Tirau is easily one of New Zealand’s most memorable towns – partly because of the giant corrugated iron dog and sheep visible from the main road, but also because of the reputation Tirau has built for its rich niche specialty shopping, and antique hunting experience.
A walk along the various shop fronts on the main road will reveal a wealth of interesting shops to visit. Tirau has a shop to please any visitor. It features a novelty sweet store, stocked with specialty UK and European lollies, licorice, and snacks. It has an array of high quality niche cafes – ranging from Italian to Swiss cuisine. If you’re passionate about Christmas, Tirau even has a Christmas specialty shop – open all year.
There are still a number of great collectible and antique shops in Tirau too – selling the weird, wonderful, and beautiful items collected from a range of generations. Much of what is in these stores is not available online, so if you have an interest in vintage shopping, you will want to give these Tirau stores a visit.
It’s easy to spend hours in Tirau just exploring its offerings, and enjoying a unique shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else.
If this appeals to you, you’ll be glad to learn that Tirau is just 6 minutes from the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel.