I viewed Auckland in a new light when I visited recently for a five day city break from the sleepy South Island. I almost wanted to return to the big little city with my possessions in tow and set up shop…
I viewed Auckland in a new light when I visited recently for a five day city break from the sleepy South Island, says Cyndi Greep.
Memories of living in Eden Terrace over 10 years ago were replaced with a fresh vibrance. I almost wanted to return to the big little city with my possessions in tow and set up shop.
There are so many things that draw me to Auckland after years away, having had only brief work stopovers in the interim.
The traffic never will warm me but everything else in city of sails is enjoyable. It is one of the prettiest places. The quaint villas in Ponsonby and Herne Bay. The plants that grow in the warmer climates. The clear water in the harbour. The warmth of the people and nights that follow on and on.
And this is only in the inner city.
Degas to Dali was memorable and all the University Art History classes made sense!
Britomart is growing rapidly and links the Viaduct along the waterfront in a fashionable and enjoyable way for either a romantic stroll or catch up with friends.
Street art should be appreciated more. It adds a rich dimension and stirs creativity through visual senses. Plain building structures become interactive and memorable. Street art is everywhere – you just need to look. Some good ones include the Britomart entrance by FLOX artist and designer Hayley King,
…and my favourite street art in a car park behind Nelson Street.
St Kevin’s Arcarde where bohemia is alive with cafe patrons at Alleluya juxtaposed amongst stores such as the new Maaike.
Inviting shop windows include Curate, World, M.A.C in Britomart, pictured top left intro image (the manager at M.A.C is fantastic) and Gucci in Queen Street.
Things to do included the Degas to Dali exhibition at the gorgeous Auckland Art Gallery (corner Kitchener and Wellesley Streets),
…relaxing in the sun at Britomart,
…and visiting the gardens and Museum in the Domain by day and by night.
Auckland you are growing on us.
When you live somewhere you can often forget what a visitor to your homebelt can see. My recent visit served to showcase some of Auckland’s treasures in the big little city.
Cyndi Greep
9 April 2012
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