My Account
What started off as an eclectic group of independent store owners has turned into an official trail attracting treasure hunters from across the country.
The Matakana Collectables Trail includes six stores from Warkworth to Matakana offering vintage and modern collectables including retro, upcycled and recycled, antiques, art and furniture.
Rummage owner Yvonne Clifton says when she moved to the area in 2012 and set up her store she reached out to the other collectable businesses and they decided to work together to promote themselves. It also created a collective of likeminded people who have regular potluck dinners.
“We all love what we do and thought we might as well work together. We have a lot more fun this way, we can bounce ideas off one another and share stories.”
Despite some crossover in what they offer, Yvonne says each store has its own style, which keeps the trail interesting.
“It works great for us because it works for the customers. They are happy to travel to where there are many shops rather than one.”
Yvonne says the idea of a trail took off quicker than they expected. Before they knew it people were travelling up from Wellington, or had driven down from Whangarei. “It’s a really cool place where you can go exploring in a different environment, away from shopping malls, with free parking. You can take your time and fit it in around lunch or a stop at the beach.”
She says the growth in business also creates extra expectations. As the trail reaches its third year they have all agreed to regular hours, winter and summer seasons, so customers know what to expect.
The trail also continues to evolve, with some new stores coming on board for the summer. The current trail includes A Fine Line, Green With Envy, Red Barn, Old School, Rummage and Annies.
Info: collectablestrail.co.nz
