With only a few weeks left before Christmas, we are feeling smug in the knowledge that we’ve got the festive season sorted.
How, you ask? Well, for a start, we have hit up Auckland’s premier shopping precinct of Newmarket and ticked everything off our list in one fell swoop. Known for its boutique-lined streets full of New Zealand’s leading designer fashion brands, high-end homewares and accessories galore, Newmarket is not only the place to pick up every kind of gift imaginable for friends and family – its also the spot to do all your beauty prep ahead of the party season. Not to mention, the perfect central location for festive catch ups at one of the many leading restaurants and eateries in the area.
And just in case you needed a final reason (no, really?!), Newmarket is once again running their Our Shout Christmas campaign, where they will shout a total of $35,000 to random unsuspecting shoppers in Newmarket every day until December 20. Who knows? If you’re out and about in the area, you may be treated to the items on your shopping list, have your lunch bill paid in full or your hair cut and colour taken care of!
Read on to see our picks of where and what to shop, our beauty destination faves and which foodie-friendly spots are worthy of taking a shopping pit-stop for (or a dedicated trip altogether!):
GIFTS
When it comes to purchasing gifts for your nearest and dearest, Newmarket is a one-stop operation. No need to head from one side of Auckland to the other looking for parking and running from shop to shop with list in hand; thanks to the specialist boutiques, department stores and local favourites all dotting the tree-lined streets, you can park once in one of the many parking complexes and simply stroll between stores which are all conveniently located within walking distance of one another.
Some of our favourites include Isabel Harris (1 Teed Street, Newmarket), where you’ll find beautiful gift hampers, luxe candles, delicious lotions and potions plus plenty of other gifting inspiration; the newly-opened Zoe & Morgan boutique (6B Kent Street, Newmarket), with exquisite jewellery that will stun and delight any recipient; The Poi Room (17 Osborne Street, Newmarket), for unique contemporary wall art, artisan jewellery and locally-made art objects; and Flo & Frankie (2 Nuffield Street, Newmarket) where you will tick off a good portion of your list, thanks to their wide-ranging selection of gifts – from small leather goods and coffee plungers to candles and cook books.
OUR PICKS
Clockwise from top left: Zoe & Morgan Pokhara gold and green sapphire earrings, $195; Reti and Rose rose quartz facial roller, $49.90 from Flo & Frankie; Susan Christie ‘Still’ acrylic painting, $450 from The Poi Room; Maraca Spruce candle, $99 from Isabel Harris
FASHION
Long regarded one of the country’s top bustling fashion meccas, Newmarket is the place to go when you’re in need of an outfit for any festive occasion.
From Meghan Markle favourite Karen Walker (6 Balm Street, Newmarket) and fellow NZ fashion royalty Kate Sylvester (1 Teed Street, Newmarket) to Stolen Girlfriends Club (20 Nuffield Street, Newmarket), Huffer (18 Nuffield Street, Newmarket) and RUBY (4 Teed Street, Newmarket), Newmarket is home to both high-end local designers and cool-girl brands.
If international labels are on the cards, then Muse (11 Teed Street, Newmarket), with cult brands such as Carven, Missoni, Nanushka and Self-Portrait lining the racks, will satiate your wanderlust; meanwhile, Superette (34 Nuffield Street, Newmarket) is stocked with Aussie and Scandi favourites such as Zimmermann, Camilla & Marc and Anine Bing, and will have you party-ready in no time.
Whether gifting to others or yourself, Lonely (6B Teed Street, Newmarket) is a must-visit – their lingerie is simply divine and their millennial pink store is also an experience in itself.
If a bag or clutch is more your… bag… then you won’t regret a visit to Deadly Ponies (16 Osbourne Street, Newmarket); or perhaps pop into Workshop (18 Morrow Street, Newmarket) for a little Alexander Wang or Marc Jacobs number (they’re also now stocking popular Danish brand Ganni, FYI).
OUR PICKS
Clockwise from top left: Self-Portrait V Neck Mini Dress, $695 from Muse Boutique; Deadly Ponies Mr Verne PVC bag, $525; Lonely Lena underwire bra, $90 and high-waisted brief, $55; Karen Walker x Disney Mickey Backpack, $245
BEAUTY
Leading up to the holidays, party prep and pre-vacation appointments will be fast filling the diaries of our favourite Newmarket salons.
Newmarket is home to two of the country’s leading hair salons: Stephen Marr (16 Morrow Street, Newmarket) and M-11 (11 McColl Street, Newmarket) are the go-to spots for the fashion set and the people to see if you’re considering a new season ‘do – whether you’re after a cut, colour, highlights or just a blow dry, book in now or forever hold your peace.
Once you’ve livened up your locks, head to the OFF & ON Wax Bar (8 Osborne Street, Newmarket) and take care of that pesky unwanted hair – tame those brows, get those silky dress-ready legs sorted and ensure you are swimsuit-ready.
Aesop (Shop 2, 2-8 Osborne Street, Newmarket) is a veritable treasure trove for any skin and body care fan – their gift sets are an easy-yet-impressive solution for those on your list who are notoriously tricky to buy for (and you may not be able to resist buying something delightfully-scented for yourself, too… ’tis the season!)
On to MECCA Cosmetica (264 Broadway, Newmarket) where present shopping for the beauty lovers in your life is a breeze…. We wouldn’t blame you if you managed to pick up a new party-ready lipstick for yourself while you’re there!
OUR PICKS
Clockwise from top left: M-11 gift vouchers, starting from $65 for a wash and blow dry; Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Colour in ‘Endless’, $52 from Mecca Beauty; Aesop Contours of Discovery gift set, $145; Le Labo AnOther 13 Eau de Parfum, $431 from Mecca Beauty
EATS & TREATS
The festive season can certainly zap your energy, so whether it’s a caffeine hit you need or a place to catch up with friends over lunch, there is a huge selection of eateries in Newmarket.
If you’re needing a delicious, easy and Instagrammable on-the-go snack in between shopping, then your first port-of-call should be &Sushi (10-12 Teed Street, Newmarket) with its huge selection of pretty sushi rolls, hot Donburi dishes and fresh sashimi salads.
Needing a coffee fix? Altezano Brothers Espresso Bar (1 Kent Street, Newmarket) or L’affare Melrose (22 Melrose Street, Newmarket) will help you out.
If a sweet treat is more your thing, you can’t look past Little & Friday (11 McColl Street, Newmarket) and their positively drool-worthy cabinet food (hot tip: anything here is good!) or pick up some festive-inspired salted caramel cupcakes from Petal Cupcakes (8 Teed Street, Newmarket) to take home for the whole family – or perhaps some lucky colleagues!
OUR PICKS
Clockwise from top left: L’Affare Newmarket; Aletzano Brothers coffee, Petal Christmas-themed cupcakes; &sushi menu selection.
Photos: Supplied and Instagram
This article is brought to you in partnership with Newmarket, Auckland’s premier fashion, shopping and entertainment district.
