Beach Boutiques & Village Vibes of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beach

Stepping through the door of specialist indoor plant store The Power Plant is like entering a greenhouse where everything is for sale. The tiny store is filled with greenery of various kinds; it’s humid and earthy, in a delightful way. The expert staff know a thing or two about the needs of various plants and offer a re-potting service as well as plant hire for events and home staging.

A locally owned and operated shop, Orinoco Designs in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach is on a mission to bring beauty into people’s lives with homewares, beauty and fashion. A boho, eclectic mix of items invites customers to stop and take in all that is on offer. Think accessories, activewear, fashion labels, giftware and much more, and you will have an idea of what the store is about. But really, you’ll need to walk in to appreciate the entire collection of lovely items awaiting discovery.

A wild assortment of fresh flowers and indoor greenery is available at The Wilderness. This is your one-stop-shop for everything floral-related, be it a bunch to brighten up somebody’s day, a dried floral arrangement for the office or an event in need of plenty of blooms. The team creates their bunches with a mixture of foraged and farmed flowers and can help you out with indoor plant care as well.

Tucked around the corner from the main street of Paraparaumu Beach, BE U is a clothing boutique filled with local and international fashion items waiting to become your next wardrobe staples.  At BE U, it’s all about affordable luxury and encouraging customers to find their unique style. The friendly team takes pride in offering a relaxed environment for browsing and shopping in the store; it is a welcoming space where customers are offered good advice and a helping hand when needed.

While you’ve thus far popped into just about every shop in the little village of Paraparaumu Beach, it’s time to refuel before heading down the road to Raumati Beach, where more boutiques await discovery. Grab a bite to eat with a caffeine hit from The Lockup or something stronger from Salty’s Diner, then brace yourself (and your wallet) for more finds.  

A big city boutique in a small seaside town, Milk + Ginger, in the heart of Raumati Beach, is a hub of quality fashion. The locally owned shop celebrates interesting labels from Aotearoa and Australia. Expect to come across labels many of us know and love, such as Assembly Label, Marlow, Status Anxiety and Commoners, as well as some new encounters. The store is beautifully organised and presented, and the offerings extend to selected lifestyle brands, jewellery and quality children’s products. 

The Vogue Store is your destination for high-end local and selected international labels. Think designers such as Trelise Cooper, Elm, Loobie’s Story, Thing Thing, and plenty more. Here, you will receive a personalised shopping experience and plenty of help from the knowledgeable team in finding your next favourite clothing item. The Vogue Store is on a mission to provide its customers with beautiful, sustainably made garments that reflect life on the Kāpiti Coast.

Yet another quality fashion store in Raumati, Paperdoll offers a friendly and fun shopping experience and a chance to add plenty of colour to your life. A mix of exciting labels such as Noa Noa, Rolla’s and Tuesday Label await within the store, along with a selection of jewellery and other accessories. A treasure trove of must-have finds and gorgeous garments, Paperdoll is well worth popping into while in town.

A destination for the discerning male, Holy Smoke is filled to the brim with timeless fashion items. Whether you’re after something for a special occasion or everyday wear, this store has got you covered. Quality labels such as Scotch & Soda, Eribé Shetland wool knitwear and Thomson & Richards, plus plenty more, can be found here. Holy Smoke is in the business of helping men create a style for themselves rather than follow fast fashion trends.

Now that you’ve exhausted yourself with a full day of shopping, head down to Raumati South for some soulful nourishment. Take a seat at a sunny footpath table outside The Raumati Social Club or in the private garden, complete with macrame swings, across the road at Sunday Cantina (or settle into a cosy indoor nook in either establishment), with a drink and pre-dinner nibbles. You might even get lucky and catch a local band playing some tunes for your end-of-day enjoyment at either of the Poplar Avenue spots.