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.

Every time I walk passed Dianne's that sale rack outside draws me in. The colours and the vibrant…read morefabrics...the big SALE sign; I just can't help it. I once thought Dianne's was just for 'mums', but these days I usually find myself heading to the fitting rooms with a fistful of clothing (perhaps I'm just getting old). Some of it is an older style but there are also many funky, individual items that are pretty contemporary. There is a great variety of fabrics and all good quality. They have a great range of 'special occasion' items; a perfect place for a summer wedding outfit or a special piece of jewellery.

This knitting factory, located onsite, is open to the public through their small store in front…read more They sell first quality, close-out, oddlots, and also repaired seconds....all at reduced prices. The specialty fabrications are the unique combination of possum, merino & silk. The items most produced are shawls, capes, jumpers, and scarves. Cash or debit/credit card.

Super fine Merino wool, as iconic to NZ as the comeback kid Marmite and All Blacks…read more This little company has made its business out of 'Superfine' Merino wools. They have a few outlets in exotic NZ location and Waiheke Island is one of them. The shop is in the heart of Oneroa and is a good place to browse their product range which ranges from kids gear to mens and womens designer pieces. But you will have to pay for the quality, the cheapest item is still over $20 and it is just a head band which doubles as a neck warmer. With the nice designs that Glowing Sky create I know I would get wear out of a lot of their items so the $200 or so you need to pay for a cardy is probably worth it when you think about how much use you'd get. Quite steep though. Keep the focus on the quality and you won't mind about the price. This is great NZ fashion, glad they chose Waiheke as one of their outlet stores.

Fantastic NZ made clothes that fit NZ women and are well made. The staff at this store are helpful…read moreand friendly. A perfect place to shop when taking that weekend trip to Waiheke. Glowing Sky Clothing is a great label.

A trip to the island isn't complete without browsing the shopping strip in Oneroa. Waiheke's Zola…read moreResortwear has a stylish range of summery dresses for every occasion including as the name suggests, resort wear. No matter what your age bracket there really is something on the shelves which will take your fancy, my mum whose in her 70s liked the look of quite a few frocks, same for me, the middle-aged mum, and as for the teenager girls, they were spoilt for choice in the bikini and bathing suit department. In fact best friend of daughter number two chose to spend her Christmas money on a darling little bikini which was promptly changed into for the afternoon swim.

I like to head north of Auckland to visit the beaches of our great region on the beautiful east…read morecoast. If I am ever lacking a pair of Havaianas I shall not have to search any further than The Bach surf shop in Matakana village. They have such a sweet as range of different colours and styles that I would be put to the test to decide on the right one. Other than those famous Brazilian jandals loved the world over, I really like the range of Sanuk shoes in store- so comfy and for the eco conscious shopper. The Bach Surf shop has been present in Matakana village for many a year since the early part of this millennium. I love the brands they offer- my faves are Billabong, Quicksilver, Sea Folly, Dragon and Havaianas. So remember if you have mistakenly left your sunnies or hat at home on your way north, pop in to The Bach and they will provide you with style and quality.

Bach in Matakana is the best surf shop in the region. It's a bit pricey, like most surf shops, but…read morehas a good selection of gear. The women's section has all the usuals; Roxy, Billabong, Ripcurl etc. you can find some pretty beach dresses and summery tops. They also do a good range of summer hats and sarongs. There is a good selection of guys boardies, it's good for those forgetful fellas who didn't pack there's for the beach (been there a few times). I was a bit shocked to find my Havianas cost nearly $40 for the pair, but apparently that's the going price! The sale rack out the front is a good 'stop n browse' you can definitely bag a few bargains there

Take 2 is a recycled women's clothes boutique nestled down the end of Westpac Plaza. They carry a…read morelot of labelled clothing or interesting items/fabrics. It's sandwiched between beauty and nail parlors so is a good pop-into shop if you're waiting for your appointment. You usually only need a quick browse as it can be pretty hit and miss. When you hit, you hit. I once picked up a nice floral skirt that I still wear today for only $30. I'm starting to think that it was a once off though as I haven't had much luck since. Perhaps the regulars snap all the good items up as soon as they come out! It can be slightly pricey too, but I guess as the clothing selection in Orewa is so dismal they price how they like

Chic Shoes and Things is a lovely little boutique five minutes walk from Orewa Beach on the…read moreHibiscus Coast. I was drawn in by their stylish black ankle boots in the window. And to be honest I forgot to look at what other 'Things' she sold! I did not have much time so I simply admired all the shoes collection - particularly the boots! - mostly heeled and many were unique, I have been a bit put off by the generic ones I am seeing everywhere in the department stores or cheap shoes outlets where I usually go simply because that is all the budget will allow But, having said that, I think it is wise to buy a few good quality shoes, it is worth it in the long run, for the sake of your health and the sake of the shoe lasting; I recall some cheap flats I bought last winter and had only worn them for one day when the shoes and I got caught in a down pour - and they fell apart straight after that, parting is such sweet sorrow...