Rotorua's Essential 50: Day 6 - Boutique shopping

Lots of choice for shoppers in Rotorua

Shopping, we all love to do it whether it's Christmas time or not.

Take a closer look at the shops in our city and you will see there's more to our retail than the "high street" chain stores.

Rotorua is buzzing with one-off boutique stores selling you everything from books to clothes, decor to alternative wares, health products to toys. You want it? You can probably find it - if you know where to look.

Boutique shopping is included in our Essential 50 because we're not just about chain stores and souvenirs. Rotorua is home to unique brands with a perfect fit to our city.

If you want books then check out McLeod's Booksellers, or secondhand store Books Alive. McLeod's is an institution in its own right having been open in Rotorua since 1944. It sells niche books, as well as some bestsellers. If you are looking for a particular title just ask.

Among the newest businesses to open their doors are Ahu, the bricks and mortar store for designer Adrienne Whitewood. Ms Whitewood first sold her clothing from the Living Room Collective before branching out on her own. Other boutique clothes stores include Willow on Fenton St, Finns, Parrots on Hinemoa, Goddards and Mackenzie Fashion.

A shop like no other in the city is Skin Graft, where you can buy a range of alternative goods, from gothic high heels, to ornaments and body jewellery. If Skin Graft isn't to your taste then how about Simply Different, The Souq or Beautifully Boxed?

If you like children's toys and gifts Monkey Kids is up your alley.

So before you think you need to jump in your car and head out of town to go shopping, take a closer look at what is in our city - you may be surprised.

The Rotorua Daily Post Essential 50 lists the city's must-see, must-do and must-try activities and experiences. We'll be highlighting one every day during summer.