Tucked away on Whangārei Heads Road in Parua Bay, Ms. Smith Style Hunter is the kind of shop where you can easily lose an hour browsing through carefully chosen treasures. Located opposite the Parua Bay Tavern, this compact store packs a lot into its space; vintage finds sit alongside new pieces, creating an interesting mix of old and contemporary.
The shop lives up to its “style hunter” name with a rotating collection of pre-loved homeware, art, and fashion. You’ll find everything from vintage glassware and retro homewares to clothing and accessories that have been given a second life. The selection changes regularly, so there’s always something new to discover on your next visit.
Alongside the vintage pieces, Ms. Smith Style Hunter stocks a range of new items from several local and specialty brands. Tea Tonic brings Australian certified organic teas to the shelves, with everything from herbal blends to black, green and white teas. The Becca Project adds natural, essential-oil infused candles, diffusers and perfumes to the mix. You’ll also find work from local artists, including pieces from Paula Sanders, and fashion items from Art in My Wardrobe.
The store serves hot drinks too; coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available, making it a pleasant spot to warm up while you browse. It’s a nice touch that turns a quick shopping trip into a more relaxed experience.
What sets this place apart is the curation. Rather than overwhelming you with endless options, the shop offers a thoughtfully edited selection. Each item seems to have been chosen with care, whether it’s a vintage teacup or a new locally-made candle. It’s the sort of shop where you might find that perfect gift you hadn’t thought of, or discover something special for your own home.
Parking is easy, which is always appreciated when you’re out exploring the Heads. The shop is open Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and weekends from 10am to 3pm. If you can’t make it out to Parua Bay, they also have an online shop where you can browse their current stock.
Whether you’re a dedicated vintage hunter or just enjoy poking around interesting shops, Ms. Smith Style Hunter is worth a stop on your way to or from the Whangārei Heads. It’s a genuine local spot that reflects the relaxed, creative character of the area.
1 Review on “Ms. Smith – Style Hunter”
A really cool little shop opposite the Parua Bay Pub. Lots of interesting things to look at and you can grab a coffee here too!