Auckland is said to be one of the coolest cities in the world. No wonder, given the friendliness of the locals. In the district full of restaurants and shops of Britomart, it is up to you who will help the visitor to find the Auckland Art Gallery, with art collections as rich as its architecture. At The Lane, on Ponsonby Road, a meeting place for trendy young people, a handsome kid recommends Victoria Park, a training ground for rugby players. The grass there smells of testosterone. Some even continue their training in the street! Many are Maori but, given their size, there is no question of trying the traditional kiss, nose to nose to better feel the breath of the other... One thing is certain, here, rugby is an art of living, like life in the open. air. On weekends, city dwellers head to the (dangerous) Piha Beach or the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.
Where are we going to take lunch ? At The Store (5B Gore Street, Britomart) for killer seasonal produce. Afterwards, we have dessert at Milse (27 Tyler Street, Britomart), the best pastry chef in town.
Where are we having dinner? At Burger Burger (burgerburger.co.nz), hipsters' meeting place.
Where do we sleep? At the charming design and vintage hotel DeBrett.
Go there
With New Zealand Voyages and Air New Zealand.
Van rental:www.wickedcampers.com.
More info:www.newzealand.com.
