GENERATIONS BEHIND THE COUNTER
Opposite the slow-running river of Puhoi sits a slice of Kiwi history – the Puhoi General Store.
Photos Isla Lodewyks
Settled in 1863 by Bohemians, Pūhoi has drawn a tight-knit community alongside a steady stream of tourists, river kayakers, Te Araroa trail hikers, and weekend visitors from Auckland. Among those visitors were Nick and Joanna Lodewyks, regularly travelling through the Village to a section they purchased on Saleyards Road. They eventually relocated an old kauri cottage from College Hill and spent their weekends restoring it.
As they drove past the General Store (originally opening for business 150 years ago in 1876 and serving as a store and post shop), they could see its potential. In 2000 they moved into the cottage, choosing local life over commuting to Auckland, where they ran lunch bars. When the store came on the market in 2002, they purchased it – taking ownership the day their second child was born. After two years of commuting, they finally settled fully into Village life.
Fast forward to 2026: the family has grown, and so has the store. Nick and Jo now have four children, with daughters Pyper and Isla beginning work in the store as teenagers. Today, Isla helps run the business, while passing on the tricks of the trade to her younger sister Miller, keeping the family legacy very much alive.
The store itself has become a staple in the heart of Pūhoi. Its main attractions include barista-made coffee and matcha, fresh rolls and pastries, classic kiwi fish and chips, and the famous oysters and chips (featuring local Orata oysters). These sit alongside a curated selection of local produce, including Lothlorien wine, Pūhoi Honey, and locally grown and arranged flowers by Alison of Pūhoi Flowers.
More than a place to grab a bite, the store reflects the relaxed, welcoming spirit of Pūhoi – a space where locals gather, visitors linger, and all are invited to enjoy the best the region has to offer. It’s a favourite spot for local groups, cyclists, and coffee devotees – some travelling 20 minutes for their daily fix.
Like much of the Village, the store has GENERATIONS BEHIND THE COUNTER faced its challenges. Hit by the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, it required a near-complete rebuild. The family’s son Willem, a qualified builder, oversaw and completed the work alongside local contractors. The Pūhoi community is resilient, and knows how to bounce back – a spirit the store reflects by looking out for locals however it can.
With a strong sense of nostalgia, deep community ties, and the influence of multiple generations, the Pūhoi General Store is a cornerstone of the community, set to remain so for years to come. The Pūhoi General Store is open 7am-7pm year-round at 109 Pūhoi Road, Pūhoi.
www.instagram.com/thepuhoigeneralstore
Ph. 09 422 0818