Great store has just about all you need and takeaways. Will shop there again…read more Love the fish and chips and the best pies I have had ever.

Handy general store to pick up a few supplies, snacks, and produce. Not densely stocked but they…read morehave a good variety. The lovely surprise at this place? -- The fried oysters and chips! The oysters were scrumptious with their delicate flavored nicely complemented in a very light batter. 6 oysters and chips at $10 NZD was reasonable.

Your guaranteed that just about every village in Auckland has an op shop, and the Matakana Op shop…read moreis another store full of old goodies to browse. Run by some elderly volunteers possibly from the next door Anglican Church, they are cheerful group. I actually was in store on a mission to find a cast iron fry pan, my partner and I had been on the lookout for and old school pan to gift to my mum, as she had admired our cool antique one. The shop is full to the brim with all kinds of things; clothes, cutlery, books, videos, music, tea pots, crockery, pots and pans. I didn't leave with the wanted pan in hand but I did find the perfect pot, which till today still serves us well in the kitchen. This op shop is always worth a stop in when in the village, as you really never can tell what they will be selling, and it's always a hunt for gold really.

The Matakana Op Shop has been there FOREVER. It's about the size of a hallway cupboard, and has all…read morethe things you'd be likely to find in a hallway cupboard too. Books, clothes, kitchenware, toys...all sorts. People just drop their unwanted goods at the door and you come in and buy them for cheap. The exciting bit is that it's a lottery. Sometimes you'll leave empty handed, other times you'll take home the full 'Clan of the Cave Bear' series, a new skirt and a set of tea cups. My favourite thing about the Matakana Op Shop is the smell. Yes it's a little musty and moth ball smelling (again think your hallway cupboard) but that to me is the smell of treasure hunting, and if you're lucky enough treasure is what you'll find!

This gift shop in Mairangi Bay gets a thumbs up for always having something new, you've got to be…read morequick if you see something. Beautifully stocked with decorative pieces for your home and things that ladies love - candles, jewellery, handbags. This is where I come for that special gift for a friend and maybe a little something for myself.

Even when I don't plan to have a browse at this shop I always end up stopping in for a quick snoop…read more The staff here cleverly arrange a display outside, which is guaranteed to catch your eye! There's funky cushions and tables and accessories and because of these things I'm always tempted inside. This shop isn't that big but inside is packed with lots of wonderful goodies. The prices aren't extremely affordable and I think it would be possible to find similar kinds of things elsewhere for a cheaper price, but if you wanted to treat yourself or a friend, or you were after something simply amazing and of great quality then head along to Spoilt and spoil yourself!

Quintessentially Kiwi is a superb display of the creativity we have in NZ. It's a gorgeous little…read moregift store filled with handmade jewellery, ceramics, wall art, sculpture and clothing. It carries work from designers all over New Zealand, and it's cool to see such a funky mix. I've found it the perfect store to buy house warming or engagement gifts in. I bought a cool set of ceramic heart wall panels and a funny little brass sheep. The jewellery is also really nice, although perhaps a little old for my taste, but great for mum or aunty. A lot of the stuff would be good for souvenirs or to send overseas; it's very kiwi but elegant and fun, not tacky and plastic.

Last Friday my wife and I was out and about shopping for gifts, when I came upon a boutique store…read morethat will forever change the way my wife shops for clothing. This store is everything that chain stores are not. The fashion within was unique, and the style absolutely stunning. The people of Warkworth is now the envy of all Auckland shoppers not prepared to make the way up the Northern Motorway. Katya Maker stocks a unique range of shoes imported from Bulgaria, and provides a personalised service that is missing from so many stores these days.

You may have seen the Maud and Mary- Jane stall at perhaps one of the Auckland festivals or maybe…read morepassed by her stall in either one of her locations: Matakana, Devonport or Titirangi. I was thrilled to browse Alexandria Mahoney's stall when I visited Matakana Village this past weekend. The stall is bustling with customers; she is a lovely and chatty lady, who has a passion for wool blankets, knitting, and collectable wool and fabric cushions. I love that every piece is so original, and all hand stitched and planned by this one lady. I am impressed with the creativity and comfort of her products, and trust that many a child would be thrilled with a fluffy owlet or Scottie dog from Maud and Mary-Jane. I have become fascinated with cushions of different colours, textures and materials, and really liked the choices here, with vintage wool and even crochet blankets- just amazing!

Decent quality kids clothes at great prices. Look out for their mid and end of season sales as they…read moreslash their already cheap prices. On my last visit I scored a pair of black skinny jeans for my toddler for $8.49!! I'm not a huge fan of a lot of their t-shirt designs but they have a fantastic range of basics for babies and a huge selection of cute socks and bibs.

This is a hidden treasure trove just a kilometer out of Warkworth on the road to Matakana. It is…read morepart of the Matakana collectables trail, and owner Margie has had the business since 1976, so is clearly a place worth a visit. Filled with genuine vintage treasures that are all tastefully grouped and merchandised, you can find anything from gardening implements and kitchen utensils to clothes and wall hangings in here. A lot of the stock is actually supplied by locals, who bring in stuff to sell to Margie, and anything she thinks isn't suitable or doesn't sell during sale time she sends off to give to the local hospice. She also has a vibrant personality so is great to talk to whilst you peruse the vintage racks or browse through old postcards.