Mercury Bay
. . . Craft Trail

Mercury Bay is the home of many artists and crafts people. Several have banded together to create a brochure containing information which might be of interest to you. Call in on these folks -- you'll be surprised at the high quality of their work and how reasonable their prices are.

Whitianga-based

Bone Carving

The Bone Studio and Gallery: -- 6B Bryce St, 866-2158; http://www.carving.co.nz and
http://www.mercurybay.co.nz/activities/bonestudio.php; Ian Thorne can teach you how to hand carve your own high quality bone carving and give you a kiwi experience that you will never forget.
Bay Carving: -- The Esplanade (opposite the Wharf), 866-4021; Maurice will guide you every step of the way so you can produce your own souvenir of your visit to Whitianga.

Artists At Home

Doreen Davies, Pottery: -- Cook Drive, 866-5237; Wide range of decorated microwave/oven proof domestic ware. Plus garden pots and ornaments and Rawleighs products.
Frans Van Hoppe, Pottery, Batiks & Paintings: -- Robinson Rd, 866-5594; Domestic pottery and decorative vases, graceful wine decanters and colourful raku-fired and pit-fired pots. The batik wall hangings are studies of New Zealand plant life and human forms as are his paintings.
Christine Johnston, Pottery: -- Albert St, 866-4709; Watch pots being made and select from a wide range of domestic stoneware. Also garden pots, birdbaths and decorative hanging hats. Pots made to order. Lessons available on request.
Anne Jones, Pottery: -- Albert Street, 866-5550; A wide range of domestic pottery; microwave & oven proof and dishwasher friendly. Also ornamental but functional creations.
Whitestone Sculptures: -- Robinson Rd, 866-2696; The only Oamaru Stone (limestone) sculptor on the Peninsula. Unique handcrafted sculptures from small pieces to one tonne blocks for display inside the home or in outdoor settings. Paul Bradley brings to life beautiful eye-pleasing shapes and is happy to discuss commissioned work.
FoxSox, Windsocks: -- Cholmondeley Cres, 866-2361; Ornamental, multi-coloured spinning windsocks and wind flowers.

South of Whitianga

Cloverdale Knitwear: -- 2221 SH25, Coroglen, 866-3225; http://www.cloverdale.co.nz; We hand knit garments of original design in two distinctive styles: Waistcoats of multicoloured designs and machine knitted jerseys of classic design. Both are knitted with 100% New Zealand fine crossbred wool bringing the softness of Merino wool and the sheen of Romney — a beautiful wool to wear!
309 Honey: -- 309 Rd; We're the sticky healthy people. Pure organic manuka honey a flavoursome specialty. 5 km from Highway 25 along 309 Rd. Experience the hive at work. Watch and learn with our glass hive in summer.
Alan Rhodes Pottery: -- Highway 25, 866-3841; High quality pottery made exclusively on our premises at studio prices. Domestic ware, pit-fired pots, salt and lustre ware. Open 7 days, daylight hours. Only 20 minutes south of Whitianga on the main road -- on the way to Hot Water Beach! Look for the potter in the paddock!; Alan and Julia also offer a "potters homestay" for the "wanna be" potter in you!
Colenso Orchard & Country Shop: -- Main Road, 866-3725; See our interesting selection of handmade goods -- toys, patchwork, dried flowers, jams, chutney and delicious local honey. Or enjoy our home cooked food in the herb garden setting. Open daily.

North of Whitianga

Tom Mutch, Artist's Studio: -- Pumpkin Flat Rd, 866-2827; Painting, sculpture, original silk screens. Works available for viewing and sale.

Across the River

Ferry Landing Pottery & Garden Cafe: -- Purangi Rd, 866-2820; Devonshire teas and light lunches. New Zealand pottery and crafts, paintings and prints and an antique corner. Open 7 days from 10AM.
Animal Crackers: -- Riverview Rd, 866-4841; Individual work. Some have a sense of fun, others depict the New Zealand lifestyle and environment. Open most days.