Auckland Style Secrets | Yes there are some!

I totally understand the concept that when you arrive in Auckland, walk up Queen Street and see the Viaduct Harbour you are pretty much ready to see what else is out there. The Viaduct is not exactly St Tropez and Queen Street is not exactly Oxford Street in the UK. However, like all stylish secrets you do have to delve a little deeper to find the hidden treasure. When I say delve a little deeper I mean a 5 - 20 minute train or bus ride. You really don't have to go far from Auckland's City Centre to find a few pleasant surprises and a whole other side to this city.

Parnell Village

Auckland Wikipedia

It's walkable, although it is a healthy walk, but you can also get the bus which will take about 5 minutes. Parnell Village is the essence of quaint with bakeries, wine bars, upmarket cafes, quirky boutiques and souvenir shops. All of which costs no more than you would find on the Viaduct or elsewhere in the city centre. In Parnell Village you get the serenity and peace and quiet for free. This is definitely the place to come if you want to find those one off individual trinkets and souvenirs to take home.

Newmarket

Possibly the biggest surprise for me when exploring Auckland and also the most gutting. Having wandered Queen Street and updated my wardrobe I then visit Newmarket to find that there is so much more there. Not only are all the shops bigger and there are more of them, Newmarket is also home to an excellent vintage shop, located conveniently next door to Farmers. You can't miss Farmers, just trust me on that one.

Aside from the shops, Newmarket has some great Asian restaurants at the same cost as the food markets in Auckland's city centre but the coolest part of Newmarket is the random European vibe some of the bars have got going on. Sitting outside on the street with a beer or glass of cider you genuinely feel like you could be in Spain. I know it sounds bizarre but it's true. They have some great happy hours too.

Remuera

Think tree lined streets and an air of history combined with independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. The shops are more expensive than your average backpacker budget but it is a great place to wander and enjoy coffee and amazing cakes in one of the cafes.

Sylvia Park

Well worth the $3.60, 20 minute train ride out to Mount Wellington. Sylvia Park is a large open air shopping mall with a modern art design combining all the usual high street stores with a few added extras. It's new and modern and is also home to Theobromo Chocolate Lounge, a cafe dedicated to the intricate art of chocolate. With big comfy leather chairs, free magazines to read and amazing chili hot chocolate, the only thing you need to consider is whether to have the belgian chocolate brownie or the tiramisu cheesecake.

No need to eat out at Sylvia Park, although you can if you like, just go to the cinema but Premier style. For the same amount as you would spend on dinner you can see a film in the comfort of your own booth with reclining chairs, get yourself a glass of wine brought out to you and some popcorn and enjoy the luxury. You will forget you are a backpacker at Sylvia Park in about five seconds.

I cannot stress it enough, go that little bit further in Auckland and you will see a completely different side to the city and maybe, just maybe, Auckland won't be such a style disappointment. All you need is an afternoon or evening to enjoy some of Auckland's style secrets and hidden treasures.

• Local Budget Accommodation: Nomads Fat Camel Backpackers hostel & Nomads Auckland Backpackers Hostel
• Local Destination Guide: Auckland Destination Guide & Travel Advice
  

About the Author: Cheska is a keen traveler who has visited many countries in the past few years, including China and much of South America. She's currently undertaking an internship for Nomads based at Nomads Auckland backpackers hostel, New Zealand

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