South Auckland
Honestly, there are so many weekend markets, so we went for the biggest or those that were more unique.
Avondale Sunday Market (Halal options available)
The Avondale Sunday Market is a renowned and long-standing market in New Zealand, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, ethnic foods, and local goods. It definitely had the vibe of an Asian and Western market, which was absolutely lovely. The expansive market is divided into three zones: dry goods near the entrance, wet goods and food stalls in the middle, and a thrifting area by the racetrack.
There was a wide range of items including DIY tools, electronics, machines, household items, clothes, accessories, games, helmets, and more! There were also wholesale shops that sold generic shirts and trolleys, shoes, bags, stoves, plants etc. Actually managed to get some good deals there.
Lots of fresh produce too, so you can see locals buying groceries and all, and the suppliers unloading it directly from their trucks. There was one halal food truck. Overall, it was definitely a lively market with live music, children dancing, a peaceful protest, and wide offerings.
We have to pay an entry fee to access the car park. The carpark was busy, but there will always be cars exiting so there should be an available lot upon entering.
Address: 23 Elm Street, Avondale, Auckland 1026, New Zealand
Grey Lynn Farmers Market
Grey Lynn Farmers Market is a relaxing gathering spot (there’s a pet-friendly area outside), with a lively and friendly atmosphere. There was a playground where kids were running around, and live percussion music of senior musicians, and visitors were just really relaxing out in the sun, enjoying the vibes.
We arrived at the farmers market at around 11am (it ends at 12pm). Luckily, booths were still open, and everyone was really just so friendly and welcoming.
The market was on a much smaller scale, with a focus on being green and sustainable. There was a section that sold local microgreens served straight from their local farms, and other organic fresh produce. There was another section that sold locally produced artisan foods from fresh bakes to specialty cheese to jams to brownie slabs to spices. The only downside was that the booths came with free testers which made us buy a lot more than we expected. There was also the usual free-range eggs, food trucks and coffee carts, with a fresh farm milk booth.
Address: 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Cornwall Park + One Tree Hill
The Cornwall Park is filled with folks and tourists when we visited on a Sunday. Parking proved impossible with so many vehicles competing for spots. But anyway, it was a tranquil, wide open green park that is popular with runners, bikers, picnic-lovers, families, friends and pawrents. The park features meandering paths through trees, open grassy areas, daffodil-lined roadsides, and a volcanic cone to explore. There is also a cafe and creamery up on the hill.
You could also spot random animals like sheeps and chickens at the park!
If you head further up the hill, you will reach One Tree Hill (also known as Maungakiekie). One Tree Hill is named after the volcanic peak located within its boundaries, which was a Maori fortress-turned-memorial on the hill’s summit. I only managed to walk up halfway, and the view was already pretty cool. The bird’s eye view of Auckland’s natural harbors would be so much better!
Sun and moon were shining brightly in the sky.
Address: Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
Mount Eden Summit
This sacred spot for the Kiwis is the highest natural point in Auckland – with a 50m deep bowl-shaped crater from its dormant volcano.
Several starting points offer access to the summit trail. We parked at a residential area which was sort of halfway up Mount Eden, so you could already see the Auckland city from there. We then followed the signs to Maungawhau (Mount Eden in Maori), which was about a 10-minute uphill walk through some stairs (not wheelchair-friendly), followed by a gradual road up to the summit. The climb is gradual, well-marked, and lined with greenery. You’ll see families with young children, joggers, and tourists along the way.
The summit features spacious viewing platforms and accessible boardwalks circling the crater. The view was amazing both inside and out – a panoramic 360 mountain, sea and city view. It also felt so peaceful and tranquil, and got me really appreciating His creations.
The All Blacks also play rugby at Eden Park, where cricket matches also draw crowds. Bookshops and vintage clothes stores line Mount Eden Road, along with trendy cafes and wine bars.
Address: (Where we parked) 18A Hillside Crescent South, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Posonby Road
Think Tiong Bahru vibes: Ponsonby Road is lined with chic global cafés, wine bars, and boutique shops.
This includes local brands like Assembly Label and Karen Walker.
Ponsonby Central
This space stood out for its unique brick and wooden structure, which holds a range of chic restaurants, as well as vintage and boutique stores. Definitely on the high-end side, but there were some pretty pieces. It is probably livelier at night.
Address: 136/146 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Island Gelato Co. Ponsonby
Enjoy a cup of fresh, seasonal handmade gelato or sorbet at Island Gelato Co. They have 24 freshly churned flavours, with 20 permanent classic flavours and four specials each week. Their gelato is made with local New Zealand milk and fruits and they collaborate with like-minded brands such as Pics Peanut Butter, Allpress coffee and Perfectly Imperfect fruits to bring you the best churned Gelato and Sorbet in Aotearoa. 4 We could sample the flavours before deciding on one – from flavours like Tamarillo and Spiced Vanilla Raspberry.
Address: 124 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Card Merchant Ponsonby (Above Megazone Ponsonby)
Looking for some gaming entertainment? Located along a minor road is Megazone, known for its laser tag, Gellyball, and its arcade and board game experience. There is a comfy space for parties and team-building events as well.
If you head up the stairs to the second floor, you will find Card Merchant, a retail store offering a variety of premium trading cards, board games, and tabletop experiences. This was one of the locations which had a huge space and much wider collection of games and cards. We practically visited at least one in each town, and their shops were always filled with people immersed in their card games. Each night has a specific game night for enthusiasts.
Address: 15 Rose Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
West Auckland
Mill Bakery (Halal, Muslim-owned)
We drove out specially for this warm, cosy artisan bakery in the suburbs of Henderson and had no regrets! The drinks and baked goods were so delicious that we kept adding to our order. Before we left, they even gave us complimentary bread. Since it was freshly baked, the range of bread and pastries were not the most extensive. There was croissants, buns, egg tarts, bolo buns, cakes and pies. The beef brisket pie was so good, and so was the mocha and chai lattes!
It was an open kitchen so it was fun watching the bakers making new batches. You know it is an Asian business when you see Dubai chocolate flavour in the mix, and lo and behold, we found out that the bakers were a Muslim Indonesian family. (They were also playing Indonesian/Malay songs, so that helped too.)
We parked at the shopping mall beside it because the main road had no parking lots. The bakery was more of a takeaway shop, though there was limited seating. Anyway, lovely place.
Address: 360 Great North Road, Henderson, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
WestCity Waitakere (Halal options available)
This might be one of the more major malls in Henderson, because it was so spacious and had a wide range of shops. There is a food court with some halal options like Mozaic Kebab. The card merchant there was big, and there were also a supermarket, a butcher, and Japan Mart, department stores like Farmers, Warehouse, and a cinema. Some pretty nice clothes shops, and cafes, manicure shops and more. Pretty much everything you need for shopping or a fun day out.
Address: 7 Catherine Street, Henderson, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
Accommodation
We picked a place that was centrally located right next to the iconic landmark, the Sky Tower. The apartment was bright, spacious and clean, and it was well equipped. You can tell it is an Asian owner with all the home slippers available for you and the well equipped kitchen and toilet. There was a balcony with a glimpse of the ocean.
It was close with most of the tourist attractions and lots of food and supermarkets, so we walked to those places easily. The place came with free parking located across the street, which was especially useful for us since parking in Auckland is expensive. (check it out here).
Final Thoughts about Auckland
Auckland surprised us with its duality—gleaming towers minutes from volcanic peaks, late-night kebabs and sun-kissed views. For travelers seeking both urban energy and natural beauty, this city delivers without compromise.
- Queens Arcade Website ↩︎
- Marbecks ↩︎
- https://www.audo.co.nz/projects/silo-6/ ↩︎
- https://www.islandgelato.co.nz/ ↩︎
Uminsummer 