Flax Gift Gallery

Foxton was once the flax capital, so it's entirely fitting a gift shop/gallery is named for the handy and hardy harakeke. Owner Karen Graves has given over half her shop to New Zealand artists — some who themselves use harakeke in their art, such as Horowhenua artist Radha Sahar — while offering Kiwithemed gifts in the other. Right across the street from the Riverside Cultural Park, Flax is ideally placed for visitors to pick up a few items after a trip up the windmill, a bike ride to the beach, or a look back at history at Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom. Karen is welcoming, knowledgeable and delighted to talk about art or Foxton and guide visitors through her collections of ceramics, pounamu, jewelery and glass. Closed Monday.

41 Main Street, Foxton. (06) 363 5358/

021 795 086, flaxgiftsfoxton.co.nz