IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Just a few minutes from Tauranga city centre, there’s a place that has evolved through the work of many, all adding colour and creativity around its heritage charm.
The Historic Village has come alive with a new wave of energy, its heritage buildings now filled with boutique sustainable shopping, artisan studios, galleries, modern venues and plenty of delicious food lining the sunny cobblestoned streets.
A recent refresh has brought a lift of colour, with some careful restoration. The tasty food offerings are just one of the many reasons to visit. But, of course, it’s also the creative energy that defines the Village.
The Incubator Creative Hub anchors a broad arts community with exhibitions, workshops, a boutique cinema and live sessions at The Jam Factory. Their Tauranga Runway installation — nearly 100 metres of striking pavement art by local and international artists — has become a talking point on Main Street.
The Village also draws large community events, from Tauranga Diwali and Waitangi Day commemorations to the Multicultural Festival, Asian Food Festival and the ever-popular Jazz Village during the National Jazz Festival. It’s well worth a visit!
THE MED LOUNGE & GARDEN
For fans of delicious Mediterranean food, The Med Lounge & Garden is bright, welcoming and just a little addictive, thanks in part to its house-made pitas, baked fresh at Falafel Metro. Fillings range from chicken and beef to haloumi, sabich and falafel, each one loaded right to the bottom and finished with punchy sauces. Fries are golden, perfectly seasoned and seriously hard to resist. Lunches hum with locals, while dinner brings a slower, more social pace under the garden lights. The food and atmosphere will get you hooked.
STITCHMAKERS
You might walk in thinking you just need a spool of thread, but you’ll leave inspired to start something new. At StitchMakers in Tauranga’s Historic Village, there are quality threads, fabrics, needles and kits that cater both to those new to the craft as well as someone embarking on their third embroidered masterpiece. It’s not just about supplies; it’s about being part of a creative community. It’s the place to restock your favourites, find a gift or finally start that project you’ve been planning. There’s colour and creativity everywhere.
IMPRINT GALLERY
This light-filled gallery inside the village, showcases the work of three mixed-media artists – Andrea Green, Jackie Knotts and Stella Clark. Originally focused on original prints by New Zealand artists, it has since evolved to include paintings, giclée prints, cards, merchandise and a thoughtful selection of second-hand books. The exhibition space, known as The Cube, changes monthly and is available for hire. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am – 2pm, or by appointment, it’s an inviting stop for anyone who appreciates local creativity.
THE INCUBATOR CREATIVE HUB
Look beyond the big red barn to find the creative heart of Tauranga’s Historic Village. The Incubator Creative Hub supports 16 artist-run spaces spread throughout the Village, from ceramic studios and galleries to a vintage cinema, boutique music venue and art workshop campus. It’s where artists, makers and the wider community come together to create and celebrate. Monthly ‘street party’ exhibition openings turn the Village into a hive of art, while workshops and community projects keep the creative energy flowing all year round. It’s proudly accessible, and proof that art in Tauranga isn’t hidden in galleries, it’s thriving right out in the open.
AWHI
Awhi Company is a Māori-owned pakihi creating blankets for the whole whānau. Their store in Tauranga Moana includes pēpi essentials, clothing, kai, skincare, books, gifts and everyday home items. They support over 30 Māori-owned businesses and every product in store is chosen with love. What began with handmade baby blankets has grown into a place where everyone can discover products made with care and feel wrapped in aroha.
TRÉS CHIC / VILLAGE BEAUTY / HEMP DEPO (HISTORIC VILLAGE COLLECTIVE)
Three businesses share one roof here and each brings something distinct. Trés Chic adds flair with its mix of eclectic giftware and fabulosities, Village Beauty brings more than 30 years of experience in skin and beauty therapy, and Hemp Depo offers sustainable hemp clothing and alterations. Together they’ve created a friendly, community-driven marketplace where you can take your time, and easily f ind something you didn’t know you needed.
