Enter Britomart. A combination of restored heritage buildings and brand new spaces sets the tone for this up-to-the-minute complex, which seems to encapsulate the contemporary lifestyle. The brilliant contrast of old and new, iconic and unknown, unique and ubiquitous extends from Britomart’s setting, to its shops, restaurants and bars.

Presented in labyrinthine laneways and open-air squares, a shopper's needs are more than met with a mix of local design, revered brand names and speciality showcases. A walk through the Curate Fashion Gallery, for example, will reveal pieces you haven’t seen outside of NZ. And after all, local fashion is the point of exploring a new country. Isn't it?

Let's be honest: To any holidaymaker with more than a tame interest in shopping, a 6.5ha hub of beauty, fashion and homewares on a picturesque waterfront is going to sound pretty good. But add to that a plethora of specially-designed bars and restaurants, and the going gets better.

Tyler Street Garage has an industrial, stripped-back feel, with bare brick walls and a casual, sophisticated air. The rooftop bar provides winning views over the Waitemata Harbour, and a live DJ rounds off the perfect atmosphere to review your purchases and sip a local beer.

Then there's the 1950s-themed Britomart Country Club, which oozes novelty. Its expansive courtyard is the spot to meet your friends, order a pizza, and relax among the kitsch decor and retro sports-club motif.

Within Britomart's confines there seems to be an endless offering of bars and eateries. Whether you’re after coffee and cake on a terrace, a luscious dinner made from the finest local produce, or late-night cocktails and a party vibe, chances are you'll find somewhere that’s both stylish and surprising.

For all this, Britomart itself provides a beautiful backdrop. The area was once a colonial fort, and included in the new developments are tasteful restorations of some of Auckland’s prized heritage buildings. Of course, it’s important to feel classy while shopping – especially when boutique browsing is the order of the day.

For all you shopaholics Auckland is the perfect quick getaway, and although Aussie's claim they would love to visit, only one out of five who say they are coming end up actually crossing the ditch. Air New Zealand wants to get more people to the land of the long white cloud, a place the airline proudly calls home.