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City Fringe

Like many great cities, Auckland is a collection of villages. To Aucklanders, these are vitally important – each is a landmark that helps define the city they live in.

Ponsonby

Ponsonby Road, just a few minutes away from the city centre, is one of Auckland's hippest strips, packed with funky fashion boutiques and some of the best cafes, restaurants and bars in New Zealand. Ponsonby also has a fascinating history and much of its heritage can be viewed in the buildings as you walk around the suburb.

Parnell

Parnell, a boutique central suburb with Victorian buildings, gardens, galleries and restaurants, is a great place to explore. Nearby is the Auckland Domain, a tranquil park of immaculately manicured gardens, lawns and ponds. At its centre is the iconic Auckland Museum.

Newmarket

A few kilometres from Parnell is Newmarket, a retail therapy paradise with an array of designer fashion, lifestyle stores, cafés and restaurants. When in Newmarket, be sure to check out the new and upmarket Nuffield Street.

Mt Eden

Southwest of Newmarket is the residential and retail suburb of Mt Eden, where you can climb the extinct volcano Maungawhau for spectacular 360 degree views of the city. Close by, in Kingsland, is Eden Park, New Zealand's largest stadium, where it's possible to catch a game of rugby or cricket. The string of shops in Kingsland's New North Rd has a number of specialist cafes and restaurants worth exploring.

K' Road

Karangahape Road (known locally as K' Rd), running the ridge between upper Queen Street and Ponsonby Road, is a trendy area of Auckland. An eclectic mix of shops from high fashion to retro, it also has 12 contemporary art galleries, interesting eateries, and a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars and dance clubs.

Mission Bay

To the east of the city, discover the wonders of the eastern bays in the seaside suburb of Mission Bay or Kohimaramara. The bays are strung along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which you can walk, cycle or skate along. There are numerous waterfront restaurants and attractions such as mini golf and Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World.

St Heliers

The last bay along scenic Tamaki Drive, St Heliers offers a range of beautiful boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars and retail outlets. The white sandy beach is a popular family destination with a boardwalk, children's playground and recently upgraded foreshore.

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