Charlotte R.'s
Shoe shopping
- 11Rodeo Drive BootsPonsonbyRodeo Drive Boots have a premium selection of authentic western boots from Sancho and Lucchese for men and women. They also stock Bullets4Peace, a unique jewellery line made out of recycled bullet casings and have a great range of hard to find bolo ties.
- 23Runway Shoes & AccessoriesNewmarketRunway has an extremely covetable selection of footwear and bags. From the textural vegan delights of Stella McCartney, enduring classics by Diane von Furstenberg, vintage inspired treats from Chie Mihara to the offbeat and clever Marc Jacobs, it is heaven for accessoriy-philes.
- 35PlatypusAuckland CentralPlatypus is the new kid on Queen Street and has a seriously dazzling array of sneakers and other street footwear. There's Nike, Dr Martens, Converse, Adidas, Diesel, Palladiums, Vans, TImberland and so much more. The store is well laid out and easy to browse and in a handy location.
- 42Mischief Shoes - New MarketNewmarketMischief Shoes is like a candy store for those footwear obsessed. It is filled with the biggest range of styles for men and women with really accessible prices. There is everything from the classic court in nude and black to leopard print creepers and sky high ankle boots. For men there is a range of classic Clarks desert boots, dress and work shoes and also timeless Converse All Stars. There really is something for everyone in this store.
- 52T Clark Mens ShoesAuckland CentralFor the finest in classic men's shoes I recommend heading to T Clarks in Queens Arcade. This unassuming shop stocks a fine range of Clarks, RM WIlliams, Loake, Sperry, Barker and Birkenstock among others. They have the iconic Clarks suede desert boot as well as the cult school shoe of choice - the Wallabee, RM Williams Craftsman in suede and in tan and black leather, Loake sleek black Mason Chelsea boot and a perfect lace up dress shoe, and for those really wanting to splash out check out the Barkers range which includes loafers, brogues and lace ups with toe cap.
Charlotte R.'s
Where to op shop
- 14Mercy Hospice Shop - Mt EdenMt EdenThe Mt Eden Hospice shop is a must stop if you are heading through the village. They often have great designer clothing at bargain prices and I especially love the china, bric-a-brac and jewellery selection.
- 23The White ElephantAuckland CentralWhite Elephant has everything and the kitchen sink! Vintage bric a brac, crockery, furniture, old computers, clothing and even pre-loved houseplants. Enter with an open mind and you’ll leave with something you never knew you needed.
- 34Metro RetroNewtonMetro Retro is an off shoot of the Op Shop Cheap As Chips further down K'Rd and offers a more curated selection of mostly 80's and 90's retro, all for under $20. Cheerful displays adorn the mannequins outside and there are always some gems to be picked up for a song.
- 41Op Shop - Cheap As ChipsNewtonCheap As Chips is huge and literally crammed with clothing from the odd vintage forties and fifties dresses to modern designer clobber. The prices vary but are often reasonable. They cater for women and men and there is a plethora of shoes, ties, bags, hats, sunglasses - you name it.
- 52Habitat For Humanity is a treasure trove of furniture, clothing, crockery, bric-a-brac, records and other goods ready to be discovered and re-homed. The Henderson branch has some great displays and I found several things to take home on the day I visited.
Charlotte R.'s
Best pub food
- 124The Portland Public HouseAuckland CentralThe Portland Public House is a bit of a nostalgia trip for me, back to Dunedin days, with its student flat style retro furniture and kitsch games decorating the walls. We went there for some heart-warming food and boy did we get it. First up was a serving of hand cut chips and maorioli - tom sauce and aioli. The chips were cooked to perfection, crisp on the outside with soft fluffy innards and served wrapped in paper. For the main event I had the vege dhal which was spicy and delicious, with toasted ciabatta. The bacon burger looked like a classic Kiwi burger with all the trimmings and by all accounts was also lip-smackingly good. Chased by a mulled wine, it was the perfect meal on a crisp winter evening.
- 268A drive to Coatesville to lunch at Hallertau is the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday. Partake in one of their fine beers, or alternatively I am partial to their cider, and order from the small but perfectly formed menu. It’s a sunny, bustling spot in the weekend so book ahead or arrive slightly before midday to secure a sunny table.
- 320The Occidental Belgian Beer CafeAuckland CentralI love the Occidental for an impromptu re-fuelling stop while shopping around the High Street area. My favourite tipple is a Hoegaarden White paired with the mouth watering Belgian frites and homemade aioli. Adding the steamed mussels make a hearty meal if you feel like extending your stay.
- 477Golden DawnPonsonbyThe Golden Dawn is one of my favourite places to catch up with friends for a casual meal and a drink. The food is delicious and are shared plates and there is a great selection of beer and cider on tap. Inside the atmosphere is warm and intimate for smaller groups and outside there are large tables for more substantial gatherings. The staff are friendly and there is always good music playing.
- 526Brothers BeerAuckland CentralNot only do they have superb boutique beers but Brothers Beer have seriously tasty pizza. Try the spicy prawn - very addictive and perfect chased with one of the in house brews.
Charlotte R.'s
Where to op shop
- 18Hospice Shop BirkenheadBirkenheadThe Hospice Shop in Birkenhead has a sister shop which is a secondhand bookshop. Devoted to all types of pre-loved books, this shop has rare hardback first editions right through to pulp fiction. They also have sheet music and records, you never know what you are going to find. A good place to while away an hour in and if you buy it is going to a good cause.
- 24Mercy Hospice Shop - PonsonbyPonsonbyThis is a shop to visit on a regular basis, you never know what bounty lies in wait for you. They have a great selection of pre-loved designer clothing and a bric-a-brac section that can yield many a fine thing.
- 31Red Cross Shop - Karangahape RoadAuckland CentralK'Road is full of vintage stores but don't dismiss this little one. It has more than the odd treasure for very little money. The latest finds for me have been a vintage wool duffel coat, 40's suede shoes, a 60's floral mini dress and some NZ studio pottery. Well worth a pop in and look around!
- 42GI has always been a sweet spot for opshopping and the Sallies has always been a favourite. On a good day there is always great retro clothing and the odd gem of a vintage piece. I have picked up contemporary designer pieces often and they have a superb range of crockery and bric-a-brac.
- 55Mercy Hospice Shop - EllerslieEllerslieThis is one of my favourite Hospice shops, they have a great crockery section from which I have bought many a treasured item. The shoe section is particularly good and well laid out and there are often pieces of designer clothing waiting to be snapped up. It also has a massive furniture basement which has electronics, outdoor equipment, tools, records, dvds, pictures etc.
Charlotte R.'s
Where to get a tattoo
- 112Two Hands TattooPonsonbyTwo Hands Tattoo is owned by Stefan Sinclair who sports many a fine tattoo of his own. Two Hands are reviving the art of the flash tattoo as well as doing custom designs. They also get into the spirit on Ponsonby Market days by giving kids super cute fake tattoos.
- 28Sacred TattooAuckland CentralSacred is a tattoo institution and has a wealth of talent in it's stable of tattooists. Artists include Dean Sacred, Dan Anderson, Mark Tumaru, Hamish Mclauchlan, Capilli Tupou and a host of guest artists including Rose Hardy and Steve Wood. The work ranges from traditional to Asian influenced designs and a huge variety of original and custom work. They are professional and have a reputation for some of the best tattoo work in New Zealand.
- 36Flash CityPonsonbyFeel like a tattoo straight away? Then head up to Flash City where you can pick a design of the flash cards on the wall and have it done immediately. Each design is done slightly differently so your tattoo will still be unique.
Charlotte R.'s
Good drycleaners
- 16TLC Drycleaners Ltd - PonsonbyPonsonbyTLC Drycleaners do a superb job, I have taken expensive suiting and delicate silk dresses to them and all have come back looking great. They even held on to some pieces that I forgot about and kept them safe and sound. Service is alway cheerful and the prices are really reasonable. Highly recommended!
- 22I have a new favourite drycleaner in Symonds Street Drycleaners. They are known especially for cleaning silk and of course you can trust them with all other types of fabrics. The owner has been in the business for 25 years and a further 20 odd in the textile industry so this man knows how to deal with cloth!
- 31Regal DrycleanersNewmarketRegal are a very trustworthy and reliable drycleaner who offer a multitude of great services including leather and suede cleaning, a seasonal freshening for duvets, blankets and quilts, rainproofing and deodorising and importantly they use the most gentle, eco-friendly techniques possible. I have often taken delicate vintage garments to them and they have done a wonderful job. Conveniently they have lots of parking and everything is done on site.