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We've compiled the best of the best in Northland and the Bay of Islands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Burning Issues Gallery is one of the best places in Northland to buy locally made arts and crafts and work from some of the country's top artisans. Look for beautifully carved pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) and bone pendants. The silver and gold jewelry and small ceramic items are perfect for tiny take-home gifts.
If you're in Kerikeri on a Sunday, head to the market to sample and buy the best the region has to offer, from music to fresh produce, local wines, cheeses, preserves, oils, and handmade soaps. Grab a locally roasted coffee and wander among the stalls.
The hand-made confections at this boutique are fabulous. Favorites include the macadamia butter toffee crunch; chocolate-coated, locally grown macadamias; and liqueur truffles. Alongside the lineup of classic sweet treats like truffles and citrus jelly squares are some sugar-free items.
A cooperative of local craftspeople, including jewelers, potters, wood turners, and weavers, runs the Quarry Craft Co-op Shop. You will find unique crafts, including jewelry made from kauri gum. The cooperative also runs courses—some only a day long—so check the website; you might end up making your own souvenir. The co-op is also home to residential craftspeople dedicated to preserving the art of wood turning and hand-printing.
