Bring the Wild Inside
Welcome to Ilka Boutique at Mapua Wharf
I’m so happy to welcome you to my little blue cabin on Mapua Wharf, a place where nature, creativity, and storytelling come together.
Ilka is more than a shop — it’s the result of years of dreaming, travelling, creating, and finally coming home. After spending many years living abroad, exhibiting my art, running a gallery in the UK, and gathering inspiration from wild landscapes around the world, I returned to Aotearoa with a clear vision: to create a space that celebrates art, thoughtful design, and the beauty of choosing local.
Opening Ilka here in Mapua feels like the perfect homecoming. This wharf has a special kind of magic — creative, coastal, and community-driven — and I’m honoured to be part of it.
Crafted Locally, Inspired by the Wild
Everything you’ll find at Ilka begins with my illustrations. Each piece is designed by me and produced in small batches, with a strong focus on ethical production, sustainability, and quality over quantity.
My work is deeply inspired by nature, travel, and storytelling — from windswept coastlines and wild forests to the quiet details that make everyday moments special. Ilka is for those who feel connected to the natural world and love objects that carry meaning.
Inside the boutique, you’ll discover:
Organic cotton kitchenware – stylish, sustainable, and locally designed
Cosy cushions – bold illustrated textiles that add warmth and personality
Illustrated stationery – notebooks and greeting cards made for thoughtful words
Vibrant wrapping paper and gift items – perfect for meaningful, mindful giving
Original artwork and fine art prints – inspired by wild landscapes and life on the move
Every piece is made to be used, loved, and kept — not just bought and forgotten.
Supporting Local, Backed by Community
Ilka wouldn’t exist without community. From its very beginning, this shop has been shaped and supported by people who believe in creativity, local business, and backing small makers.
The boutique was brought to life with the help of a successful Pledge Me crowdfunding campaign, supported by locals and supporters who believed in my vision. I’m endlessly grateful to everyone who helped turn Ilka from an idea into a real, welcoming space.
Every time you choose to shop locally, you’re helping dreams like mine take shape — and you’re supporting a wider network of artists, designers, and makers who pour their hearts into what they do.
Visit Ilka Boutique
📍 Ilka Boutique
Iwa Street, Mapua Wharf
Tasman, New Zealand
🕰 Opening hours:
Wednesday – Saturday, 11am–4pm
(Summer hours: open most days through January)
Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift, something special for your home, or simply a creative pause by the sea, I invite you to step inside, explore, and connect.
Ilka is for the wild at heart — and I can’t wait to welcome you.
