As mentioned in my main post of Auckland, the city’s Central Business District (which is mostly unpopulated when the sun sets) is surrounded by a number of suburbs, many which are mostly residential-only, but some which are very well worth a visit.
My favourite suburbs during my visit in April 2011 were: Newmarket, Parnell, Devonport and Ponsonby, all of which are entirely different from each other, and hold their own reason for interest.
Shops at New Market Auckland
Newmarket
About 15 minutes from the CBD by transit (traffic-permitting), New Market is known by locals as the ‘Fashion Capital of New Zealand.’ The suburb is built around Broadway St, a long street lined on both sides with a number of high-end clothing, accessory and beauty-products shops; fashionable cafes and restaurants; Beauty Salons and SPAs; all combined with small boutique and independent clothing shops, and everything from fast food restaurants to movie theatres to electronic stores.
The suburb is not beautiful in any way (I literally could not find a good spot to take a picture to capture anything amazing), but the suburb is lively, busy, and a great spot to go window shopping, or sit at a cafe overlooking Broadway St and people watch the fashionable-wannabes. Oh yes, and there’s the shopping, too!
Anglican Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand
Parnell
Auckland’s posh suburb, located between the CBD and Newmarket, is suburbia’s dream of white picket fences, green lawns, 2.4 kids and a dog. It’s main street, also lined with small restaurants and cafes, with a couple of shops here and there, is mostly transited by young trophy-wives with baby carriages and pocket-sized dogs in their purses.
The suburb is great for a coffee visit, and to oogle over some of the beautiful Victorian and Edwardian houses and unconventional church structures, such as the Anglican Cathedral.
Ferry Arriving into Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand
Devonport
This quaint sea-side suburb is probably my favourite, seamlessly combining a busy main street, beautifully maintained old houses and businesses, beaches, and great views of the city skyline. Located on the mainland, but right across from the CBD, this suburb is easily reached (especially if you do not have a car) in about 20 minutes by ferry from the memorable Ferry Building right in the CBD.
The main street (just like all the other suburbs) contains various nice shops, a beautiful covered arcade, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. My favourite part of this suburb however has to be the walkway along the ocean, one part of which contains some nice (not amazing) beaches, and the other which offers great views of the Auckland skyline across the inlet. The scenic ferry ride from the CBD to Devonport alone is even worth the visit.
Old Post Office – Ponsonby
Ponsonby
My visit to Ponsonby was quick, on my last day, before heading to the airport. I went here for brunch with my friend Yvonne. Restaurants are chic, people are posh, and the architecture is nice. Great spot to visit for brunch. It also is supposed to be Auckland’s main arts district, with various independent galleries in the area.
Filed under: •Auckland
