100 things we love about Auckland
Smith and Caughey
The last real old school department store, a genuine grand dame. Founded in 1880, their windows are works of art, their Christmas displays a treat and their sales (still, genteelly, called "fairs") legendary. Three levels of heaven on Queen St, whether it's a gift for you or someone you love, this is a great place to look. Along Queen St, Auckland City.
2. Trade Aid
We love their philosophy of low key self help for developing countries, we love the things they sell.
With six great stores across Auckland, Trade Aid makes it easy to buy ethical goods and support fair trade.
3. The Department Store
This is glamour shopping personified, the modern, hip take on the traditional department store experience. Whether it's fashion, beauty, design, or just French pastries, a visit to The Department Store is a treat for all the senses. Take in the pretty florist on the ground floor, the green wall on the top, the pampering in between. Northcroft St, Takapuna.
4. Authentic Tomas Plekanec Jersey Green Bay Auctions
Every Wednesday, come and hunt for bargains. Whether it's mid century furniture, a chainsaw, musical instruments, or a box of 1960s magazines, you never know what you might find here among the antiques, collectables and oddments. Youth Carey Price Jersey And no trip is complete without popping into the Kohu Rd Cafe just over the road. Cnr of Portage Rd and Neville St, New Lynn.
5. Ike's and Geoff's Emporia
These shops have helped make our birthday parties, fancy dress dos and craft projects all the richer, without making us poorer. Like $2 shops on steroids. Feather boas, haberdashery, fabric, toys, hardware, crafts, paint, jewellery, tools, souvenirs, wigs, costumes, decorations and just plain fruity stuff. Dominion Rd, Browns Bay, Devonport and Orewa.
Elisabeth Easther
THE CULTURE http://www.canadiensofficialonline.com/Authentic-Carey-Price-Jersey
6. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Since the renovated, much enlarged gallery opened its doors last September, more than half a million people have poured in, many returning again and again. It's become a magnet for local and international tourists, but even more importantly, it's attracting people from all over the Auckland region, many of whom have never visited before.
We love it not only for the variety of exhibitions and activities the new auditorium hosts some illuminating documentaries and talks but also for the outstanding quality of the refit, making it a beautiful building to explore. It sits well within its Albert Park environs, the new cafe is full of treats and the gallery staff are friendly and helpful. It's a treasure. Find it on Kitchener St.
7. Pah Homestead
The restored historic Pah Homestead in Monte Cecilia Park has been home to the James Wallace Arts Trust and its huge collection since 2010, and it's another winner in terms of welcoming many gallery newbies from the wider Auckland region. A lovely building in a lovely setting (you can hear the birds singing as you stroll through the rooms), with gorgeous New Zealand art that reflects the range and depth of philanthropist collector James Wallace, who has given so much to the city through the decades. Head to 72 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough.
8. Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Usually to be seen in full thrilling flight at the Town Hall but our orchestra also excels at bringing music to young people via its Sistema Aotearoa programme, which nurtures less advantaged kids' creativity through learning to play instruments. It's truly magic to watch the Sistema kids in action at the Otara Music Arts Centre. The APO also runs a robust concert series developed for decile 5 or lower secondary school children, while its concert programme is an all ages showcase for great musicianship and star performers and conductors from around the world. Next Thursday: Shakespeare In Music.
9. http://www.canadiensofficialonline.com/Authentic-Tomas-Plekanec-Jersey Opera Factory
Opera Factory has been beavering away for 16 years teaching singers of all ages and levels the many crafts required for opera performance. The trust has education at its heart but it also stages chamber opera, concerts and special events for children, with an increasing commitment to New Zealand composers. It's a hive of creativity. Check out 7 Eden St, Newmarket.
10. The Basement
The shiny new Q Theatre just across the way is fabulous but we're backing the grungier Basement for its steady devotion to affordable theatre that's often confrontational and bonkers yet rarely boring and never middle of the road. The ground floor theatre is all the better for a long needed air con unit, which the upstairs studio lacks. One day soon, we hope. It's at Lower Greys Ave.