A hidden alleyway secret worth knowing about, Needle in the Hay is a clever and quirky shop with an eccentric and eclectic offering of goods. Not content with sticking to one theme, the former panel-beater's space holds all sorts of treasures from vintage shoes to homewares and crockery, to records and artisan paint.

Happily admitting to being a staunch Harry Potter fan, owner Kate has made sure there’s plenty of magic scattered throughout the store (keep your eyes peeled for broomsticks and wizard inspired prints). You won’t see any of those pesky plastic bags round here either as the store prides itself on alternative packaging - purchases come wrapped in old dress-makers patterns, a vintage and eco-friendly twist that proves this is a place determined to go it’s own path.

An old printing press takes up a back corner, an art which Kate is well and truly on the way to mastering even after partner Glen was asked repeatedly to give up hoarding it. Decorative Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan is an endlessly popular product that became so sought after in small town Pukekohe, that it’s often running off the shelves at Needle in the Hay too. Naturally dyed yarn ‘Rosewood Wool’ by two home-based Hamilton mothers is another show of dedication to community, and cute kid-drawn bookmarks take their place amongst the wares displayed on the worn wooden tables.

Rocket coffee is available on Saturdays, as are their wholesale beans, and keep an eye on social media for special events like ‘record day’ or other spontaneous happenings where a party-like atmosphere ensues and there’s sometimes doughnuts too..