You just landed in Auckland a few days ago and you’ve absolutely no idea where to start in your exploration of the city? You’re in the right place. This guide aims to give you an idea of what you can expect from each neighborhood, to help you to enjoy the biggest city in New Zealand.
Ponsonby
Whether you want a bit of retail therapy or duck into a café for a killer flat white, this trendy suburb has many nooks and crannies for you to explore. Café one to one may look dark and small from the street, but venture out the back into the gardens and it is an absolute delight. With tasty food and strong coffee, you can curl up with a good book and forget that you are on the main drag. The concrete walls and sounds of birds chirping will block out most of the city noise. A truly fantastic place to relax! Ask for a freshly squeezed orange juice or try a berry smoothie (DF options) Head along to their open mic nights or enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz every Friday night from 8 pm.
K road
A colourful street with a lot of history. Once known as the red-light district it is now home to quirky little stores, a variety of eateries and different festivals to suit you. Explore St Kevin’s Arcade, rich with history and now open to different places to eat, drink and shop! Check out the staple ‘pop-up’ changes weekly, from perfumes to local designers, it is always different and worth a look. Go underground to the wine cellar for a unique and treasured venue to sip rose and enjoy live music. Home to Auckland’s original Drag Queen Cabaret Show, Caluzzi is no ordinary night out! With an inclusive 2 course a la carte dinner, great music and of course, the girls! This makes for a great date night or get a group together for something out of the ordinary. K road is extremely entertaining and not to be missed.
Mt Eden
A stone’s throw away from the CBD. Take a walk (or jog) up the volcanic peak and check out the views over the Hauraki Gulf, or take a picnic lunch and enjoy the surroundings. In the warmer months, the flowers are in full bloom and it is a good opportunity to enjoy the sunshine. With quaint little shops, you can spend a few hours exploring the main strip. Check out Corner Burger, formally a petrol station now been restored into a bar to celebrate craft burgers and beers. There are regular showings of outdoor movies (or sports) in their garden bar, catering to all audiences! Think classic movies – black and white classics, family friendly, 80’s favourites, independent and so many more! Stroll along to De Post Belgian Beer café and try some of the many flavours from their beer library. On a colder day, head along to Chapter café where you can burrow your nose into a good book and try one of their many teas! The problem will be how to choose, there are more than 300 varieties!
Second part coming soon…