Helene R.'s
Where to get that last minute birthday gift for him
- 18Pat Menzies ShoesAuckland CentralThe Pat Menzies store in Queen Street’s Cantebury Arcade has been around for a long time with good reason. A haven for sneaker freaks and boot lovers alike, it has the most varied range of both on offer and if you can’t find what you want or need the friendly staff are always on hand to help. A true inner city icon!
- 24Polaris 4wd ParkHelensvilleJeep 4WD Adventure Park in Helensville lets you bring your own 4WD or use one of theirs for a two-hour extreme adventure, or all day drivers training. Guaranteed fun in any weather, you can even spend the day driving the first Hagglund Personnel Carrier ride in Auckland - the ultimate in thrill seeker’s buzz.
- 34SkyJump LtdAuckland CentralSkyCity is where you'll find New Zealand's highest jump (pictured). Called SkyJump, it is one of Auckland City's “don't miss!” experiences - leaping off Auckland's famous Sky Tower - 192 metres straight down! You'll fall very fast (approximately 85 kph) for around 11 seconds, and then it’s a smooth landing below. They also offer the SkyWalk, which let’s you walk 360 degrees around the Sky Tower with nothing but air either side of you.
- 426Brothers BeerAuckland CentralOne of the year’s brightest new arrivals on the beverage scene, Brothers Beer (pictured) is tucked away down the side of CityWorks Depot. It has a 4800 litre capacity brewery on site as well as stocking great craft beers from around the globe to be enjoyed in house or to take away. Oh, and the toasted sandwiches are first rate!
- 58Maloney's Barber ShopFreemans BayMaloney’s Barber Shop in Freeman’s Bay has been renowned for great cuts for over ten years now, and is home to some of the city’s sharpest barbers. They are open six days a week and you don’t need an appointment, and you might also like to check out their cool products in store like Layrite Deluxe Pomade and the Triumph and Disaster range of grooming necessities. Old school meets new school cool at its best.
Helene R.'s
Where to find that last minute birthday present for her
- 15TessutiHerne BayOne of my favourite homewares and gift stores in Auckland is Tessuti on Jervois Road. They stock all of the beautiful brands that I wish my home was filled with, including Missoni Home, Vida Stonewashed Linen and Herve Gambs. They also share their space with the wondrous Ingrid Starnes, so you can stock up on frocks whilst shopping for gifts. An amazing collaboration.
- 26Bendon 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.
- 35Devonport Chocolates - PonsonbyPonsonbyI am one of those few folk who don’t need to eat a lot of chocolate, but when I do I go for quality over quantity every time. I get my fix at the Ponsonby Road branch of Devonport Chocolates, and in the form of their super decadent Chocolate Truffle Slices. They are palm oil and preservative free so you can pretend that they are good for you, and the Chili Lime variant tastes like pure heaven when paired with a glass of Pinot Noir. Delicious!
- 48Jo MaloneAuckland CentralIf you love things a little luxe yourself or know someone who does, the fragrance shopping doesn’t get much better than Britomart’s beautiful Jo Malone store. They stock the iconic British brand’s cologne, body cremes, scented candles and more, as well as offering tips on fragrance combining so you can customise as you go.
- 55Cartier For FlowersNewmarketIt seems like whenever I go to an event or launch where the flowers catch my eye they are by the talented team at Teed Street’s Cartier For Flowers. They do small bouquets and serious displays with equal flair and attention to detail, and just a peek in their window will brighten your day. Just gorgeous and so clever.
Helene R.'s
The best places to go vege shopping right now
- 130Avondale Sunday MarketsAvondaleOne of my favourite things to do with guests from out of town is take them to the Avondale Sunday Markets. They happen every Sunday from five am til midday and are a great way to show multicultural Auckland at its best. Amazing foodie buys to taste and take home too!
- 229Farro Fresh - Grey LynnGrey LynnThe Grey Lynn branch of Farro Fresh is one of my favourite places to buy wine. They have an insanely good selection from all over the globe and the specials are always enticing - drop in and take the chance on something you’ve never tried before!
- 324Ceres FreshMarketPonsonbyCeres Market at Ponsonby Central is one of my favourite places to shop for fresh produce, especially as there is always something unique to take home and add to your pantry and their fresh squeezed juices are amongst the best in town. They also always have the likes of kale and kefir available to keep all the green foodies happy.
- 418IE Produce LimitedTakapunaAs well as being a powerhouse when it comes to all things natural and super thanks to the sharp eye of inspirational owner Joyce Lowyim, IE Produce in Takapuna has an amazing array of fresh fruit and veges for sale, organic and otherwise. You won’t find a rotten carrot or a dodgy pear in the place!
- 534Grey Lynn Farmers’ MarketGrey LynnEvery Sunday morning - without fail - Grey Lynn Community Centre fills up with locals peddling their wares, from homemade jams and condiments to coffee and much more. There is always an awesome array of seasonal produce on offer as well, and even a trading table so you can bring your own efforts and take part.
Helene R.'s
The best places to get waxed - quickly and (almost) painlessly!
- 11Elle Health and SkincareMt EdenMichelle and Janine at Elle Beauty in Mount Eden are a rare find - beauty therapy practitioners who view the big picture and look at every angle from the inside out. They are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Skincare and nutrition, and incorporate cranial sacral work and other modalities into the likes of facials and massage with ease. Even their building has the easiest parking of pretty much any beauty therapy clinic I have been to, so even arriving is good for the soul!
- 27I had no idea that beauty spot Lucy & The Powder Room was open Sundays until I was offered an appointment there recently, and now I’ll never look back! Takapuna parking was plentiful and free, whilst the Powder Room itself was sun filled and serene and there was ample time for a little shopping both before and after. The best Sunday I have treated myself to in a long time, and suggest you do the same!
- 32Louise Gray Skin Care - Mission BayMission BayThe team at Louise Gray Skin Care are amongst the most knowledgeable in the country when it comes to all things skin. They truly have the power to transform, using Dermalogica products and some of the most unique skin enhancing technology around. Their latest toy is a Hydraderm machine, a more delicate option than microdermabrasion that delivers seriously great results.
- 410Whenever I am feeling a little pale and in need of a boost I go for a faux glow with the wonderful team of waxing and tanning experts at Bare Waxing in Grey Lynn. They use Naked Tan products, which look the most natural I have found. They are expertly applied and there is even a two hour option available if you just don’t have the time sit around waiting for tan to dry for hours on end. Look out for Bare’s regular promos too - as if you’ll need an excuse to visit!
- 56RubywaxxNewtonThe newest branch of the legendary Rubywaxx can be found at Re:ab on Selbourne Street, and like all of the others it offers its famous waxing guarantee - if it’s not all over in fifteen minutes then it’s free! They were the first to offer Brazilian waxing in Auckland many years ago and are still up there amongst the best.
Helene R.'s
Where you'll find the hair colour specialists
- 16Hamilton Brooks HairdressingNewmarketHamilton Brooks has opened a "dry bar" within his Nuffield St, Newmarket hair salon as a quick option for women wanting an expert’s touch without breaking the bank. In 15 minutes and for $25 you can get an individually tailored look, be it straightened or curled. If you select a wash, blowdry and style it will cost $40 for 45 minutes
- 210I 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.
- 33D & M Hair DesignPonsonbyD & M Hair Design on the border of Ponsonby and Herne Bay has a team of amazing stylists and colourists to choose from, as well as the best magazine selection in town! If you’re like me and never have to time to enjoy a mag or two over coffee then this is your spot - and the service always comes with a big smile.
- 412If you love your hair colour to look effortless, flattering and totally natural, you can’t go past the ammonia-free colour range from O&M at Stephen Marr. It’s hair and planet friendly and doesn’t have that telltale colour ‘smell’, and the in house colourists are real stars.
- 58Toni & Guy High StAuckland CentralIf you’re a fan of Wella hair colour products then pop into Toni & Guy on High Street for an appointment with the lovely Cinnamon Scholes. She’s an ambassador for their innovative colour range and will know straight away what you hair needs, how much and when.
Helene R.'s
Natural beauty lovers' hot spots
- 17I had no idea that beauty spot Lucy & The Powder Room was open Sundays until I was offered an appointment there recently, and now I’ll never look back! Takapuna parking was plentiful and free, whilst the Powder Room itself was sun filled and serene and there was ample time for a little shopping both before and after. The best Sunday I have treated myself to in a long time, and suggest you do the same!
- 23Apotheka LimitedNewmarketGlamorpuss Cosmetics is one of Newmarket’s hidden gems and an absolute Mecca for lovers of beauty products everywhere. They stock the full range of makeup line Becca, as well as British organic Skincare line Pai and the legendary Mario Badescu - amongst others! They also do a beautiful, natural makeover if you’re off somewhere special or just looking for some expert inspiration.
- 31Beauty With SubstanceEllerslieJose Kakebeeke is New Zealand’s premier Dr. Hauschka Skincare aesthetician and an incredible beauty therapist all round. When she is not training fellow Hauschka practitioners here and in Australia you’ll find her working out of her home clinic, Beauty With Substance. A trip to see her in Ellerslie is a real treat, with each of her facials a boost for your skin and you general well being. I love the Classic facial the most - 90 minutes of pure bliss.
- 48Aroha LoveGrey LynnRosanna Marks leads the team at Aroha Healing in Grey Lynn, a serene haven at the Great North Road end of Maidstone Street. They are specialists in the art of Reiki, and their Reiki facials and massages are a little bit unique and a lot amazing. They also hold regular workshops if you are looking to learn Reiki yourself, and you can even book in for a four handed Reiki session for a real treat.
- 51Elle Health and SkincareMt EdenMichelle and Janine at Elle Beauty in Mount Eden are a rare find - beauty therapy practitioners who view the big picture and look at every angle from the inside out. They are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Skincare and nutrition, and incorporate cranial sacral work and other modalities into the likes of facials and massage with ease. Even their building has the easiest parking of pretty much any beauty therapy clinic I have been to, so even arriving is good for the soul!