PLACES TO GO 

Shopping:
Meadowlark of course!
Everyday needs - for simple and well made home products.
Record stores - Flying out, Flying Nun, Real Groovy.
Public Record - For beautiful pieces of art and more from NZ and Japan.
Lamplight books - the best book shop in Auckland.
Scotties - Second hand and new designer clothing.
Gokula - vintage and second hand musical instruments and gear.
Shakes & Edit - designer menswear beside each other in the central city.

Art Galleries:
Michael Lett
Coastal Signs
Anna Miles Gallery
Ivan Anthony
Objectspace
Te Uru
The Arts House Trust

THINGS TO DO 

Spend a day or two on Waiheke Island visiting the beaches and wineries...
Our favorite beaches are Little Oneroa, Onetangi & Palm beach.
Our favorite wineries are Tantalus Estate, Poderi Crisci & Casita Miro.

Visit Piha beach, a classic beach destination near Auckland, black sands and full on waves, be extra safe here!

Grab a book and sit in Albert park or the domain in the afternoon sun

EAT & DRINK
Ockhee - delicious Korean
Goblin - A backwater tavern with interesting events.
Nami Record Bar - A relaxed bar, great food and the best place to dance the night away.
Darling - A huge space with a great rooftop & you can find some special Meadowlark here.
No7. - Hidden away small cafe by day, wine & pasta & dancing bar by night.
Gemmayze Street - Exceptional Lebanese
Bar Celeste - A French style restaurant and wine bar.
Open Cafe - Chill local coffee store, open day and some nights
Daily Daily - For your daily caffeine fix.
Rhu - If you find yourself in Parnell, this is the place to eat, so, so good.
Lebanese Grocer - Self explanatory with a delicious and simple menu and courtyard area.
Gochu - If you find yourself downtown and near Commercial Bay this is our favourite of so many great eateries.
Seabreeze Cafe - A classic cafe in the Westmere suburb.
Ragtag - Also in Westmere, really great food for lunch or dinner.
Apero - An exceptional dining experience, this cozy and relaxed space is not open on weekends and must be booked.

PLACES TO STAY 

We don't have a lot of small boutique hotels yet, but we recommend:
The Convent
Park Hyatt
The Britomart Hotel

Top 3 Tips
Be prepared for all weather - It rains often in Auckland but not usually for too long, in summer it is muggy!

Top 3 Recommendations 
Hire a car - Auckland is pretty big and spread out, so it can be hard to get around.
Get out of Auckland if you can - in any direction you will find great beaches.
Stay central but don't get stuck in the central city.

For even more places around NZ - click here for our creative directors personal list of recommendations - unfinished but updated often.