There aren't too many pitfalls to beware of in Auckland, just a few well-trodden, overrated destinations.
The main drag
Every city has its main drag, and
Queen Street is it in Auckland. But it's a lesser Oxford Street of London or George Street of Sydney; with its newly widened pavements it's a pleasant enough thoroughfare, but hardly a charming promenade. If you need to be in the area, keep it interesting and just peel off up to High Street, Vulcan Lane and Lorne Street for the character of cobble stones, narrow streets, cafes, NZ's top designers and myriad fashion boutiques.
The vile-duct
The
Viaduct developed as a result of the
America's Cup, is something of a lame duck. The standard faux Irish bar, saloon-type bar and nondescript others don't do the inner-harbour setting justice. The saving grace is
Soul — this slick suntrap has consistently good food and service in an upbeat environment. There's a generous outdoor area so take your sunnies and sunscreen if you fancy an afternoon in the sipping a crisp sav.
Soul is also a popular post-work spot with city types, which means it's busy most nights, particularly Friday.
To market, or not ...
The best thing about
Victoria Markets is the 1905 building itself, even if it used to be a rubbish depot. Perhaps the dross inside — a ragtag collection of shops and stalls interlaced with the smell of fried food — is an apt reflection. If this was Sydney or London, this spot of prime, heritage, inner-city real estate would be a stylish conversion of shops, eateries, entertainment and living. The silver lining here is
Tony Stewart's Antiques & Collectables (Boiler Room, 210 Victoria Street) for jewellery and trinkets — I recently picked up a 1940s Gucci bracelet for a snip.
Parn-hell
Parnell is always trotted out in tourist guides. It's not offensive, it just doesn't have a whole lot to offer apart from quaint but overpriced touristy gift and art shops. This moneyed area definitely has its charms as a place to live, but to visit it's a bit Prue-and-Trude. There is a sweetener though — the
Chocolate Boutique & Cafe is a shrine to chocolates and deserves to be worshipped. This tiny boutique is home to a dazzling array of yummy, gorgeous gifts and the café menu has pages of chocolatey decadence — and it's open until 10pm. While you savour your triple chocolate decadence in a long glass, check out the walls for the famous butts (Bill Clinton's takes pride of place) that have sat and indulged.
Got any more places to avoid? Have your say using the comments form below.
Next: Near the beaten track
