Auckland
I spent a winter in Auckland while I was working on a film. Luckily, a lot of the crew were locals so they had tried and tested recommendations for us concerning food, shopping, and most enjoyably day trips. When friends popped over from Sydney to visit, we walked along black sand beaches and ate at lovely restaurants. Which brings me to my first point, food in Auckland is expensive but good quality - even the grocery store receipt might make you blanche.
Where to stay: Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Muriwai, Piha
Food
Muriwai Beach
- The Pie Shop [The best pies I've ever had]
- Prego [Italian]
- Dizengoff [Good for breakfast/lunch]
- Orphan's Kitchen
Things To Do
- Muriwai Beach
- Piha Beach
- Waiheke Island [Beaches, wine tasting, restaurants, etc.]
Me and @mandywalkerdp at Piha Beach. Taken by @ritchieollie
Shopping
- Ponsonby:
- Sass & Bide [More expensive but more unique]
- RUBY [Cute clothes]
- Mi Piaci [Very reasonably priced but good quality shoes]
- Icebreaker [Sells really cute and really warm cold weather gear including merino wool joggers and camisoles which are great for layering]
- Mecca [Skincare and Makeup]
- Tigerlily [Swimwear, some very boho but some really chic]
- Other shopping:
- Papinelle Sleepwear
- Country Road [Good price clothes and home decor]
Piha Beach