New hot-spot: Orakei Bay Village

Come closer, we have a secret to tell you… There is a new retail hot-spot popping up right beside the Orakei train station, just a hop skip and a jump from the city (literally one stop away).

It sits right between the Orakei Basin and Hobson Bay, so has stunning water views, and even overlooks the city skyline too. The interiors of the main building complex also do not disappoint – with a light and refreshing feel due to clear roofing over parts of the building.

While not all of the stores have been built, we can already see that this is going to be one of our favourite spots to hit up on a Sunday afternoon.

Our main attraction, naturally, is the ultra-hip new eatery, Bowl and Arrow. Here you can nab the most delicious smoothie bowls you will ever find. Think cacao and peanut butter, or mango, dates and spices, all topped with nutty goodness… Even thinking about it gets our mouths watering.

If taste is not enough, there are two other extra perks to hitting up Bowl and Arrow. The first is that you can add top-of-the-range protein powder to any order for after you’ve hit the gym, and the second is that all of the smoothies are blended with coconut cream. In other words, they’re dairy-free!

But the fun at Orakei Bay Village does not stop there. Just across from the seated area of Bowl and Arrow is an almost disgustingly beautiful display from florist The Botanist, and the modern indie homeware store Father Rabbit reeks pretty things, too. Great Little Vineyards also sits in this area, with some lovely Maori-inspired art to marvel at while you bag the best wine in the biz.

Other stores set to join the crew include Farro, SoBeauBaby, Mexican Specialties and Espresso Workshop, among others.

There is also a wonderfully quaint little art gallery in this complex called Art Haus Orakei. Decorated with neon lights and huge graffiti murals, this gallery has so far showcased the work of local residents. The gallery intends to be a hub of the community, even having a local book publisher and a book club.

We highly recommend checking out this lovely little place nestled right down by the water in Orakei, but quick – before everyone else does!

Image credit: viva.co.nz