Back from Auckland

Well, I went, I saw, I ate, I drank and now it is all over until next time.

I still can't believe that after just three hours with my legs concertina'd in a Jetstar seat eating a dinner consisting of sandwiches that could easily have been made from a discarded two day old kitchen sponge, I could be transported to a climate where the temperature is a full ten degrees cooler than here in Byron. Contortionism, and frostbite aside, I had the best time!

A bit of inclement weather shouldn't get in the way of shopping and neither it did. After working on Thursday and Friday, Saturday morning was spent wandering around High Street and surrounds, recognised as the stylish heart of Auckland and the home of NZ uber-cool. Funky retro stores and slick designer boutiques mesh(h) together harmoniously all demanding equal attention.

Smoove, Little High Street, Auckland, NZ

Boasting an entrance that is impossible to ignore, Smoove (pictured above) is located off Little High Street in a formerly shabby arcade inhabited by funky vintage stores and quirky boutiques. Smoove is a mixed bag of 70's retro, edgy printed tees, cute party dresses and lots more. To quote Smoove.."we sell everything!!!!" and I am here to tell you...it appears they do.




A wander down High Street isn't complete without a visit to World. Pushing boundaries since it's humble beginnings in 1989, World has developed into one of New Zealand's leading fashion houses and an internationally recognised brand.

Of course I can't show you inside the actual store as I would have been quickly tackled and tossed unceremoniously out onto the wet street within 30 seconds of pulling my camera out. Sorry guys, the sign will have to do.

Is my hair ok? My friend Chao Xian.

Vulcan Lane, Auckland City

Sunday was a complete change of pace. The sun came out to remind me just how beautiful Auckland really is. We had planned an early start with the intention of spending the whole day on Waiheke, a beautiful little island that lies in the Hauraki Gulf, just 45 minutes by ferry from Auckland city centre.

Looking for dragons on Waiheke Island, New Zealand

So much for the early start, we dawdled over breakfast, got lost in chat, took forever to get ready and missed three departure times before finally making it in to the 'fairy place'. I had to ask three times before I realised that my Kiwi friend wasn't actually referring to a magical forest where his wee friends with tiny wings hang out for kicks. I am sorry, I am not usually one to have a go at accents (mostly due to the fact that I am Australian and we have just about the worst accent in the English speaking world) but I simply couldn't resist.

Nothing mentioned here about work..life is clearly just one big picnic, BBQ, relax and fishing expedition. My kinda outlook on life.

Island coffee, does that mean the takeaway comes in one hour..or not at all?