Read what visitors say about Parnell

Cruisecritic.com
Auckland is largely a modern city, but those seeking local charm and character can head to the neighborhood of Parnell.

For those in search of local charm and character, don't miss a foray into Parnell or Ponsonby, two of the city's most interesting neighborhoods. Parnell is a bit more elegant; there you'll find jewelry and artisan boutiques, cozy sidewalk cafes and the Parnell Rose Gardens.

Frommers.com
Shopping Parnell is a special experience, albeit an expensive one, with everything from Timberland* to Cartier. You'll find all sorts of exclusive gifts in a rabbit's warren of little historic buildings, restored to picturesque splendor, that stretch along a mile of Parnell Road . Be sure to investigate Höglund Art Glass*, 285 Parnell Rd. (tel. 09/300-6238; www.hoglund.co.nz), a beautiful store with original work by leading glassblowers Ola and Marie Höglund. Click on to www.parnell.net.nz for more information about this area.

Passion for Paper, 217 Parnell Rd. (tel. 09/379-7579), is one of my favorites. It has divine papery goods imported from Italy. Woolly for You, 237 Parnell Rd. (tel. 09/377-5437), carries a variety of knitwear in wool, mohair, and angora as well as sheep products. Elephant House, 237 Parnell Rd. (tel. 09/309-8740), has a large range of New Zealand-made goods, with over 300 artisans represented.

Many think New Zealand chocolate rivals Swiss chocolate in quality. For a sample, seek out Chocolate Boutique Café, 323 Parnell Rd. (tel. 09/377-8550; www.chocolateboutique.co.nz). There's even chocolate (hot and iced) to drink, and something for the diabetic, too.

*Timberland no longer in Parnell. Hoglund Art Glass shop now known as Essenz.

LonelyPlanet.com
Author Tip: Parnell has well-defined cafe culture, so a caffeinated stroll down Parnell Rd is a must. Then head up the road, away from the city, to lovely St Mary's Church, an incredible example of the 'Wooden Gothic' style with a beautiful wooden interior. From here, walk up to Auckland Museum to learn more about Pacific Island culture.

Lonely Planet: Best of Auckland - The ultimate pocket guide and map
Hugging the city's magnificent green domain in the east is Parnell. It's like a grown-up Ponsonby; its quaint Victoriana village attracting a more mature crowd. It is home to a number of revered eateries, a pod of commercial galleries, and boutiques.

AA Travel
Parnell Village is a must-see destination within 3km of downtown Auckland. This beautiful little street boasts some of the finest retail speciality shops and dining/café experiences you will find anywhere in the world. The late and greatly loved Les Harvey carefully restored his historical corner of town, while developers ravaged much of the remaining city. Parnell Village brings together a magical world of yesteryear, with retailers who provide excellence in designer fashion, antiques, art, craft and jewellery. Paved courtyards and exquisite shopfronts create an ambience of years past. Parnell Village... a special dining and shopping destination for both tourists and locals alike.

Contact Us
If you have a query about Parnell contact Parnell Mainstreet. Phone 64-9-379 0606 or email info@parnell.net.nz.

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