Rediscovering Thorndon Quay: Where History Meets Modern Design

Thorndon Quay is a haven for design lovers. YOYO Design by Kiwis champions New Zealand-made furniture and homeware, with everything from sleek, modern lighting to custom-built pieces made to last. BoConcept proudly brings timeless Danish style and sophisticated modular furniture to the capital, proving that simplicity and elegance go hand in hand. Meanwhile, audio enthusiasts will be right at home at Soundline Audio, filled with expertly curated systems capable of turning any space into a home theatre.

Need a fabric fix? Fine Cloth Co is overflowing with natural, vibrant textiles perfect for any project, while the Design Library is an endless source of inspiration for hobbyists and seasoned designers alike, boasting an ever-evolving inventory of luxury materials and furnishings from over 800 brands.

The historic Woolstore Design Centre, originally built in 1911 to trade wool and grain using cutting-edge, steel-framed construction to withstand earthquakes, now anchors the area. Its storied past adds a rich layer to the eclectic lineup of businesses that fill its historic floors – from architects and designers to high-end salons like LUCA Hairstyling. Around the corner, ECC Lighting rounds off the list with an eye-popping collection of innovative, artful lighting from across the globe.

Hungry explorers have no shortage of tasty temptations to choose from. In the heart of the Woolstore Design Centre, Le Marché Bistro is well known for its delicious selection of authentic French fare made fresh every day, with a blackboard of daily specials that has kept locals coming back for decades.

Next door, the shelves of Le Marché Deli are brimming with French cheeses, gourmet treats and other delicacies – perfect for a picnic, a gift or just a little indulgence. If you’re after something quick but full of flavour, Where’s Charlie has you covered with its fast, fresh Vietnamese meals – light, delicious, and made to order.

The shopping scene in this neck of the woods is a mix of pampering, practicality, and play. East Day Spa invites you to leave your worries at the door with a range of massage, skincare, and wellness treatments, blending traditional Balinese therapies with modern techniques, all in a little tranquil oasis just a stone’s throw from the nearby bustling Lambton Quay. The team at LUCA Hairstyling’s premium salon pride themselves on ensuring every customer walks out feeling their best, with bespoke styling and precision colour techniques in a beautiful, welcoming space.

Need an outfit for a themed party coming up? Creative Show Off Costume Hire is a wonderfully hilarious hidden gem – jam-packed with thousands of costumes and accessories fit for (literally) any occasion. 

For the stylish little ones (and the grown-ups dressing them), Bambini curates a beautiful range of high-quality kids' clothing, footwear, and accessories from local and international brands, making children’s fashion effortlessly chic. Down the road, Cactus Outdoor keeps adventure seekers geared up with rugged, NZ-made apparel that’s built to last and trusted by explorers across the country.

Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a mountain trail master, nearby iRIDE caters to every cyclist, with quality bikes and gear that’ll have you pedalling away in no time. For those looking to join the e-bike revolution, Electrify is your go-to, offering expert advice and top-of-the-line electric rides – you might just drive in on four wheels and leave on two. Whatever your retail therapy flavour of choice is, Thorndon Quay has you covered.