When Jason Dundas arrives in a city for the first time, he checks out where to stay, play, shop and eat, In Auckland on New Zealand's North Island, he found everything he wanted in the city's High Street. It's as though everyone got together to provide all those things close to one another, making it very easy. High Street and its little laneways are a hub of fashion, design, good food, bars and clubs.
World
World was established in Auckland in 1989 by Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Francis Hooper who worked alongside eccentric UK designer John Galliano. Their passion and vision began in a cupboard at the back of an arcade and is now the label is one of New Zealand's leading fashion houses. They produced coloured denim separates and T-shirts with funky and amusing designs. They love anything individual and use clashing colours and eccentric fabrics such as plastic tablecloths or kitsch brushed cotton wall hangings.
When Jason entered World Man he said it looked as though a piñata had exploded. Clothing, accessories, toys, camera and beauty products are breathtaking. Bold prints and colours are used in clothing, which is sold in Paris, Milan and Sydney.
If you're over being one of the pack and love a bit of eccentricity, this is the place.
Mezze Bar
With a menu inspired by Spain, Italy, Morocco, Africa and the Middle East, the tapas and mezze are entrée-size dishes you can choose as starters or make up a selection to share. They also serve delicious sandwiches and cake.
Breakfast will keep you going all day. Lunch will give your feet a break after all that walking. And dinners are to be lingered over, or a quick meal before or after theatre. It's open every day and is like taking a gourmet tour around the world.
Hotel DeBrett
Hotel DeBrett's iconic building is a 25-room luxury boutique hotel. Each is individually designed and complemented with eclectic furniture, New Zealand art and photography.
The 1950s and 1960s art deco architecture gives the building a feeling of New York chic with a homely ambience.
The Housebar has been restored as one of Auckland's premier meeting places. A private drawing room is exclusively available for use by hotel guests and a glass-roofed atrium and courtyard form the central focal point, encouraging diners at Kitchen Restaurant and locals to mingle.
Rakinos
The last stop of the day, Rakinos is one of the city's coolest bars. Music is focused on hip-hop and soul and you can enjoy it sipping a drink sitting on a comfortable sofa.
Rakinos says they "serve wholesome creative food, amazing cocktails, beautiful wines, conscious music, striking art, a relaxed environment and an honest, friendly and unpretentious approach to service".
It's hard to top that, and Jason could only agree — particularly as they let him do some DJing.
Location
Auckland on New Zealand's North Island.
Cost
Hotel DeBrett rooms start at around $230 a night. Continental breakfast, hosted pre-dinner drink in the drawing room, wireless broadband and local calls are included.
Air New Zealand has seat only one-way flights to Auckland from:
- Sydney $218
- Melbourne $219
- Brisbane $248
- Adelaide $296
Sales and validity and other conditions apply.
Prices correct at June 11, 2011.
For further information
Air New Zealand
Ph: 132 476
www.airnewzealand.com.au
World Deluxe
57 High Street
Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 373 3034
www.worldbrand.co.nz
World Man
47 High Street
Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 377 8331
www.worldbrand.co.nz
Mezze Bar
9 Durham Street East
Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 307 2029
www.mezzebar.co.nz
Hotel DeBrett
2 High Street
Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 925 9000
www.hoteldebrett.com
reservations@hoteldebrett.com
Rakinos
Level 1, 35 High Street
Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 358 3535
www.rakinos.com
www.myspace.com/rakinos
Visa: Australian citizens do not require a visa to enter New Zealand.
Electricity: 230V at 50Hz using the same plugs as in Australia.
Time zone: GMT +1.
Currency: The New Zealand dollar.
