After nearly a decade of construction, Auckland’s $5.5 billion City Rail Link is finally open. With 3.45km of twin tunnels, two new underground stations – Te Waihorotiu Station and Karanga-a-Hape Station – and major upgrades at Maungawhau and Waitematā, the CRL promises to change the way Aucklanders move through the city. And, naturally, we’re most interested in what’s within shopping distance. Connecting neighbourhoods and retail precincts in a way the city has never experienced before, the new route puts some of Auckland’s best fashion within easier reach. So, consider this your sartorial guide to the CRL and the New Zealand designers, boutiques and department stores worth tapping off for at each stop
Waitematā Train Station
Commercial Bay
Just a two-minute walk from Waitematā Station, Commercial Bay is something of a one-stop shop for New Zealand fashion. The waterfront precinct brings an impressive line-up of homegrown names under one roof, from established designers Zambesi and Juliette Hogan to Moochi, Elle & Riley, Sylvester and multi-brand favourite Superette. Whether you’re looking for a new-season investment, an elevated everyday staple or simply want to see what some of the country’s leading labels have in store, it’s the perfect place to start.
Kiri Nathan
Located metres from the entrance to Waitematā Station, Kiri Nathan’s Britomart boutique is an essential stop for New Zealand fashion. The celebrated Māori designer’s eponymous label weaves culture, tradition and contemporary design together, with collections grounded in te ao Māori and inspired by the natural beauty of Aotearoa. And the journey doesn’t have to end in the central city. An 18-minute train ride away in Glen Innes is Te Pā, the Māori and Indigenous fashion and arts precinct founded by Nathan, where her own label sits alongside Kāhui Collective and a department store showcasing the work of more than 30 Indigenous makers.
Karen Walker
Also within easy walking distance of Waitematā Station is Playpark by Karen Walker, the designer’s flagship store on the ground floor of The Hotel Britomart. Alongside Karen Walker’s signature womenswear, jewellery, eyewear, fragrances and accessories, the store brings together a tightly curated edit of international brands including Levi’s, adidas and Birkenstock and more.
Te Waihorotiu Station
Faradays
One of Auckland’s most anticipated retail openings is landing just moments from the new Te Waihorotiu Station. Opening Saturday 26 September, Faradays will take over three levels of the historic Milne & Choyce building, transformed by Fearon Hay Architects into a 3,000-square-metre luxury department store. More than 220 brands will sit inside, including local names Kowtow, Beach Brains and Dear Dylan alongside international labels such as Jacquemus, Skims, St Agni, Viktoria & Woods and more. Beyond fashion, there’s The Farmacia, Faradays’ contemporary take on a European apothecary, offering a curated edit of beauty, fragrance and wellness, plus Lottie’s, a new all-day restaurant from Josh and Helen Emett.
Tatty’s
For those who love the thrill of the find, Tatty’s is a High Street essential. The popular consignment boutique is packed with a curated edit of pre-loved designer clothing, shoes and accessories from New Zealand and international labels, interspersed with vintage and retro treasures.
Karanga-a-Hape Station
Crushes
A Karangahape Road institution and champion of all things local, Crushes is the kind of store you can easily lose an hour (or two) in. The ethical concept store pairs excellent vintage with an eclectic mix of New Zealand-made fashion, jewellery, art, homewares, candles and more, while its dedicated slow-fashion offering spotlights recycled, handmade and independent designers from across Aotearoa. At Crushes, community is also just as important as what’s on the shelves. Through Crushes Social Club, the store brings like-minded locals together through market days, clothes swaps and a variety of workshops. Consider it a very good reason to hop off at Karanga-a-Hape.
Lost and Led Astray
Designed with fit, quality and ease of wear front of mind, Lost and Led Astray is another Karangahape Road boutique that is well worth a visit. Founded by Sarah-Jane Duff, the label creates plus-size womenswear with an emphasis on natural fibres, beautiful textures and effortless layering. Thoughtful, distinctive and made with real bodies in mind, it’s local design at its best.
Maungawhau Station
Porter James
A 10-minute walk from the redeveloped Maungawhau Station will land you at Porter James, the New Zealand menswear label known for its refined take on wardrobe classics. Drawing on global references and with a strong focus on shape and fabrication and fit, the brand offers a considered selection of shirts, trousers, tailoring and layers made to mix easily across seasons. Expect clean silhouettes, quality fabrics and an elevated approach to everyday dressing.
140z Jeans Outlet
Denim devotees, this one’s for you. A short walk from Maungawhau Station, Kingsland’s 14 oz Jeans Outlet is a goldmine of discounted Neuw, Rolla’s and Abrand denim, with plenty of cuts and washes to rummage through. There’s also a small edit of T-shirts, knitwear and outerwear at equally tempting prices.
