I think the days of shopping at surf shops are behind me. Whenever I walk into one I get a wave of…read moreform 1 socials and trying wy to hard to impress boys. Still, for the odd thing, it doesn't help to look. I really like Amazon Takapuna because it's on the road, meaning not in a mall, meaning 100x better. I often waltz into here when i'm walking down this street, just to have a wee lookie. The staff are super friendly and chilled in the way you'd expect from a surf shop and leave you alone until you start to look like you might need some assistance, which i really like. There is a good range of boys and girls surf stuff in the fron and a pretty massive surfboard selection out the back. Theer are also wetsuits, shoes, sunnies, beanies and other surf and skate stuff. plus a few gears for the snow. The store is fun and vibrant and is perfect for the products. Being just up the road from Takapuna beach, it always feels pretty summery and relaxed in here which sets the scene nicely for the place.

This shop is crowded, stuffy and smelly on a hot summer's day, but it makes up for all that in it's…read moregreat range of stunning ethnic clothing and accessories. The racks out the front instantly draw me in with their bold contrasting bright colours and shimmering bling. There is a very large range to choose from and if you need any help staff are more than willing to assist. There is no website so go check this store out for yourself, easily found at the end of Parkway Arcade in popular Takapuna. Beads and Baubles also specialize in clothing for the larger built women. The wide range of pashmina's are also worthy of a mention.

Gorgeous women's clothing! This place would be great to spend ample time just trying on the ample…read morerange of cocktail dresses and designer threads made to impress. There are some really fabulous items here. If you have a daughter, or are that daughter, needing a formal gown, or want to look your best on that special date somewhere romantic, then let this be the place to for you to shop. There is also a selection of sophisticated hats available if the races are your thing. The mature lady at the counter was helpful and friendly when I went in, polite and ready to help if needed. I didn't have much time to fully engage myself in all the wonderful stock, however I will be sure to keep it in mind for future reference and will recommend it to friends. Please note that the range is made up of designer samples, seconds and end of line items. Serendipity is open 7 days week, no website unfortunately.

I have been a regular at Serendipity for over 10 years now and would have to say this is my all…read moretime favorite shop! I love their ever changing range of designer overseas samples and I regularly buy the Sabatini at a fraction of the normal retail price. Great friendly staff with excellent prices. I highly recommend this shop for discounted designer clothing.

I may be bias because I am from the shore but this is hands down the coolest department store I…read morehave ever been to! Home to Stephen Marr, Lucy and the Powder Room, Karen Walker, Black Box, TopShop as well as a myriad of rotating NZ designers, this place is nothing short of brilliant. Expensive, but brilliant nonetheless. On my last visit I was delighted to see they now also have a wonderful range of quirky terraniums and indoor plants. Definitely well worth checking out if you are looking to add some greenery to your office or home!

Quite a special place, for a morning coffee, quick lunch and afternoon relax, with greens and…read moreflowers. You wouldn't notice that you are actually in paradise. Yes, Paradise has the meaning of 'Garden'. Top Quality coffee, good cheese scone, caramel chocolate slice. Menu is not too complicated, ease for mind when you just into the sunny mood and some inner peace. Or you can choose just grab a coffee and have a stroll in the department store, finely selected fashion there waiting for the right person. Choose a beautiful day, and amaze yourself here. There is nothing more beautiful with a nice coffee I the warm sun.

Collect Living is a hidden gem on the Shore. The staff are…read morevery helpful and they stock a nice selection of items that are different from the usual brands. I particularly like the linen sheeting in natural colours - seems a bit warmer than cotton for winter. The owner is great - I recently bought a great sideboard which required a bit of logistics to get out of the shop and to pick up. She was very accommodating even coming in to open the shop on Sunday so we could load into our wagon. If you need something for that special little gift they have merino throws in good colours and a selection of jewellery and silk scarves. Definitely worth a visit

One of my favorite shops, an iconic NZ ladies fashion brand…read more Max has a very good VIP rewards program: $50 voucher for every $500 spent ($1 = 1 point). Points accumulate for a year & any unused points revert to zero at the end of the year (June 30). Spend $2000 in a calendar year and get upgraded to VIP Gold status, where your points never expire & occasionally get invited to special events.

The quality of Max NZ has gone right down - Glasson is better quality now days. Recently (July 14)…read moreI got 2 x M2 hoodies. I wore one and it pilled badly in days. And it was only lightly worn. The same thing happened with a padded vest, after a few wears the Dacron started coming out through the weave. And finally their silk Camila cami pulled away from the seams (even though this was an 'oversized garment so no pressure on seams). Appears Max is using cheap fabrics. Fortunately I was able to get exchange (but refunds were refused). But I was made to feel it was my fault, even though I had proof of purchase. Maxshop.com and Max outlet Onehunga & Max St Lukes.

Yusssssssss. This is usually what you will hear me say in Wild Pair. Yus, sweet deals and even…read moresweeter dresses. They are renown for cheap dresses that are on trend. They may not hold out for a few seasons, but at least for a few months you'll have an awesome outfit that everyone will love. Some stuff is a little weird and tacky but if you just cull those you'll be bound to find something great for that next party, family event, or just because you need a bit of a pick me up. And don't even get me started on the shoes. Delicious. They have great sales too where clothes can go from as little as $20. This is the perfect place to shop if you're a Uni student or if you're just starting out in the workforce. And since it's open late on Thursday and Friday, you can pop in after work and have a brilliant outfit for that same night.

Wild Pair Albany is one of my favourite clothing stores in Auckland. Yes Wild Pairs have popped up…read moreeverywhere and are in most shopping centres, but I always seem to have the best luck in Albany. It gets manic busy in there but the girls are always super helpful (and surprisingly honest) when you're trying things on. If I'm after a pair of killer heels Wild Pair is my first stop. They are usually right on trend and selection ranges from rather conservative to outright mad. It's also perfect for party dresses. They have a range of quirky and fun pieces. My only moan gripe would be the price; new items in particular can easily be around the $150 mark. If you haven't fallen in love with an item wait a few weeks until it's on sale. As their stock turnover is quite high you don't usually have to wait long.

This is a great gift store in Newmarket which sells things mainly for males, hip flasks, hunting…read moregear, wallets, that sort of thing. It is only a small shop, but they have some great items inside, and it all looks like really good quality. Of course you have to pay for the quality, but there's no need to be a cheapskate on your gift giving. They have quite a few chess sets for sale here, really beautifully crafted pieces and boards, especially the full table set. These chess sets are actually at quite a good price too, considering how it's so hard to find a good quality one in New Zealand. For the ladies there are some things, but like I said it is a small shop and unless your mum is keen on hunting and/or drinking whiskey I'd probably go somewhere else for her birthday present.

As gifts shops go, this one has little something special. Quirky is how I'd describe it. Inside…read morethere are a ton of presents for people (as described on the shop window) who have everything. This is pretty accurate I thought. The gifts were the kind of cool things that could brighten up someone's day but certainly weren't essential. My absolutely favourite were the money tins. Each tin specified something that warranted paying a fine (putting a coin in the tin). I very nearly bought the farting one for my brother-in-law. Now that I'm home I wish I had. I might have to go back and get it - they were only $7!