Mount Maunganui
The Phoenix palms lining the street and the sound of surf breaking on the beach mean this bayside shopping strip has a special character all its own. Mainstreet is laid back, yet home to some of the best shopping in the Bay from designer women’s clothing to art galleries, and amazing cafes and restaurants. And don’t miss the Sunday Farmers Market and make sure you take your Salt Bags Farmers Market bag to carry all of your fruit and veges..
Also based in Mt Maunganui are a flurry of wonderful designer clothing stores for men and women, including Sisters & Co, Augstine, Flux Boutique, as well as web-based retail stores like Marle, who sell a wide range of luxury womens merino clothing; and Thanks Store, which specialises in mens and womens streetwear clothing and accessories. The Mount also offers a range of suppliers of custom kitchens, plumbing products, designer glasses, furniture and other specialty products.
Downtown Tauranga
The city’s original main shopping location was in down Tauranga and whilst it took a dive several years ago due to other suburbs getting their own shopping centres, things have returned to a healthy state in the CBD. There are now wonderful shops and food places to choose from, including book shops, boutique clothing stores, flooring companies and office desks retailers, as well as many gift shops. You’ll also find a range of essential service providers such as optometrists, dentists and laundromats in Tauranga. There are also many essential service providers such as Tauranga plumbers, electricians and builders, all catering to a very active building market.
Bayfair Shopping Centre
Ideally located between Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, Bayfair is home to 100 different retail shopping outlets from fashion, to electrical, a wide range of professional services, and two supermarkets. Perfect for travelling families, there are 19 different food outlets here, free Wi-Fi in the food court, and a well-equipped parent’s room with a play area and television.
Fashion Island Papamoa
Papamoa’s Fashion Island is best known for its discount stores for major fashion retail chains. Open seven days and sited next to the Papamoa Plaza, you can shop for everything from designer evening wear and surf clothing to hair care products or a specialist watch-repairer. There is also a fantastic Papamoa florist in Arrange Floral Design Florist, plus there’s also plenty of free parking for your shopping requirements..
The Lakes Shopping Centre
The Lakes is only 8 minutes from Tauranga CBD where planning is underway for the proposed Lakes Shopping Precinct and Café. Construction is set to begin in early Autumn, with an opening date anticipated in October 2016.
Tauranga Crossing, at the entrance to The Lakes, is another large retail development currently underway and will be home to several large national chains plus cafes, Tauranga Crossing Dental, restaurants and specialty retail stores.