Auckland Finale

We certainly had a great few days in Auckland and it's surrounds and we are excited to be heading back there later this year to discover some more beautiful places New Zealand has to offer.

One of the things I liked in particular was the architecture in the places we visited. Their attention to the details of their homes impressed me very much. I also loved the established trees which lined the streets.

Whilst watching my brother surf at Raglan, Harry presented me with this wild flower/rock creation he made to thank me for a wonderful family trip away. And it was such a lovely family trip away!!

Visiting Auckland - Part 4

My brother Nick lives and breathes surfing so on Easter Friday we hired a car and drove from Auckland down to Raglan which is world renowned for it's consistent left hand surf breaks. It was actually a sight for sore eyes as it was a freezing day in Raglan and my brother entered the water with no wetsuit {he had forgotten to bring one with him} - the only surfer in the water without one on! Onlookers couldn't believe he was going in. He caught a few waves and exited the water saying that it was the coldest he had ever felt but thrilled that he had surfed Raglan!

Raglan itself is quite a sleepy town but so pretty and remote. I think I could get lost in a place like this!

Visiting Auckland - Part 3

Taking a ferry out to Waiheke island is a must do when visiting Auckland. We arrived at this beautiful island after a 40 minute boat trip across Auckland Harbour. Upon arrival we jumped straight into a taxi which took us on a very short tour of the island before dropping us at Mud Brick Winery where we enjoyed a long lunch amid beautiful surroundings.

I particularly loved the houses on Waiheke. There are some extremely beautiful new modern homes as well as some gorgeous renovated beach cottages which New Zealanders call Bachs.

This house above was my absolute favourite house which we spotted on Waiheke. It was very hard to get photos of it as it is surrounded by the most beautiful trees and gardens. Can you spot the outdoor fireplace? It overlooks the beach and bay. I absolutely loved this house!! What is it about simple white cottages with black and white stripe awnings?! They get me every time!!



This house and the one below were right down on the waterfront with a pretty, narrow laneway in front of them.

Waiheke's beautiful vegetation is certainly what makes this island so special. As you can see from the photos I have posted above there is no shortage of beautiful trees and gardens. I think this place is heaven on earth!

Visiting Auckland - Part 2

Another lovely inner city suburb of Auckland is the historic suburb, Parnell. Whilst strolling down Parnell Road, set amongst many other lovely shops, galleries and restaurants, Mum and I stumbled across French Antique store, Baran de Bordeaux. This 2 story shop is filled to the brim with the most beautiful Antique furniture. Owned by Chrystelle Baran, who was born and raised in Bordeaux, Southwest France and her partner Nick Ferneyhough. The couple live between New Zealand and France collecting beautiful treasures for their Parnell store.

I spoke briefly to Nick when we were in the store over the weekend. He said they ship their pieces all over the world and he did mention that they do sell many pieces to Australian customers. Their website is updated regularly with their current stock.

I am so thrilled we found this lovely Antique mecca. We will definitely be returning to Nick and Chrystelle's store when we revisit Auckland later this year.

Images 1, 2, 3 - Via Life & Leisure Magazine

Visiting Auckland - Part 1

Over Easter my family and I visited Auckland, New Zealand - the city of sails. What a pretty city it is. Perched on the harbour, the city isn't large which I found to be quite lovely as it was easy to see everything within the few days we had there.

I found the houses to be particularly charming. The streets were lined with beautiful old trees and the weather was so cool and refreshing coming from a long hot Brisbane Summer.

Over the next couple of days I thought I would take you on a little virtual trip to Auckland by posting some photos I took of this charming town and a few favourite little places I found whilst we were there.

I very much liked the beautiful old houses in Ponsonby {as pictured below} which is very central and has a lovely view over the city. We walked back to our hotel through the streets of Ponsonby and I took a few photos of a couple of houses which took my fancy.

In Ponsonby we ate dinner at Prego, one of the most established Italian restaurants in Auckland.


I found this pair of vintage chandeliers in a shop in Ponsonby which I have emailed to one of my clients for consideration. They are very pretty I must say!

Unfortunately most of the shops were closed in this area when we visited on Sunday due to the Easter weekend however, I do plan to visit Auckland again soon and I will definitely be returning to Ponsonby for a more detailed visit!!