The Insider's Guide to New Zealand
The Bonbon Factory
Times were a bit tough when Stephanie Peacocke noticed that her favourite coffee scrub had fairly basic ingredients. It seemed simple enough and meant she could save a few dollars, so she began to play and tinker. One scrub became two, which became 10, then suddenly became a business. In five short years, The Bonbon Factory has gone from garage project to a Farmers-stocked, cult favourite skincare company. The everexpanding range is vegan and cruelty-free; Stephanie continues to create all of the recipes herself, while her daughter, son and husband all play essential roles in the business, from marketing to operations. It may seem odd that one of Whakatāne's industrial areas is candy-scented. On a road known for building materials, fluro vests and utes, there's a distinctly sweet smell wafting in the air. The Bonbon Factory was born in a Taupo garage but is now at home in its fourth Whakatāne factory in a handful of years. If Candyland were a place, it would smell and appear something like the Bonbon Factory outlet shop. Located at the Gateway Crescent factory, the shop offers seconds, samples and special prices. It's easy to find, follow the delicious scent of vanilla and puffs of glitter. 5 Gateway Crescent, Whakatāne. (07) 929 5930, thebonbonfactory.co.nz
While Whakatāne isn't out of reach of New Zealand's shopping destinations (including the recently expanded Tauranga Crossing shopping centre), there really is little reason to venture far afield. There are a number of boutique owners that have done the hard yards and crafted a selection of the best local and international brands, including some offerings that shoppers would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Jana Marxen from DiSTiNCT in Ōhope Beach moved from Germany 16 years ago. The former florist imports brands from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and more, and is New Zealand's only stockist of NOOSA-Amsterdam bracelets. 19 Pōhutukawa Road, Ōhope. distinct.co.nz
Just up the road, perched on the hill between town and beach is Pear, Lisa Turpie's slice of homewares heaven. Having worked in retail in Whakatāne for years, she opened her European-inspired shop/coffee stop in 2017. Lisa also sells repurposed iron firepits, milk jars and other kitchen/outdoor items from India for reasonable prices – much cheaper than a plane ticket. 2D/B Appenzell Drive, Whakatāne.
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