It’s not the buildings that make a city, but the spaces between them. Auckland is defined by hidden treats and in-your-face ones that we often forget. Auckland is the Shoreline, the two harbours, the Viaduct, as well as a mix of cultures…
Until 9th Mar 2010 vote online at HP Sex and the City for this City Tour entry here http://h30476.www3.hp.com/media/10144772-Megan-on-deck
The things I take visitors to Auckland to aren’t what you’d expect. It’s not the Sky Tower or One Tree Hill.
It’s not the buildings that make a city, but the spaces between them. Auckland is defined by hidden treats and in-your-face ones that we often forget. Auckland is the Shoreline, the two harbours, the Viaduct, as well as a mix of cultures and a blend of old and new; colonial meets Pacifica.
We’d start on the Shore and go for brunch at new café, Bungalo, in Birkenhead run by twin guys everyone seems to have a crush on. Have the vege fritters stack with bacon.
Drive past Little Shoal Bay for an exquisite Shore-side view of the Harbour Bridge to Takapuna, and stop off at NZ label Federation workroom store, Laundromat, on Barry’s Point Road.
If you’re into bargain shopping, try Fox Outlet Centre and Savemart in Northcote, and Albany’s Triton Ave for designer seconds and sales. Like op shopping? My personal favourite is Browns Bay, in particular the Sallies mega store and a fabulous Red Cross store which has amazing old silk scarves for the price of a coffee.
While in Takapuna, go see Brooke at the Marr Lab in The Department Store for Sans organic hair products, go upstairs to Lucy & the Powder Room for a Bio Actives facial, and then on upstairs to NZ’s only Top Shop store for retail therapy.
Stroll along the Strand and get an icecream – made on their premises- from the award-winning Takapuna Beach Café and dolphin-spot on Takapuna Beach- I’ve seen them playing close to the wind surfers. Drive on to Devonport for a panoramic view of Auckland and the prettiest pastel hued villas, and walk down Devonport Road for a coffee at Manuka Café before checking out the art at the newest studio gallery, Atrium Artworks.
Here we jump on a ferry over to the Viaduct where we can watch the super yachts – and maybe a celebrity or two – from Soul Bar, dining on the salt and pepper squid. Catch the Link bus up Parnell Road to possibly my favourite shop that never fails to inspire the crafty girl inside; Trelise Cooper Fabric and Pretty Things, just past the Parnell Cathedral. Get Bakewell Tarts from Pandora and take a walk through the Auckland Museum – but the ducks won’t get any of these divine tarts.
Walk over Grafton Bridge to Karangahape Road, to my favourite building, Ironbank, and get Indian fudge from Rasoi. Pop into St Kevin’s Arcade to the edgy boutique Little Black Crown, and vintage treasures at Aunty Mavis. At the Ponsonby Road end, check out new store, ONE, with original and recycled men’s wear curated by artist Scrap Wall.
Turning into Ponsonby Road, my favourite recycled shop for designer threads is Tatty’s Recycle.
For dinner, stay in Ponsonby Road for authentic pizza at Il Buco and then while away the evening over drinks at SPQR.
That’s a taste of my Auckland. Hope you enjoy!
By Megan Robinson
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