the plot. They refused to accept special orders and their shelves rarely offer me what I want. I have repeatedly asked them to figure out a new method of getting their supplies which they refuse to do. How they stay in business is a mystery without desirable stuff to buy. They're old and no longer seem to give a damn. I find it remarkable that they stay in business. Not worth the trip.

Ever have the feeling of giddiness as an adult, that makes you say 'get ahold of yourself now?' But…read moreyou can't and your smile is ear to ear. Well that's what Martha's Backyard did to me. I was instantly hit with Americana as the doors spread open for me. No need to trouble yourself with pushing a door American, here let me automatically open for you. Star! Since the owner was clearly using her consumer... ahem marketing skills, the first sight upon entering was a stock pile of Stars & Stripes regalia. All that was needed was the Star Spangled Banner playing in the background. Independence Day is only a few days away, so stock up. Martha's Backyard which of course is a play on words, (think Martha's Vineyard) has many American culinary favorites from candies, seasonings, sauces, cereals, beverages and snacks. I walked out with Cholula, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, a pack of Lawry's Taco seasoning, mini Butterfingers and 2 boxes of Cap'N Crunch cereal for under $40.00. Not a bad price for imported happiness.

The highlight of my day...no scrap that, the highlight of my week was discovering a cheesemonger…read morehad opened in my hood. I was heading to my local butcher when I noticed the bike, basket full of fresh flowers, parked out front and the glorious name, 'The Cheese Room.' Inside was even more delightful. Shelve upon shelve of delectable looking chutneys, artisan crackers and fresh herbs. Down the back there's a temperature controlled cheese room with big wheels of NZ made cheese. Hand-written descriptions of each cheese including the region and the creamery help you to choose from the exciting selection. There's also a separate fridge containing goodies such as Neudorf yoghurt and Clevedon buffalo mozerella... my idea of heaven. I had a quick chat with the owner on my way out the door and it turns out they'd opened for business that very day! Unfortunately I didn't catch his name but he told me that him and his son have been selling cheese at markets for years and decided it was time to open a store. Well, I for one am thankful they did and judging by how busy they were on their first day, so is the Milford community!

Gorgeous shop, located on Kitchener Road in the heart of Milford. They stock many local and…read moreboutique crackers, relishes, chutneys and other food items which compliment the vast array of artisan cheeses they sell. The owner sold me on a beautiful Nettle Gouda (I forget where it's from but DELISH) and also a Smoked Parmesan (from Tauranga which I haven't sampled yet but it smells devine). Like Alex stated, the store is beautifully styled which also boasts a climate controlled cheese room at the back of the shop complete with automated door. While writing this review I realised I should have looked to see if they sold cheese slicers, I saw a selection of good quality knives for sale so I am sure they would. Will definitely have to inquire on my next visit. If you love cheese this place is a MUST visit!! Street parking or park at Milford Mall & make the short stroll across the road.

Luscious is a gourmet health grocery store located just past the top of Parnell rise. A specialty…read morehealth food store which also stocks an extensive range of wines (they even have vegan wines) and an impressive array of hard to find health and specialty gourmet foods just to make your diet a little more interesting. You will find fresh vegetables, frozen yoghurts, specialty breads, pastas, grains, cereals amongst your more common ingredients (only organic) and some not so common like date paste and red quinoa. Down the back of the store is a fantastic selection of specialty juices, coconut waters and iced teas and much of the product here is sourced from New Zealand. This place is popular with those who work in the area who want a healthy lunch on the go with a decent amount of cabinet food to choose from and fresh juices and smoothies. The coffee is pretty amazing too, very strong. Chateau Kiwi use beans from Organica. Whether you have food allergies, a specialty diet or just like your food to be not so common then this is a place you should check out.

The chateau kiwi is very like 'The Barrow' in the central city. Aimed at providing a more gourmet…read moretake on regular grocery shopping, they both chase the same sort of niche. I like the Chateau kiwi as it stocks a really good range of organic and health foods. Nowhere else can I find my favourite range of little bird organics apart from their original shop in Kingsland . You haven't lived until you have tried the strawberry and White cacao macaroons. And then of course there's the frozen dumplings which I often buy from here and make my own dipping sauce and trick my friends into thinking I am a real life masterchef.

Even through I now live about a ten minute drive from this place, I often make a trip there for my…read moreweekly shop; it has a super range of bulk items like flour and the like including lots of organic and gluten free options, as well as the following: - a small but completely adequate range of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Japanese ingredients - spices - dried fruits (I have to stop myself buying their dried nectarines as they tend to go in about three minutes). - cereals, including their own muesli -herbal teas They also stock quite a lot of items you'll need if you're making your own cleaners or the like, such as washing soda and borax, as well as bulk bin detergent/cleaner/shampoo etc. Prices are also very good; mostly cheaper than going to one of those supermarkets. Finally, they almost always ask if you've found everything you need; don't be shy about saying if you haven't, as odds on they'll either find it for you, or offer to get it in for you. (Also, despite their address being on Dominion Rd, they don't actually have a frontage onto Dominion Road. To find them turn into Walters Road, then turn into the driveway that points to the Wendy's drive through, and they're just tucked in to your right).

This place is absolutely fantastic. Very cost effective, huge range of different products, items of…read moregood quality. Given supply issues still impacting supermarkets you can 9 out of 10 times find an equivalent here. Big range of herbs, spices, ingredients, both local and imported. Staff are friendly. The ambiance is enhanced by the huge variation of people who shop here. Broad cross section of the community. I would hazard a guess, if you know this place you will come back repeatedly. If you don't know this place pay it a visit.

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices on earth, however I have discovered it is one of the…read moremost inexpensive spice and bulk food stores in town. Saffron Foods in Henderson came recommended by my auntie, then I discovered my Indian friends frequented it and so I had to pop in to see what all the fuss was about. Now I am a fan. I find the selection of spices to be amazing, they have the star anise and the cinnamon sticks, different coloured mustard seeds and variations of paprika and chili powder. My spice rack is fragrantly filled to the brim thanks to Saffron Foods. When here I cannot resist the bulk bins with everything from coconut threads to almonds, here's a secret they have the best bargains on almonds in this store. There is a lot of Indian, Pacific Island and other ethnic food, like bags of small dried fish which my girls found disgustingly smelly. To the rear of the store are pots and other cooking implements. Super friendly staff who are really helpful pointing you to the right direction.

What a great market to stock up your pantry. This place has every spice and nut you could wish for…read morein a bulk bin at a much lower price than any supermarket. They also sell saffron for $10 a gram. It is from Kashmir and from what I could tell it is a long good quality saffron. Also the selection of Indian groceries is fantastic. I bought several packages of Mother's sauces and maked one which was just delicious (the bf rate if better than take out). They even have Indian cooking utensils, kebab skewers and serving dishes.

After having a craving for a smoothie (a good one at that ) a quick check on yelp pointed me in the…read moredirection of Huckleberry Farms on Campbell rd . What a smoothie it was ! All the ingredients that were on the blackboard were in it , as in I could taste the parsley , kale , banana and pear . They also have a good cabinet food display no scones or muffins here tho , just good eats !

You know what is the coolest about Huckleberries? Is the fact that they try to be ethical - this…read moremeans supporting many independent growers/companies without it just being about business. This then also extends on to the customers, they go out of their way to help people; AND to their competitors as well. Organic stores in Auckland have a rich interlinked history I recently discovered, including that this store is also owned by the guys in Grey Lynn, Harvest Whole foods. I admit that I am not around this area enough to call it my local, but I know several people that do. It has a great reputation and for good reason (even if not the 'cheapest' of organic stores). One of the particular draw cards about Huckleberries is that they sell meat, (as opposed to Harvest). This is great for those of us that are still carnivores but like to know about the sources of our animal consumption. And I can buy pork free snags here - yay! Recently I have been on the hunt for some ethical-eco black eyeliner, I noticed on their website that they stock some, which is great as I was almost ready to give up hope for anything local. The black pencil variety cost $31.00, and I will be making a trip there very soon for that indeed! These guys have a great website too and list the specials for those of you that may want to check it out before you go on in.

This is a destination health shop . I frequently walk past here and always pop just to look at all…read morethe products . It is a bit expensive but you can guarantee the products are at the top end . Staff are helpful and don't mind you just looking . There is a bargain table with items that have a dent or just on special. They also sell holistic books and CHOCOLATE ! .

I've been a Ceres faithful for a number of years - when I lived out in Howick it was the go-to shop…read morefor vegetarian goods, and now that I'm out in Western Springs, I'll still make sure I head out there from time to time, just to support Ceres and what they're doing. They've expanded over the years (and were recently lucky enough to be picked for Ponsonby Central) but the Ladies Mile store is still going strong, serving the sandal-wearing hippies and conscious hipsters alike. My main picks at Ceres are part of the Ceres Organics brand. I really like their beans and regularly use Ceres Adzuki and Borlotti beans. I'm also a recent convert to cooking with black beans, and Ceres' canned black beans are a great staple to have in the cupboard. While I do enjoy eating pre-prepared vegetarian meals a lot, I do like having Ceres products at home because they make me want to be a better cook; they make me want to make real whole foods in my kitchen and be conscious of what I eat. So a thanks for years of helping me eat better is definitely in order!

The shop owner Roenen went out of his way for me ! At the moment the shop is spilt in two due to…read morerenovations and when I asked if they had any co-yo he went to the other shop and opened up for me , how nice is that ! Top marks for service ! The whole Highland park complex is being upgraded so shops maybe shifted around . The range of supplements this shop had avaliable was extensive , so much to choose from ! And with a lot is not seen in the ranges . I recommend this health shop whole heartedly .

Great selection of health/organic food and environmentally-friendly shopping choices. They stock…read moreeco-store products, organic and natural shampoos and soaps, various food items, all kinds of vitamins and natural supplements, all that sort of stuff. This is where you can find organic cotton tampons, non-chemical chapsticks, Comvita throat lozenges. Friendly and knowledgeable staff who don't think you're weird when you don't want a bag, and they have a loyalty card system. Conveniently located near a supermarket, post office, florist... it's a very handy place to stop in and pick up your naturally derived products. There's also a fruit and vege store owned by - I believe - the same people, just around the corner so you can also pick up your produce and free range eggs all in the same trip. Tip: Access/closer parking is easier if you drive in from the Highland Park Drive side, between the two Countdowns. (Yes, two Countdowns. It's ridiculous I know.)

How could I give a supermarket five stars?!…read more To start with, when I first walked in, I thought I'd got the wrong place. There are these stunning bright red chandeliers set over a large dining table just to the side of the main entrance. Then I realised this was just a rather different supermarket shopping experience. I initially popped in just because I was in the area and in a hurry - I have closer regular supermarket. But whenever I'm around Half Moon Bay or feel like a change in the drudgery of grocery shopping, I always head in here. It's not a big barn of a place, and is actually quite small as far as supermarkets go, but it's packed with everything you'd expect from even the giant-sized competitors. I can't say how nice the shopping experience is - it's quiet enough to actually think, and the sometimes the staff greet you as you walk the aisles..! And a bonus; the sign on the door says it's locally owned and operated.