With plenty of shopping options on offer in Auckland city, there is one destination that offers fashion, beauty, homewares and more. Editor Trudi Brewer and style director Louise Hilsz edits the best for any Christmas wish-list.
Trudi Brewer and Louise Hilsz at SO Hotel rooftop bar
As far as shopping goes Auckland’s heart of the city has got it all, across three precincts High St, Queen St and Britomart. Shop luxury brands to High St fashion, a day spent Christmas shopping in this district far outweighs browsing online. From Commercial Bay opening next year, right on our spectacular harbour, to the hip-high street where you can find unique fashion buys, and back to Britomart where your dining options are unlimited. We've done the hard work for you with this Christmas gift guide, with the best on offer from the heart of our beautiful city.
Homewares
Nothing makes us feel more festive than Smith & Caughey’s. There is so much more on offer than baubles and beauty, from an exquisite collection of local and international fashion to homewares, kitchen essentials and editable treats - and don’t miss out on seeing the selection of dècor ideas such as Hugo Boss to Mulberi and MM linen. The iconic Iko Iko is where you can find a unique gift to suit any budget. From fun accessories to a pretty artful planter, they even gift wrap to coordinate your Christmas colour theme. Shut the Front Door, also on High St, specialises in gifts for her, him and the kids, prepare to spend over an hour shopping in what we would describe a well-appointed treasure trove.
IKO IKO Memphis multi-coloured planter, $27. Smith & Caughey’s MM Linen Hydrangea cushion, $90. Shut the Front Door Write to Me Stationery My Organised Chaos Weekly Planner in Blush, $50. H&M Home Cactus vase, $28.
Fashion
It's a well-known fact that in Auckland's Vulcan Lane you will find one of the best eyewear store’s, Sunglass Bar. With designer brands such as Cèline to Fendi, Tom Ford, thanks to the incredible personalised service, you will be ready for the holiday season ahead. Australian fashion brand Gorman offers a fresh approach to wearing what's known as ‘clashing colour’. With a focus on in-house textile design and artist collaborations, it's a label our style director covets every season. If comfort and style are part of your wardrobe wish-list, you will find a minimalist sneaker made from one of our best exports merino wool. The San Francisco-based cult footwear brand, Allbirds created by Kiwi co-founder Tim Brown, opened their first NZ store in Britomart. Finally, if you want to gift a timeless piece, the full range of Daniel Wellington watches offer elegance to any wrist. In a variety of different colours and styles, there’s an option for him and her.
Gorman Say Slow dress, $329. Sunglass Bar Fendi sunglasses, $645. Daniel Wellington Classic Southhampton in rose gold, $269. Allbirds Women’s Wool Runners, $160.
Beauty
Buying makeup is always more satisfying in-store, and the flagship Sephora on Auckland’s Queen Street offering is limitless. Book in for a makeup appointment in-store with artists that will create a cosmetic look fit for any festive occasion, or pick of best of brands, including Pat McGrath Labs, Fenty Beauty, Marc Jacobs, Tarte, and Kat Von D Beauty. Nip over the road to Smith & Caughey’s for your Tom Ford or Giorgio Armani fix, or down to the mega Mecca Maxima store, where your skincare and fragrance wish is their command.
Pat McGrath Labs ChromaLuxe Hi-Lite Cream, $59. TARTE Fall Feels Eye & Cheek Palette, $43. Giorgio Armani. Lip Magnet in 602, $64. Floral Street Electric Rhubarb EDP, $119.
Food & Beverage
Our perfect end to a successful shopping trip is a glass of cool, crisp rosè. SO Hotel rooftop bar is just the spot to soak up all that Auckland city has to offer. With panoramic views across the Waitemata Harbour, and out to Rangitoto Island. Located in the Heart of the city and is the idyllic spot to rest after a day of retail therapy. Or enjoy a cocktail, or two, accompanied by the most exquisite platter of local cheese- before heading out for dinner to Amano one of our favourite Britomart eating spots.
On December 19 there is a Late Night Christmas event where all the stores will be open late (over 150 total) and there will be over 90 street performances, in store activations and offers to ensure a festive way to finish off the last of your Christmas shopping. To discover more about heading into the heart of Auckland city for Christmas shopping including extended Christmas hours click here.