Ponsonby Road

Ponsonby Road runs the full length of the ridge west of the central business district. The sun sets behind "the strip," and its cafes, bars and restaurants have long made it the top evening spot in town. Over recent years Ponsonby Road has also evolved into a cool shopping destination. Best known for its funky designer fashion boutiques covering men's and women's clothing, shoes and jewellery, you will also find a stunning array of trendy home wares, craft and ceramic galleries, and more traditional antique and second-hand book shops. Prices are higher than at the mall, but the credit card should survive - there are no Versace outlets here. Popular with trendy mums pushing prams up from the neighbouring streets, wealthier folk cruise the strip in their late model cars with mobile phones at the ready. Other trendy types just seem to occupy those sidewalk café tables all day!