shopfitters auckland is the largest city in New Zealand as well as the country's most active urban center. It's a fitting name because the entire city, including its surrounding areas, is a shopper's paradise. There's always something new to discover around the next corner, and new people to meet. Whether you're looking for luxury items or cheap luxuries, you'll easily find them in the marketplaces of the city.
This market draws people from all around the world, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world. It's famous for its nightlife, dining, and shopping, but there's so much more to this beautiful city. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the things that Auckland has to offer, continue reading.
The Best Interiors Companies In Auckland
While Auckland is most famous for its shopping, it doesn't mean that all shops in the city are created equal. There are numerous luxury brands, boutiques, and high-end stores, but also many small independently-owned businesses that operate in the city. These shops often have unique and intriguing displays that make visiting them a genuine experience – something very special. This aspect of Auckland's retail landscape has made it a mecca for designers, architects, and shop owners who want to experiment with interior displays.
If you're interested in trying something new, the best place to start is the Royal Arcade, a luxury shopping mall that dates back to 1881 and is one of the world's great shopping malls. The mall has over 100 stores and restaurants, and features a 14-screen movie theater, ice cream parlor, and gallery space. Next stop: the ASB Bank wing of the Britomart Transport Center. This glass and steel structure was designed by acclaimed British architect Sir John Carli, and it's home to 41 luxury boutiques as well as a variety of bars, eateries, and coffee shops.
To get a real feel for the variety of shops and businesses in Auckland, you have to visit the downtown area. There you'll find five distinct shopping zones, each with its own character and vibe. Browse the shops around the corner for unique items, authentic New Zealand made and imported goods, local artists' work, artisanal beers, and much more.
The Best Places To Eat In Auckland
As we've established above, Auckland is filled with luxury shops, but that doesn't mean that all the city's eateries are luxury restaurants. In fact, there are plenty of hole-in-the-wall eateries that serve up authentic NZ cuisine for budget-conscious shoppers and diners. These places are usually found in the city's historic suburbs, and they're absolutely packed every evening. If you want to try something new, this is certainly where you should go.
There are also plenty of high-end eateries in Auckland that serve delicious modern creations, as well as local delicacies. Some of the best restaurants in Auckland include the following:
- Brigadeiro's Portuguese Restaurant
- Hilton Hotel & Casino
- Lotus Hotel & Spa
- Raffles Hotel & Casino
- The Cloud
- The Shed
- Vaughan's Restaurant
To find the best places to eat in Auckland, simply browse the menus of the above restaurants, or consult an online food guide such as http://www.whatwastakeneat.com/. As for my personal favorite spot in the city, it's hard to pick just one. My all-time favorite restaurant in Auckland is Brigadeiro's Portuguese Restaurant, which serves authentic, top-notch Portuguese food. It's a real find and not something you get everywhere else in NZ – or even in Auckland, for that matter.
The Best Places To Drink In Auckland
Now, as much as I love visiting the shops in Auckland, one of my favorite things about the city are its bars and nightclubs. There's always something going on somewhere in the city, and the bars are a great place to experience it. You'll find many bars and nightclubs in the downtown area, as well as in the adjacent suburb of Parnell, so it's really easy to get a sense of the city's nightlife.
Unfortunately, some of Auckland's bars and nightclubs can be a bit pricey, so it's important to know where to go and what to order to get value for money. The best places to drink in Auckland include the following:
- The Counting House
- Elm Tree Tavern
- Good Food Café
- Grillroom
- The Junction Tavern
- Northland Brewing Company
- Rockefeller Bar
- Scofflaw
- Spotbar
- Three Monkeys Pub
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, head to the Counting House, a Baroque mansion that's now a luxury restaurant. There you'll find French cuisine served by beautiful, attentive waitstaff. The restaurant is in a secluded section of the skyscraping, Royal Auckland Yacht Club. Reservations are highly recommended, as it's a popular spot with high rollers from around the world. Another interesting option is The Shed, a trendy bar/eatery in the downtown area that operates as a pop-up restaurant, serving up delicious, creative small bites.
Where To Stay In Auckland
Now, the final point I want to make about Auckland is that, although it's filled with incredible dining and shopping options, there are other places in the city that you should consider visiting. The most famous of these is the Sky Tower. You may know it best as the “Toggle Skydeck” – the observatory deck atop the 88m-high skyscraper. If you've ever seen the movie The World's Strongest Man, you may also recognize the tower as the place where Arnold Schwarzenegger's character worked. If you ever get the chance to visit the observatory deck, you must go – it's a breathtaking view of the city, filled with twinkling lights and bustling city life.
Another spot that I love is One Tree Hill. This lush, green expanse of park-like scenery backs on to the city's downtown area and provides magnificent views of the harbor. It's a very relaxed and picturesque place to visit, with winding streets and tree-lined lanes filled with leafy trees and colorful flowers. There are numerous restaurants and cafes on the hill, as well as a small food market where you can get all sorts of picnic goodies.
Another place that is easily accessible from the airport is the Ferry Building. This iconic skyscraper was built in 1906 and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It's located in the downtown area, close to a number of attractions, restaurants, and bars. There is also a hotel, casino, and concert venue located within the building complex.
There are plenty of places to stay in Auckland, both high-end and budget-friendly options, making it the perfect place to base yourself for a shopping trip or a romantic getaway with your sweetheart. Some of the city's best luxury hotels, including the wonderful Nira, are located in the downtown area. Also, Make Checkout Easy At Hotels.com by using our special links to get incredible deals at top-notch hotels across the globe. Don't forget: if you want to get the most value for your money, visit the budget-friendly hotels close to the attractions you're most interested in – it's often the cost of transportation that makes a difference here, as well as the quality of the hotel's service and its location.
So, what does all this mean? Auckland is a great city with a lot to offer. If you're visiting the country for the first time, head to the airport and let the magic of this beautiful city wash over you. You'll soon discover that there's a lot more to this city than meets the eye – including its restaurants, bars, and hotels! See you there soon.