Ponsonby
Auckland's hippest street
Hip Ponsonby, to the west of the CBD, is known for its shopping and dining, with trendy cafes, stylish boutiques, independent bookshops and the odd antique/junk shop along Ponsonby Road.
The foodie scene ranges from gourmet ramen, pizza and burgers in the market-like space of Ponsonby Central (136-146 Ponsonby Rd) to upscale gastropubs and seafood bistros. Buzzing bars specialize in craft beers and cocktails. This is where local businesses famously banded together to ban the Golden Arches.
Small galleries showcase Kiwi crafts and edgy modern art, while a wander down the leafy sidestreets reveals one of Auckland’s most up-market neighbourhoods.