On a recent roadie though the Waikato we took a detour to look for vintage crystal and what a treasure trove we found in Paeroa. You might associate this town with Lemon and Paeroa, but there’s so much more … fossicking in the antique shops could easily fill an afternoon.

The shops are full of crystal and vintage glass so be creative and make the retro-glass look like a modern candelabra, as my friend did, after visiting this random but delightful town.

Vintage crystal is all the rage and it’s popping up in some of the most unlikely places like  the Sanderson Hotel, London. It’s one of the cities funkiest hotels and part of the Mondrian Group, with the interior fit-out by designer Philip Stark. Along the length of their stunning 20 metre bar are a variety of crystal glasses with tee-light candles.

If you are into collectables or reminisce about things you remember from your grandmother’s home get yourself to Paeroa.

This is one of about half a dozen antique shops brimming with goodies.

Lemon & Paeroa, also known as L&P, is a sweet soft drink manufactured in New Zealand. Created in 1907, it was traditionally made by combining lemon juice with carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa and is now owned and manufactured by multi-national Coca-Cola.