With Auckland’s popularity growing everyday, sometimes it’s hard to find unique places around the city. We’ve picked out 6 of our favourite little-known places in Auckland that you probably didn’t know existed…
Gypsy Caravan
130 Ponsonby Road
Located down a little-known alleyway off Ponsonby Road, Gypsy Caravan is one of Auckland’s best hidden street food vendors. Complete with a gypsy cocktail menu and unique treats such as chocolate coffee soil and cherries with rose-scented smoke. The playful atmosphere of flowers, lanterns and an abundance of cushions is an unexpected departure from the hustle and bustle of Ponsonby Road. A fantastic spot to chill out with friends before the night gets started. This month they’re also hosting a pop-up month with both local and international cuisines and an abundance of special events. Check out their facebook to find out more.
Secret Cove
60A Stanley Point Road, Devonport
Only recently opened to the public, Secret Cove is a hidden Devonport gem. A stunning bay of Pohutukawa trees and a fantastic view of the Harbour Bridge sunset. A perfect summer spot for the whole family, jump off the wharf for a swim or take along a picnic and relax amongst the cicadas chirping in the trees. A little slice of paradise on the other side of the bridge.
Mellow Desserts
42B High Street
Although based on a busy central city street, Mellow still feels like a hidden gem. Serve your sweet tooth with desserts such as Oreo cheesecakes, Mango shaved ice, a delicious Taro latte or try the popular rolled ice cream options. Open until 10pm everyday and with free wifi, it’s the perfect place to relax and indulge with friends – even late at night.
Odyssey Sensory Maze
Basement, Metro Centre
Metro may just be one of the most central places in the city, but if you take two escalators down to the basement, you’ll stumble upon Odyssey Sensory Maze. Fun for the entire family, this maze is designed to challenge your senses, with a maze of rooms featuring optical illusions, lights, mirrors and quirky physical obstacles. The entire maze takes around 20-30 minutes to venture through and is designed for anyone over the age of 8. Great for groups, and look out for their horror maze during Halloween in October.
Junk & Disorderly
8 Kawana Street, Northcote
If you love second-hand goods, Junk & Disorderly is a shop like no other. Although it’s the largest secondhand store on the North Shore, many central city slickers had no idea it existed until it’s Ponsonby pop-up store which appeared earlier this year. The giant warehouse houses all things weird and wonderful. Ever-changing, this store is a collectors dream complete with a designated ‘blokes’ section. With everything from rare collectable finds, retro furniture and unique home decor – you never quite know what you’re going to find.
Anawhata Beach
Anawhata road, North of Piha but south of Bethells
It may be slightly out of Auckland, but Anawhata is a great escape from the bustle of the city life and a great day trip location. The best part of this beach is the fact that you can’t actually drive to it – it can only be accessed by a 20 minute scenic walking track – keeping it hidden from many beach-loving tourists around Auckland. It’s a beautiful beach with white sand and stunning scenic views, and a great place to surf, explore the rock pools, swim or just relax in a quiet spot away from the city.
