Parnell
Parnell prides itself in being Auckland's oldest suburb which has several iconic features. Mention "Parnell" to most New Zealanders and you will invariably get a response of "Parnell Rose Gardens" or "Parnell Village". From Auckland city, a ten minute ride on a Link Bus will transport you to a whole new world.
The suburb was rejuvenated in the early 1970s with the creation of the "Parnell Village" which made the most of the existing Victorian buildings for the boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
The once dilapidated suburb is now a substantial residential area and a popular tourist attraction with galleries and international boutique shops with enough charm and fascination to keep you browsing (and hopefully buying) for hours on end. If you are after fine jewellery, then Parnell is the place to find it.
Considering the age of the suburb, it is certainly not surprising to find some of New Zealand's oldest buildings here. St Mary's Anglican Cathedral and The Auckland War Memorial Museum are well worth a visit and if you are lucky enough to be here in October/November, be sure to visit the Parnell Festival of Roses held at the Gardens.
Parnell's highstreet is dotted with a lovely selection of charming cafes and restaurants with plenty of outdoor dining options for a spot of people watching.
A popular stop at the weekend is Parnell's Farmers' Market, held every Saturday from 8.00am until 12.00pm. The small and compact market is held in the Jubilee Building car park at 545 Parnell Road. On offer, is a selection of fresh and seasonal produce served up by the local producers.
