New Zealand’s buzziest city, North Island hot spot Auckland offers a striking harbourside setting, cultural cool, and smart wining and dining…
Sleep: Art deco goes Pop at central Hotel DeBrett in Auckland, in the heart of the CBD’s shopping-sorted High Street. The 25 rooms team retro furniture with cool Kiwi designs and vibrant rugs. If you’re here for play not work, then The Boatshed, a 35-minute ferry ride away on Waiheke Island, makes a nautically natty alternative, handy for beaches and vineyards.
Shop: Some of the best New Zealand fashion labels are just a hop from Hotel DeBrett, including chic stores by Karen Walker (15 O’Connell Street), Kate Sylvester (58 Tyler Street, Britomart), Zambesi (56 Tyler Street) and World’s beauty (35 Vulcan Lane) and clothing (57 High Street) boutiques.
Snack: Head to the cafés of quaint nearby Vulcan Lane for a coffee teamed with a spot of people-watching.
See: Auckland Art Gallery is a short stroll from the hotel, showcasing historic and modern NZ and Maori art, with temporary exhibitions and a stylish café.
Stroll: Ponsonby Road, a five-minute taxi ride away, is one of the city’s hippest strips with a tempting mix of restaurants, bars, laid-back cafés and independent boutiques.
Spa: For a pampering session, the Chuan Spa at the Langham (83 Symonds Street) is a serene sanctuary for steams, saunas and stress-busting massages.
Savour: DeBrett’s restaurant Kitchen is a fave for brunch or dinner, set beside the sociable Atrium lounge. Across the road, O’Connell Street Bistro (at no. 3) is a local dining institution dishing up tasty mod-Euro fare. For a fine-dining occasion, book a table at Dine by Peter Gordon at SkyCity Grand Hotel, 90 Federal Street, where NZ’s most famous chef serves fusion treats.
Sip: Popular with locals, the Housebar at Hotel DeBrett is an intimate speakeasy-style space with a great wine list.
To book any of Mr & Mrs Smith’s stylish boutique hotels visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 1300 896 627. Smith guests enjoy exclusive extras at all stays.