Top Things to do in Auckland Central
What to do and see in Auckland Central, North Island: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
European, Polynesian, Asian and strong Maori heritages give the Auckland its distinctive culture. Discover the history of the world's largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures at Auckland Museum and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Find Polynesian handicrafts at Otara Market or people-watch in bustling Ponsonby and Parnell. Adventure junkies can get their fix from kayaking, sailing and high-octane bungee jumping.
Restaurants in Auckland Central
1. Pauanesia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
This gift store sells unique New Zealand-inspired products made by local artists, designers, and jewelers. It is a great place to buy merino possum-knitted scarves, cushions, and vintage Kiwi chaps.
Reviewed By W1625NBgiuliag - York, United Kingdom
I fell in love with Pauanesia's products before I even visited the store - a Kiwi b&b owner in the UK had so many of their cute fabric kiwis in his b&b that I decided I would buy at least one before even arriving in NZ! I bought a medium kiwi for myself and 7 beanie kiwis for my friends and family. The shop is very well stocked (I always had to restrain myself from spending my entire paycheck there) and the staff are helpful and very patient as I spent ages there agonising over which kiwis to choose! I have recently placed an order online/via the phone as well and have been very impressed both by the speed of the delivery and by the helpfulness of the staff, who after I phoned them immediately sent me a picture of the beanie kiwis they had available so I could choose one to order online. It is such a pleasure to shop here and support a store that stocks unique, genuine NZ-made products! Please please please start offering overseas shipping!!
2. Real Groovy Records
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Find new and used vinyl, cassette tapes, and CDs in every genre you can think of in NZ's largest and best record store. Plus; books, DVDs, movie and musician posters, T-shirts and other memorabilia. A great place for gift shopping, and to find unique items
Reviewed By FarNorthMafia - Kawakawa, New Zealand
I have been coming to Groovy Records since my teens and every time I find a gem for my collection. If you love music you will love Groovy Records
3. Black Door Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Black Door Gallery is proud to showcase the work of a selected group of talented New Zealand Artists and Designers. Nestled in a charming historic villa in the heart of Parnell, we exhibit a beautiful and ever changing selection of statement paintings, sculpture, ceramics, lighting, glass and jewellery. We are open daily.
4. The Garden Party
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Garden Party is an iconic shop that showcases New Zealand's finest gifts. We specialise in unique and beautiful wares made in New Zealand. We believe that New Zealand is a small country of talented artists and craftspeople. We bring you their best and most beautiful creations. We have something for everyone - from sweet wee gifts to generous special items that will be remembered forever. We've been on Ponsonby Road for the past 25+ years so come and see why we are such a special and interesting shop.
Reviewed By 993davep - Auckland Central, New Zealand
The shop is really colourful and has something for all ages. Has a real Kiwi feel, with lots of New Zealand made and designed gifts. The staff were really friendly and helpful.
5. Isabel Harris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
6. Inspired by Eden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
7. Four Shells Kava Room & Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Auckland City's first kava room and shop. Stocking and serving only the highest quality kava from the South Pacific Islands. Sit back and relax with a shell of kava or bring a group of friends and share a bowl of kava. Kava is known to help with anxiety and stress.
8. The Open Book
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
A delightful secondhand bookstore in the heart of Ponsonby. Seven themed rooms with neatly categorised sections so you can find exactly what you're looking for. Open every day 10am to 5pm.
Reviewed By TracyS713 - Blenheim, New Zealand
Stumbled across this gem of a second hand bookstore - so we’ll organised and you can’t help but find a great book...or 10. They provide a cup of coffee and have wonderful beanbags you can sit on to relax and read your new finds - staff are wonderful and friendly
9. Honest Chocolat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Chocolate bar and boutique at Commercial Bay Auckland Home of the Choc-tails!
10. Woolly For You
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This quaint weatherboard store sells high-quality garments made of possum fur and merino wool, including scarves, shawls, hats, gloves, socks, rugs, wraps, jumpers, vests, ponchos, and slippers.
