Midtown

Posted on July 24, 2014 by admin

Before the development of downtown Auckland’s viaduct precinct, the city’s Midtown area was unarguably the most happening heart of Auckland’s CBD. While in recent years, a lot of the excitement of the city has moved further down Queen Street, Midtown is still most definitely an area of the city centre worth checking out. Major highlights of Midtown include some of the most recognisable attractions in Auckland: the Auckland Art Gallery/Toi o Tamaki, the University of Auckland, Auckland Town Hall, SkyCity Casino, and of course, the Sky Tower. But Midtown also has a rich history hidden in amongst some of these more famous landmarks.

Places like the now-derelict but still beautiful St James Theatre, and the still-active Civic Theatre are two of the oldest and most revered buildings in the city, while Aotea Square remains today as our city’s public town square and home to everything from markets and fairs, to music festivals and protest rallies, and is even the home of the annual seeing-in of the New Year. Albert Park, just behind the Auckland Art Gallery, is a favourite hangout spot of local university students, and plays host to some of Auckland’s most unique public events, like J-Day, Auckland Critical Mass and the Auckland Lantern Festival.

One block east of mid-Queen Street is High Street and its surrounding network of alleys and laneways. The High Street precinct is one of the best spots in the city for shopping, and there are a number of cute little eateries and drinkeries worth a visit here too, namely Cassette Nine (which is open until the wee hours) and The Occidental on Vulcan Lane.

Top Tip Academy Cinemas is a small cinema located beneath the Auckland City Library that plays mostly independent, arthouse and foreign films. Every Wednesday, all movies, all day, are only $5.

Surrounding areas:
Downtown, K’Road, Grafton, Freemans Bay.

Kingsland

Posted on July 24, 2014 by admin

Over the past decade or two, Kingsland has transitioned from an up-and-coming artsy area to a full-blown metropolitan of eateries and drinkeries. Probably the most famous feature of Kingsland’s landscape is the iconic Eden Park. Eden Park is New Zealand’s largest sports stadium, predominantly hosting rugby games in the winter and cricket games in the summer. The Garden of Eden, as it’s fondly referred to by locals, was the scene of the Rugby World Cup final in 2011, and is set to star as New Zealand’s home of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

And just a stone’s throw from this grand stadium sits the vibrant centre of Kingsland. Take a train just four stops from downtown Britomart and you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of Auckland’s favourite cafes, restaurants and bars. Check out Neighbourhood or Citizen Park for a relaxed drink in the sun, or head along to Portland Public House for a spot of live music. Historic sports bar The Kingslander plays every big sports game worth watching, and they also host a rowdy pub quiz every Tuesday night from 7pm. If you’re in the neighbourhood for brunch or lunch, The Fridge and Shaky Isles (just two of Kingsland’s favourite cafes) are both well worth a visit. Last but not least, Canton Cafe is arguably Auckland’s favourite Chinese restaurant. With huge meals, BYO wine and a lively atmosphere, this is the perfect place to go for an affordable boozy dinner before sampling some of Auckland’s famous nightlife.

Top Tip On the third Saturday of every month from 10am til 2pm, the Trinity Methodist Church plays host to Crafternoon Tea—a community arts and crafts market.

Surrounding areas:
Mt Eden, Morningside, Sandringham, Grey Lynn.

K’Road

Posted on July 24, 2014 by admin

Officially named Karangahape Road, Aucklanders all fondly refer to this eclectic street as simply K’Road. Historically, K’Road was Auckland’s red light district and home to all sorts of sex shops, strip clubs, and sex workers. Since 2003’s legalisation of prostitution in New Zealand, K’Road has become a lot safer and mainstream, while still managing to maintain its colourful character. Today, K’Road is loved by Aucklanders of all ages for its nightlife, art, fashion, and individuality. The strip of K’Road between the top of Queen Street and the K’Road Overbridge is where all the action happens, bursting with vintage clothing stores and smattered with bars and restaurants to suit every preference. Coco’s Cantina and The Peach Pit are two must-taste eateries decorating the main drag.

St Kevin’s Arcade is a covered pedestrian walkway to Myers Park, and is home to some of K’Road’s best boutique and vintage stores. Bohemian cafes Alleluya and Honeytrap serve up some of the arcade’s best food and coffee, while Whammy Bar and The Wine Cellar are both great late night bars, often hosting great late night events. And speaking of late night events, Studio is one of K’Road’s premier live music venues, having hosted acts like Bone Thugs n Harmony and Ellie Goulding. K’Road also boasts a very proud gay community—head along to Family Bar, The Eagle Bar or Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret for a fun and colourful night out.

While K’Road is a safe place to be, it can seem a little sinister after the bars begin to close. Stick with friends at the end of the night and always be vigilant, but also keep in mind that K’Road’s bark is worse than its bite.

Top Tip Just off K’Road, at the bottom of Mercury Lane, you’ll find Mercury Plaza. A run-down but much-loved Asian food court and a favourite of Aucklanders everywhere. Mercury Plaza serves all types of delicious Asian food at a reasonable price, every day of the week.

Surrounding areas:
Ponsonby, Auckland City, Eden Terrace, Grafton.

Downtown & the Viaduct

Posted on July 24, 2014 by admin

Over the years, Downtown Auckland and the viaduct precinct has grown from a rundown, forgotten area, dominated by industrial ports and abandoned buildings, to one of the most vibrant, modern and exciting destinations in Auckland. Thanks to a combination of the America’s Cup regattas of 2000 and 2003, and the Rugby World Cup 2011, Downtown Auckland is today a busy hive of activity, restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping and public transport.

The most important addition to Downtown Auckland in the past decade is the Britomart Transport Centre. Almost every bus you’d ever need to catch leaves from within this two-block radius, and Britomart is the central train station in Auckland city. Across the road from Britomart is the Auckland Ferry Terminal, where you can catch a quick ride across the harbour to Devonport, or further out to one of Auckland’s many surrounding islands like Waiheke or Rangitoto. Running right alongside the Ferry Terminal are The Cloud and Shed 10, two buildings erected especially to serve as fanzones during 2011’s Rugby World Cup.

There’s no shortage of awesome restaurants in and around the Britomart precinct (the immediate two blocks surrounding the train station). Try The Store for an indulgent breakfast, Orleans or Mexico for a fun and relaxed bite to eat later in the day, or if you’re in the market for fine-dining, book yourself a sea-side table at Ostro or turn Japanese at Ebisu. Stop off for an afternoon drink at the golf-themed Britomart Country Club, or grab a quick burger from the very accurately named Better Burger next door.

Downtown shopping opportunities are endless, from local streetwear stores like Federation and AS Colour, up to high-end boutiques like Made and WORLD, right through to designer stores like Karen Walker and Sass & Bide, there’s more than a little something something around here for everyone. But it’s really after dark that Downtown Auckland comes alive. The Britomart precinct has a number of bars and clubs worth your while: Tyler St Garage, 1885 and Northern Steamship to name just a few. Head across Customs Street and down Fort Lane and you’ll find a whole laneway full of late-night clubs, with Everybody’s, Roxy and Fort St Union in particular all worth at least a look-in.

Top Tip If you are planning on going out, it’s helpful to note that clubs and bars in Auckland don’t generally require entrance fees, unless there’s a special event on. It pays to get into the city around 11pm, before lines get too long. Downtown Auckland shuts down at around 4am. Please be aware that it is illegal to carry open containers of alcohol on the street anywhere in the city.

Surrounding areas:
Wynyard Quarter, Midtown, Parnell.

Devonport

Posted on July 24, 2014 by admin

Devonport sits on the other side of Auckland’s harbour, but is easily accessible by a quick 10-minute ferry from the Downtown Ferry Terminal. The ferry across the harbour generally leaves every 30 minutes, and will set you back $12 return for an adult, and $6.50 for kids.

This historic harbourside suburb boasts unbeatable views of Auckland’s city skyline, as well as a charming assortment of sea-front stores, everything from chic cafes and restaurants to cute boutique clothing and book stores. Devonport is steeped in a rich Naval history, and the buildings in the area look quite unlike the rest of Auckland’s architecture. The National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy sits proudly to the west of Devonport Wharf, and is open seven days a week from 10.00am until 5.00pm (entry is free). Devonport is also home to an historic suburban movie theatre, The Vic, which does $10 movies every Tuesday.

Just a half-hour walk east along the water’s edge from Devonport Wharf, you’ll find the marvel that is North Head. North Head is a volcanic cone that has become the natural gateway to Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. When you reach the top of North Head, you’ll be treated to almost 360-degree views of the ocean and the most up-close-and-personal views of Rangitoto Island that Auckland has to offer. Because of North Head’s unique location, it was used by the military for coastal defence as far back as 1885. Today, the mountain is still filled with secret tunnels, forts and look-outs which are open for everyone to explore—just make sure you’ve got a torch or a phone light handy to help you through the darkest parts of the underground maze.

If you’re in the mood for a cheap, easy and super relaxed day away from the sound of the city, we can’t recommend a boat ride over to Devonport followed by an afternoon stroll up North Head more strongly. Finish the day off with some fish and chips on Devonport’s oceanfront reserve, soaking up the views of the sun setting on the city, before riding the ferry back into downtown Auckland (last sailing at 11.45pm Monday – Thursday, 1.15am Friday and Saturday, and 10.30pm on Sundays).

Top Tip On the first Sunday of each month (except January), the Devonport Craft Market is held at the Devonport Community House and car park. This cute community market showcases the best local handmade art, craft and design in the area, and is a great place to pick up a unique gift or memento to take home.

Surrounding areas:
North Head, Cheltenham, Belmont, Takapuna.

Balmoral

Posted on July 24, 2014 by admin

While Auckland doesn’t have an official Chinatown like a lot of metropolitan cities around the world, Balmoral is generally accepted by most Aucklanders to be exactly that. Sitting a little further outside the inner-city suburbs, Balmoral (specifically the area around the corner of Dominion Road and Balmoral Road) is still easily accessible by a short bus ride from the city. And if you’re looking for some of Auckland’s tastiest and most authentic Asian food, then it’s more than worth the journey.

Balmoral’s favourite dumpling houses include – but are definitely not limited to – New Flavour Restaurant and Barilla Dumpling. If you’re in the mood for a noodle soup, Shaolin Kung Fu Noodles is another great option, or head upstairs to Go Go Music Cafe for a surreal mix of Eastern food and Western-themed décor. Like, very Western—think cowboys.

Hiding in between the smorgasbord of Asian eating houses in Balmoral, you’ll find the beautiful suburban movie theatre, Capitol Cinema. This small historic cinema screens all types of films from all over the world, and is the perfect place to relax after a big plate of dumplings. If you’re in the area during the day, head across the road to Potters Park for a round of basketball, a quick swing, or just to lay back and relax in the grass.

Top Tip Places like Barilla and New Flavour are very very popular and, as a result, can get very very busy – especially on the weekends. If you’re looking for a quiet plate of dumplings, probably best to avoid Balmoral on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night.

Surrounding areas:
Kingsland, Mt Eden, Sandringham, St Lukes.