Helene R.'s
Where to buy the best baby clothes
- 143Smith & Caughey'sAuckland CentralIf you are a beauty freak like me then the news that San Francisco brand Benefit had finally arrived in New Zealand would have been greeted with much joy. They are renowned for their cute, quirky campaigns and their amazing brow bars, one of which can now be found smack bang in the middle of Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street branch. They do a fast, seriously great job and work with what Mother Nature gave you, as well as taking walk ins. Hallelujah.
- 226Nature Baby LimitedGrey LynnThe only spot for the greenest, safest and most eco-friendly toys in town - and they look super cute too. Whenever someone I know has a bub on the way it’s the first place I go to pick up Sophia the Giraffe and baby safe chew toys, every time.
- 33Dimples by Jane Anne - Grey LynnGrey LynnA family-run business that knows pretty much everything there is to know about babies, Dimples has a huge selection of beautiful baby clothes of the most incredible quality. Their clothes are built to last - and to be enjoyed by several generations.
- 44Laundromat OutletAlbanyThe worst kept secret in Auckland when it comes to picking up amazingly cool Minti clothes for babies and kids at discount prices. Minti is super cute, unique and hard wearing - you definitely won’t leave empty handed!
- 52Illicit Clothing Co LtdNewtonFor totally rock n’ roll onesies and tees - as well as stuff for older kids - you have to check out what Illicit has to offer. Definitely not for the faint hearted but always guaranteed to get a comment, their baby duds are the coolest on the block.
Helene R.'s
The best places to buy unusual toys
- 15Trade Aid PonsonbyPonsonbyThe Trade Aid stores dotted around Auckland city always have a huge selection of reasonably priced gifting ideas, and the initiative behind them makes those gifts even more special. Their support of developing nations has been a big part of their business for years and I love shopping there all the more for it. Their kids’ sections are always particularly good too, with lots of cool little treats for parties that definitely don’t cost the earth.
- 29The Poi RoomNewmarketThe Poi Room is a pretty glorious place to visit, packed with contemporary New Zealand art and design from the well known to the recently discovered. It is a hot spot for gifts for friends overseas, and usually has something that perfectly fits the brief no matter what your budget or size constraints. The retail staff are super helpful as well, which makes the whole experience that much sweeter.
- 35PauanesiaAuckland CentralPauanesia has been on the High Street strip for as long as I can remember, serving up eclectic Kiwi and Polynesian-themed gift ideas that are most definitely a cut above your average souvenir shop. I always send visitors there to pick up a little something to take home as the edit is always fun and the staff lovely to deal with.
- 43Be ba boPonsonbyIf you have little family members of your own or are just in the market for gifts for ones you know, Be Ba Bo has some of the coolest and best quality offerings out there. They stock predominantly European brands and have a great selection of Haba and Lego, as well as some big ticket items that are guaranteed to impress. The window displays are very cool too, and worth a visit all on their own.
- 526Nature Baby LimitedGrey LynnThe only spot for the greenest, safest and most eco-friendly toys in town - and they look super cute too. Whenever someone I know has a bub on the way it’s the first place I go to pick up Sophia the Giraffe and baby safe chew toys, every time.
Helene R.'s
The city's top spots for tapas
- 123Mondial BarGrey LynnWe love Mondial for a warm and cosy catch up on cooler nights, the wine list is always inspired and the tapas is the best in town. It is big enough to handle larger groups but also has plenty of dark corners for catch ups of a more intimate nature, and you never feel rushed no matter what the hour. A Grey Lynn secret spot that has been a poorly kept secret with good reason!
- 26PintxosPonsonbyFor tapas style dining with a difference we love trips to Pintxos for some Basque Region specialties, not to mention the eclectic and super affordable wine list. A great way to while away an afternoon and well into the evening.
- 320OrtolanaAuckland CentralBritomart’s Ortolana is one of my new favourite places to eat, a European style bistro that has some of the freshest flavours on the block. They have a ‘garden to fork’ philosophy that means all food is locally sourced, and it shows in the amazing seasonal menu. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, so get in there if you can for any of the above. You won’t be disappointed!
- 410Bellota Spanish Tapas BarAuckland CentralUnlike many Auckland tapas-style establishments, Bellota below SkyCity is modern, sleek and super cool. Almost Manhattan-esque in feel, its menu is fresh and authentically Spanish, with olives and pickles and Iberian ham featuring heavily in the line up. They also serve a stunning array of Spanish cheeses that go perfectly with a glass of sherry or cava, and the most perfectly crafted churros in town.
- 523Everybody's IzakayaAuckland CentralThe popular Everybody’s in the Imperial Lane has had a bit of a makeover last Winter, turning officially Japanese under new moniker Everybody’s Izakaya. It is now serving up deliciously inspired food courtesy of head chef Nick Honeyman, and the menu will have you salivating from first read. The service is informal enough to relax you but just attentive enough to impress, and if you are on a first date the incredible cocktail list will most definitely help break the ice. The Autumn Elixir and Tokyo Serenity are two of my faves, or there is a huge sake list that includes a delicious sparkling option. Make sure to book if you want an upstairs booth.
Helene R.'s
Best places for buying lingerie
- 130The Department StoreTakapunaTakapuna’s The Department Store totally changed the face of the previously tired seaside suburb when it opened a few years ago, and it constantly offers some of the city’s best retail therapy. Recent arrivals include a careful edit of I Love Ugly, Sylvester and Ruby’s latest collections, as well as beautiful lingerie in The Dressing Room.
- 29Miss CrabbPonsonbyI love designer Kristine Crabb of Miss Crabb fame for both her amazing personal style and her killer use of colour. You will always get a kick out of browsing her rainbow hued racks, and most likely leave with a beautiful new addition to your wardrobe that isn’t black! The store also stocks some of my other favourite labels, including the uniquely classic Penny Sage and Curio Noir candles.
- 36Bendon Lingerie - NewmarketNewmarketThe huge Bendon store on Broadway in Newmarket is my favourite place to shop for lingerie by far. The selection is vast and the retail staff go above and beyond, and the changing rooms must be amongst the most spacious and glamorous in town. As well as the Bendon brands they stock a good selection of tights and shapewear too, so you’re all set for a night out.
- 443Smith & Caughey'sAuckland CentralIf you are a beauty freak like me then the news that San Francisco brand Benefit had finally arrived in New Zealand would have been greeted with much joy. They are renowned for their cute, quirky campaigns and their amazing brow bars, one of which can now be found smack bang in the middle of Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street branch. They do a fast, seriously great job and work with what Mother Nature gave you, as well as taking walk ins. Hallelujah.
- 52The Pyjama Co Auckland CityAuckland CentralA great place to stop and browse when you’re in the mood for treating yourself to some special, wearable and unique lingerie. The brands in store are vast and at plenty of great price points, so you can pop in and pick up something everyday and comfy or a little on the slinky side - they have it all!
Helene R.'s
Places to pick up vintage and pre-loved goodies
- 110Flotsam & JetsamGrey LynnNothing makes a true fossicker more happy than a store full of unique, quirky and very cool vintage finds, and Flotsam & Jetsam on Ponsonby Road is jam packed with all that and more. Owner Cam has an exceptional eye, and his edit is impeccable - you seriously cannot leave this place empty handed, no matter how hard you try. He also has a small selection of beautiful hard cover books for sale that make for inspired gifting.
- 217Tatty's Designer RecyclePonsonbyAs well as being a good spot for hunting vintage bargains and great steals, Tatty’s on Ponsonby Road is the perfect destination post- a really good closet clean out. They will cast an expert eye over your cast-offs, and if you’re lucky take them in store and sell them on your behalf. Easier than a garage sale any day!
- 32Bob & FriendsPonsonbyOne of the most unique and seriously impressive furniture and homewares stores I have walked into of late is the beautiful Bob & Friends opposite Western Park on Ponsonby Road. They specialise in contemporary British designers like Matthew Hilton and Gareth Neal, and every room in their showroom looks like one I would like to have in my house. They also have great gift ideas like throws and even Damien Hirst paper weights - definitely a must buy.
- 419Recycle Boutique Auckland CityAuckland CentralThe Recycle Boutique just off Queen Street has been a bargain hunters’ dream for years now, and stocked great finds and vintage before the term was ever applied to second hand clothing. It is still one of the best places to pick up well priced, Pre-loved pieces, and the selection is huge and ever-changing due to the serious traffic that comes through its doors.
- 52Victorian GiltOneroaAn absolute treasure trove for lovers of fabric, jewelry and beautiful vintage wear, Victorian Gilt is one of Auckland’s worst kept secrets when it comes to unique gift shopping. Check out the antique stores nearby too - you definitely won’t leave empty handed.
Helene R.'s
Places for a Ladies Afternoon Tea
- 110I am a regular at both the Newmarket and CityWorks Depot branches of Dry & Tea, and not just visiting to get my hair done. They are absolutely passionate about beautiful teas too, and stock the most amazing range from T2 that includes my favourites: Liquorice Legs and Gorgeous Geisha. They even have tea-related gifts you can buy and take home, like Limoges cup and saucer sets at $199 a pop! Now THAT is every day luxury.
- 210Fred's Espresso & Soda BarPonsonbyFred’s can be found in the space formerly known as Agnes Curran at the top of Franklin Road, but has a very different vibe. They now have a full menu for starters, although some of the cabinet favourites from Agnes still feature and are still mouth wateringly good. The coffee is superb and the service relaxed but sharp, and the banana bread is a new must have. Love this place.
- 319MontereyGrey LynnWe love the laid back, almost retro vibe of Monterey in West Lynn, and their eggs bene selection is the best in the ‘hood. I go for roast tomatoes and watercress, but there also all manner of meaty options and some great sides!
- 429Foxtrot ParlourPonsonbyI love a cafe that thinks outside the square when it comes to brunch and lunch options, and Ponsonby Central’s Foxtrot Parlour does just that. They don’t get much better than pulled pork Banh Mi and amazing Empire Eggs, washed down with some of the sharpest coffee in town.
- 536Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality GroupAuckland CentralEasily the city’s poshest spot for High Tea, with an incredible tea menu and bubbles on offer to boot. They even offer little takeaway boxes to transport wee treats home when you’re tummy is full, meaning a lovely surprise to enjoy later on!