Shop in boutique clothes stores, search for rare vinyl in second-hand record shops or sit in a café and people-watch as Auckland’s coolest folk strut by in Ponsonby. Explore the bustling marketplace in the suburb’s main street or take a stroll around the backstreets to see the stunning Victorian villas and homes for the city’s young professionals. Spend your evening in a bar watching live music or dance the night away at one of Ponsonby’s fashionable clubs.

Perched on a hill overlooking Auckland’s city center, Ponsonby is known for being the city’s most happening suburb. In the 1960s, Ponsonby was one of Auckland’s roughest areas. It transformed into an edgy, alternative neigborhood when it became a hotspot for artists and the city’s gay community. Ponsonby is now one of Auckland’s most desirable residential areas and offers fantastic shopping, nightlife and cultural attractions.

You’ll find most of the shops, bars and restaurants along the main strip, Ponsonby Road. Walk from one end to the other and stop by fashion boutiques, music shops and more. Make sure you visit the Ponsonby Market, an undercover marketplace located about halfway down the street. Here, you’ll find stalls selling superb fresh produce and a short strip of great restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world.

Don’t miss a visit to one of Ponsonby’s cafés. Kiwis are serious about their coffee and Ponsonby is where you’ll find some of the best around. When evening comes, book a table in one of the many excellent restaurants. Ponsonby is known as the “dining room of Auckland” and you can find something to satisfy all palates in this area.

Ponsonby has accommodation options to suit different budgets. The suburb’s proximity to Auckland’s city center makes it a great vacation base. If you’re staying elsewhere, reach Ponsonby via the free bus service that loops around the city center.