One of a Kind Finds on the Kāpiti Coast

A working distillery that, at times, resembles a giant playground, The Bond Store is the place to be for lovers of spirits, liqueurs, and fun times. Take one of the popular guided tours around the facility to learn all about this proud Kāpiti Coast family business before exploring their range for a few tipples to take home. They have some pretty neat gift sets, whether you’re into gin and tonics or espresso martinis. Or, check out the ‘gin trap’ - a 700ml bottle of gin that comes packaged in a working rat trap, so you can do your part for conservation while sipping on some top-notch gin.

The district public art gallery for the Kāpiti Coast, Toi MAHARA stands in the centre of Waikanae - geographically and figuratively - as its beating creative heart. The space consists of five galleries and spaces, including the Waipuna Toi community space, where local makers showcase their works to the wider community. The Te Kohinga collection store is where you can pick up some unique, locally crafted pieces to take home, from beautiful pottery to jewellery, scarves, and other accessories.

An art gallery within the Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki, Toi Matarau celebrates Māori and Indigenous art in all mediums, with a focus on Māori artists with a connection to Ōtaki. Like all good art galleries, the gallery store here is exceptional, with pieces that connect you to the creators on another level. From jewellery to prints and kete harakeke, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more uniquely Ōtaki gift.

Seaside Skates is on a clear mission - to revive the skating culture on the Kāpiti Coast and around New Zealand. This bright little shop in Paraparaumu attracts skaters both old and new, and it boasts arguably one of the most diverse catalogues of skating gear in the country. Browse the beautiful quad skates lining the walls, along with skate accessories, scooters, skateboards, and inline skates. The team’s collective years of skating experience and industry connections mean they can source premium, hard-to-find products from around the world.

A lively little gallery and store in the heart of Waikanae’s shopping precinct, Artel began life as a local artists’ collective in 2009. It has retained a relentless focus on showcasing and celebrating local artists, and here you’ll find unique pieces crafted by around 90 artists and makers from across the Kāpiti Coast. From original paintings and sculptures to prints, jewellery, pounamu, ceramics, and more, most items are sold on a limited or exclusive basis.

Plant parents - this is one spot you won’t want to miss. Step into The Wilderness and get lost in the jungle of fresh flowers, indoor plants, and dried floral arrangements that greets you. The team thrives on crafting stunning bunches that combine grown flowers with foraged foliage, with creations that evolve with the seasons. As well as a range of indoor plants, you’ll find a stack of accessories and gifts here, from pots and terrariums to candles, chocolate, and jewellery - why not create your customised gift package?

Located a stone’s throw from the beautiful Waikanae Beach, Hendrix is a boutique lifestyle store that carries an exquisitely curated range of goods. With unique items carefully sourced from around the world, the catalogue, as well as the shop itself, celebrates the best of coastal living. Browse the furniture, homewares, decor, and gifts on offer, or try on the eclectic range of streetwear and swimwear from brands such as Zulu & Zephyr and P.E. Nation. There’s even a delightful kids’ clothing and accessories selection to keep the little ones safe and smart in the sun.