What to see and do in Auckland - Part 9

What to see and do in Auckland: part 9

Victoria Park Market

Built in 1901, this was a city rubbish incinerator. It had its own electricity generating steam boilers which were heated by the rubbish burning furnace. It even had stables for horses which pulled the garbage carts. It was restored in 1972 and is now known for its maze like collection of stalls, barrows and shops where you can find plenty of arts, crafts and ethnic specialities.

Otara Market

This is believed to be the largest Polynesian market in the world. It is an enormous market selling everything from clothes, crafts, exotic food to CD’s in a lively atmosphere.

Nuffield Street

Nuffeld Street in Newmarket is a boutique style destination with not only fashion shops, but also dining places and homeware stores.

Parnell Shopping

Parnell Village is a historic shopping area five minutes east of the city with charming boutiques and cafés. Along Parnell Road, you will find art galleries that house local New Zealand artwork.

Ponsonby

Ponsonby Road is a shopping destination for fashion aficionados and offers an array of clothing, furniture and designer lifestyle shops. Ponsonby is a five minute drive west of the central city with a combination of contemporary shopping and café dining. This is a late 19th century neighbourhood which is full of wooden homes.

Auckland Farmers Market Plus

The Auckland Farmers Market Plus opened for the first time in September 2007. It is located at the Twin Stables Complex in Alexandra Park Trotting Grounds which is in Greeenlane. The markets are completely covered and therefore are open every Sunday no matter what the weather. Vendors can only sell what they grow, so you can be guaranteed that it will be fresh and locally grown.

La Cigale French style Farmers Market

Every Saturday this French style Farmers Market takes place at the car park beside French store La Cigale in Parnell. The emphasis is on seasonal fruit and vegetables which are organic whenever possible, artesian bread, cheese, confectioneries, oils, spices and homemade preserves. It’s a great place to pick up something for a weekend picnic.

Auckland naturally has its range of ‘named’ stores that you find in every city around the world these days. So I have picked two from each end of the spectrum to illustrate this.

Hugo Boss

The Hugo Boss store offers elegant design for men and women and you will find this and much more spread over floors of this shop.

Topshop Department Store

What can I say other than the shop is full of clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, make up and more. If you know the name you know what to expect.

Continued in part 10