Hotels
The Boatshed, a hotel thirty minutes from Auckland.
It feels like a second home to me.
Located a short Air New Zealand flight away on the Waikato River, just outside Taupo.
Emilia Wickstead on Piha Beach, which is located 45 minutes west of Auckland.
A cozy and delicious restaurant centered around a woodfired oven.
Plates are meant to be shared here, so its the perfect spot to bring family and friends.
A rustic Italian restaurant that focuses on seasonal and sustainable produce from local Kiwi farmers.
The Boatshed, a hotel thirty minutes from Auckland.
Dont skip their bakery!
The best fish and chips shop just outside of Auckland.
Its worth the hour-long drive.
Bread and burrata at Lilian, an Auckland restaurant with an emphasis on shared plates made in woodfired ovens.
Shops
The shelves at Simon James at their Newmarket location.
One of my favorite places to shop in New Zealand, and they also carry Emilia Wickstead.
Simon James is a hub for contemporary designers across fashion, jewelery, furniture, and homewares.
The shelves at Simon James at their Newmarket location.
The best spot for vintage.
Things to Do
A view of Piha Beach, which is located just west of Auckland.
Of the many New Zealand beaches, I always return to Piha Beach.
A view of Piha Beach, which is located just west of Auckland.
The perfect day trip from Auckland (only a 40-minute ferry ride away).
My preferred itinerary includes a vineyard lunch and swimming at one of the islands beautiful beaches.
Its the national museum and an extraordinary place to immerse oneself in the countrys history and culture.
