When it comes to fashion in Aotearoa, New Zealand, you really can’t go past the icon that is Karen Walker.
She has designed clothes for celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, Michael Haneke, Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller, Claire Danes, Alexa Chung, Rihanna, M.I.A., Beth Ditto, Liv Tyler and Björk.
Walker also designed clothes worn by Kate Winslet in the movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
So, who better to take us on an exclusive tour of Auckland’s most fashionable and iconic locations. Take it away, Karen.
Explore
Bethells Beach
No visit to Auckland’s complete without visiting the mighty West Coast. My go-to spot there for a beach walk that’ll certainly blow the cobwebs away is Te Henga/Bethells Beach.
Takapuna Beach
We have hundreds of fabulous city beaches but my favourite for a quick outing from the city is the gorgeous Takapuna.
Takapuna Beach Cafe
Five minutes from downtown, walk the beach and treat yourself to an ice cream from the fabulous Takapuna Beach Café.
Aotea Great Barrier Island
Aotea Great Barrier Island is my summer getaway. A short flight from Auckland Airport or a fabulous ferry-ride from downtown – settle in for around five hours and enjoy all the sea has to offer. My summer spot is Oruawharo (Medlands) with its 5kms of golden sand and rolling waves.
Good Heavens Stargazing Experiences
Time your trip to avoid the moon so you can get the very best of the island’s dark sky sanctuary with Good Heavens Dark Sky Experience – settle into the beach’s dunes late at night and learn all about the magnificent Milky Way.
If it’s just the two of you, stay at Island Gin’s fabulous wee cottage on the same beach.
Rangitoto Island Summit Track
The summit’s the best spot to see the Gulf and the ferry ride’s a key part of the experience. You can also walk around the island and, if you’re feeling extra-adventurous, stay overnight in one of the super simple wee historic cottages the island’s famous for.
Waiheke Island
We’ve got a lot of beautiful islands in our gulf but Waiheke is the jewel in the crown. The boat ride there, which is about 35 minutes from downtown, is such a pleasure.
The food and wine are amazing – I always eat at The Oyster Inn – and I love the beach that’s near there. It’s really lovely in October and November and then again from February to April.
Eat And Drink
Man O’ War Vineyards
Auckland’s home to some of the world’s greatest wine and for an elevated, sea-side day trip it’s hard to beat Waiheke’s Man O’ War with its seaside setting and incredible vintages – the Dreadnought Syrah my particular favourite.
The short ferry ride to Waiheke is a wonderful way to enjoy the Waitematā Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. Stay a few days and experience everything else the island has to offer.
Ortolana And Little & Friday
At Ortolana, it’s not the usual eggs Benny; there’s nothing on the menu you’ve had elsewhere. There’s berry-and-peach crumble iced tea and fresh juices such as broccoli, apple, celery and herbs. I also love Little & Friday in Ponsonby. It has these crumpets with blackberry compote, mascarpone and honeycomb that are out of this world.
The French Cafe
It’s considered one of Auckland’s best fine-dining spots and I’ve been going there for years. The three-hour dégustation with wines is fantastic but you can also have a quick and simple lunch or dinner. I’m vegetarian and there’s a full veg menu; the goat’s cheese and beetroot tart is my favourite. You cannot go wrong here.
The Golden Dawn
This is my local bar. You enter via a side door behind a building; it’s very low-key and hipster. They do a great take on a Welsh rarebit and I like the smashed edamame and peas. They have a fantastic wine and sherry list and also do good cocktails. There’s a little courtyard that’s just magic.
Stay & Unwind
Hotel Britomart
When I arrive in a new hotel room the first thing I do is check the view – if you’re staying in Auckland you might as well treat yourself to a good one. My favourite waterfront hotel is The Hotel Britomart.
Stay as high up on the northern side as you can and you’ll have lovely water views plus all the other gorgeous things the hotel brings including its stunning design and fantastic location amongst Auckland’s best dining, shopping and culture.
Britomart
There’s a careful edit of brands at Britomart – every single outlet is an A-player. Tiffany & Co. and Chanel have opened here, I’ve got a store and there’s a dessert bar called Milse. On nearby Queen Street, you’ll also find big luxury brands, including Prada and Dior.
Room Nine
I come here for a treatment every three to four weeks. The director, Amelia Story, gives me the most wonderful facials using Osmosis products and LED lights, to stimulate circulation. I always come out looking like I’ve just had a month-long holiday.
