A local’s guide to K’Road

Affectionately known as K’Road, this vibrant urban strip offers something for everyone. Cordis Auckland is conveniently located just around the corner from Karangahape Rd, offering the perfect base for exploring this part of the city. From boutique stores to world-class eateries and lively nightlife, you’ll soon see for yourself why it was named one of the world’s coolest streets in 2022. 

Fuel up for the day

Start your day with a coffee and breakfast from Bestie Cafe. Tucked inside historic St Kevins Arcade, you’ll get eggs with a side of Sky Tower views, with huge Art Deco windows offering a beautiful cityscape outlook.

If you’re keen for something on-the-go, grab a pastry or a sandwich from Fort Greene, well-known for their baked goods which are *chef’s kiss*.

Open Coffee is a space that reflects the genuine community feel of K’Road. The kind of place where you just know the barista is on a first name basis with regulars. Warm, cosy and inviting, it will be the perfect pitstop for a hot drink and a toastie.

 

Get your fashion fix

Leave some room in your luggage; you might find the perfect piece for your wardrobe in one of K’Road’s many retail stores. It’s the perfect place for people-watching and you’ll no doubt get inspired by the eclectic looks you’ll see strolling the street.

K’Road is home to designer fashion—including Kiwi favourites like Hailwood, Nick Von K Jewellery and Hannah-Lee Jade. This street is also an adored destination for thrifters, with plenty of vintage gems to uncover in popular pre-loved clothing stores, such as Paper Bag Princess, Smoove and Thriftway.

 

Find unique goods and gifts

While you’re perusing the shops for fashion finds, you’ll also want to make time to explore K’Road’s gift and homewares stores.

In particular, Crushes showcases beautiful art, home decor, homewares and slow fashion from over 60 local makers, including Māori and Pasifika businesses. Within the space, Crushes also hosts Social Club events, with workshops and opportunities to get crafty and creative.

Buana Satu is a long-standing fixture of K’Road’s retail scene, with an eclectic range of New Zealand- and Pacific-made art and homeware. Booklovers will want to put some time aside for The Green Dolphin bookshop, where you could chance upon rare finds, nostalgic classics and quality near-new books.

Take a turn off K’Road into Pitt Street where you’ll find Flying Out, a store with one of the city’s best selections of records. Flying Out stocks both new releases, reissues and used vinyl, as well as CDs and cassettes. If you’re in town on Saturday, you might also catch some live local music.

 

Experience the world on a plate

The toughest part of your time visiting K’Road will be deciding which restaurant to choose for dinner. Some of Auckland’s top restaurants call K’Road home, with a smorgasbord of cuisine to choose from. From five-course feasts to tapas and contemporary takes on street food, you’ll want to extend your stay simply so you can eat your way through all that’s on offer.

Coco’s Cantina is a local favourite for homestyle, Mediterranean-inspired food with a vibrant atmosphere. While we’re dreaming of a jaunt to the Med, Candela is a cosy spot that will transport you to Spanish shores. It has an ambiance perfectly fit for a romantic dinner over tapas and vino tinto.

Or, head back to St Kevins Arcade to find yourself at Pici, a cute and casual pasta and wine bar where you’ll find elevated dishes and just the right amount of rowdy-ness to kick off your night with some good vibes.

St Kevins Arcade is also home to Gemmayze Street, which offers exceptional authentic Lebanese cuisine (their unforgettable hummus will become your Roman Empire). Lovers of Lebanese food will also find their favourite dishes with a contemporary twist at Lebanese Grocer. Their gorgeous courtyard is a peaceful spot for a bit of respite from the bustling street.

With a French chef, you can trust that whatever is coming out of Apéro’s kitchen is going to be impressive. Apéro’s menu is ever-changing and at the whim of seasonal ingredients, but one thing you’ll want to be sure to order is their famous flaming sausage.

Looking for a lively spot to bring your mates together for a late-night bite to eat? Hello garlic butter frites! French-inspired neo-bistro Bar Celeste serves up a selection of tasty sharing plates that will tantalise your taste buds, while you settle in and let the good vibes roll.

Sri Penang is an absolute icon of K’Road, even named one of the best restaurants in the world according to Condé Nast, and a great place to go for a BYO. Equally iconic, Otto serves up incredible artisanal Italian dishes. We’ve got four words for you: Spinach. Goat cheese. Dumplings. Mamma mia!

While at the other end of the spend-spectrum, grab a quick and cheerful bite from Lowbrow, with some of the best deep fried chicken wings you’ll find in Auckland. Or take a nostalgic trip back in time to Sneaky Snacky’s 80s-inspired burger bar to try their iconic burger donut. You read that right. Once you go glazed, you’ll never go back!

 

Head out after dark

K’Road is renowned for its nightlife, with pubs, crafty bars and nightclubs to cater to different vibes. In particular, this is where you’ll find Auckland’s main LGBTQIA+ friendly scene.

If you’re feeling a bit fancy, kick the evening off with wine and tapas at Atelier, a self-proclaimed ‘slice of the French Riviera' right in the heart of K’Road. Liven things up with a visit to Whammy Bar, where you’ll find live underground music in an intimate setting. For an evening to remember, book a table at Caluzzi bar and drag cabaret for a night of music, comedy and entertainment. You won’t regret it.

Of course you can’t visit K’Road without a boogie at Family Bar, an absolute institution for all. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or not, Family Bar prides itself on creating a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for everyone to feel right at home.

Music lovers and those with a penchant for the party scene will also want to check out Neck of the Woods and Ink Bar, with their lineup of DJs to keep you dancing into the wee smalls.

If you’re keen to experience K’Road’s night scene but would prefer to avoid the crowds, Bar Magda is a more intimate, relaxed space to enjoy exceptional cocktails. Keep an eye out for Sly Bar’s secret door. Behind it you’ll find a welcoming, character-filled speakeasy, where mixologists will whip up something to suit your fancy.

Grab a nightcap before bed back at Cordis, where Our Land offers a cosy spot to enjoy a Kiwi-inspired cocktail and perhaps some late-night bites by the fire.

 

Experience the artistic side

Creativity is infused into the essence of K’Road, with vibrant street art, murals and graffiti providing plenty of Insta-worthy backdrops. There is a self-guided walking tour you can follow to discover these unique pieces as you stroll the street and side roads.

You’ll also see art on display in K’Road’s numerous galleries, including Artspace Aotearoa, Bergman Gallery and Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust.

You could even take home a permanent reminder of your time here with some ink from one of Auckland’s most renowned tattoo artists, including Auckland Fine Line Tattoo and Ōtautahi Tattoo.