Forage Merchants of Wellington
Monday8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Tuesday8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Wednesday8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Thursday8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Friday8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Saturday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Sunday10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
In the central Lower Hutt suburb of Alicetown lies Forage Merchants, a charming little retail store with a focus on local artisan producers. With a range that includes food and drink, health and beauty, art, music and so much more, Forage Merchants celebrates the very best of what the greater Wellington region has to offer.
When owner Guy McInroe’s previous job was disestablished during Covid, he took the rare opportunity to start something completely new – and so the concept of Forge was born. Guy's passion for what he does is evident from the moment you arrive – the friendly chats over freshly made coffee, the expertly curated store and the top-notch service, always delivered with a smile.
In a region that is fortunate enough to have such a wide range of high-quality artisan producers, partnering with brands that align with the store tends to be a pretty simple task. There are many well-known brands, such as Six Barrel Soda and Karamu Coffee, along with plenty of new discoveries, ripe for the picking. From the sheep cheese and locally made milks, to chutneys, sauces, chocolate and fresh bread, supporting local businesses has never been so enjoyable.
With a vision of building a community of like-minded artisans and artists to continue showcasing the best the region has to offer, Forage Merchants has exciting plans for the future – including live music and a bottle shop offering.
Whether you’re after a thoughtful gift, some basic essentials or something delicious to brighten up your day, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for you at Forage Merchants.
Words by Nicole Mudgway & Photography by Anna Briggs
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
46A Victoria Street, Alicetown, Lower Hutt
Nearby Places
The Merry Go Round
Head to The Merry Go Round to find out why one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Similar Places
Abandoned Taproom Petone
The upcycled furniture, the bike frame fence, and of course, the walls covered ceiling to floor in graffiti (literally, there’s writing on the ceiling).
Kilim Petone
A revered name in Wellington’s Turkish scene, Kilim is synonymous with quality, hearty kebabs done well, with its reputation extending far beyond the Hutt Valley.
Tricky's Sandwich Co
It’s hard to beat a good sandwich – and Tricky’s Sandwich Co is a family-run sandwich joint that have made it their business to be unbeatable.
Baylands Brewery
Based in Petone, Baylands Brewery and Taproom is a relaxed, welcoming space offering up a wide range of fresh beer and tasty food.
Featured in
Lower Hutt
For a smallish city - often seen by many as an extension of Wellington - Lower Hutt certainly packs a lot of punch.
Only a short drive from the Wellington CBD and hosting an incredible range of things to see and do, it’s no wonder Lower Hutt is a popular day trip or weekend option for families around the region. Each suburb in the city brings a unique flavour to the overall Lower Hutt experience, from the arts and culture of central Lower Hutt; to the brunch, beach, and shopping hotspot of Petone; and the industrial yet welcoming embrace of Seaview. Like the Hutt River that weaves its way through the heart of the city, a sense of creativity and community is the common thread, linking the disparate locations together.
With some of the region’s trendiest cafes and plenty of cultural highlights to explore, it’s never a dull day in Lower Hutt.
Featured in
48 Hours Hutt Valley
Just across the harbour from Wellington city lies the Hutt Valley, an underrated and outdoorsy destination offering popular eateries and a somewhat happening cultural scene.
Spending 48 hours in the Hutt Valley has never been so easy (in fact, you’ll likely be pressed for time!) as the sister cities of Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt continue to grow and offer an abundance of things to do.
There are picturesque parks and walking trails, bountiful shopping, arts scenes and an array of culinary delights, and this guide is designed to help you make the most of two days spent immersed in this vibrant community.
