Warkworth - Small Town New Zealand

This week I had cause to kill an hour or so in the lovely little town of Warkworth, population of approx 4,000, which is on the way to Auckland when driving from Whangarei.

A chilly winter's day in Warkworth NZ

There are some lovely cafes and shops in this township, which sits on the south bank of the Mahurangi River. 

I particularly liked Juggles Boutique, which sells new and nearly new label clothing and accessories - it was just so pretty.

Juggles Boutique, Warkworth

And I liked the look of The Warkworth Butchery, which carries on the tradition of a beautifully laid out window display.

The town was founded in 1853, around industries such as logging, boat building and a flour mill - all making use of the river which runs into the Mahurangi Harbour, then the Hauraki Gulf.

A couple of restored wooden steam boats at the wharf

I ran out of time to whiz around all the junk shops, of which Warkworth seems to have a good supply. Sigh - retirement is so busy.