Mt Eden, New Zealand

The steady trickle of hazy rain seemed quite normal to me. After all, it was the middle of winter and I was in the huddle of shops in Auckland called Mt Eden, snuggled at the base of the ancient volcanic peak with the same name. In Maori it is called 'Mangawhau' which means 'hill of the whau tree'.

A whau tree in flower Mt Eden/Mangawhau volcanic peak, Auckland, New Zealand

 

I often used to pass through Mt Eden village when I worked in Auckland some years ago. It was nice, and charming, and what I expected from a lovely suburb. But in 2012 I have to say that it is gorgeous, and delightful, and quirky, and full of Really Interesting Shops! I was so impressed.

These are the four stand outs for me:

1. Black Sheep Books (formerly Dymocks). It has become an independent bookseller with the former staff and the same location, but now it has added a bit more space, has increased the range of goodies for the kids, and has an enormous black sheep sitting in the window. Really Enormous (left over from the Rugby World Cup). I could have stayed there all day. www.blacksheepbooks.co.nz 

2. Dream of Italy (Exquisite Pieces of Italy). In fact the goodies are in four main categories: firstly glass treasures from Murano (an island's jump from Venice) where a particular style of glass treasures have been made for centuries; secondly, gorgeous Venetian masks (think 'masquerade balls'), thirdly, a wide range of Italian ceramics, and fourthly, particularly lovely paper products. I can still see the bridge where I bought some Italian stationery in 1993 and have longed to have again. Well, here it is in Mt Eden! www.dreamofitaly.co.nz

3. Mozaik Caffé. Corner location, sophisticated contemporary decor, a tasty array of snacky treats and more, glasses of water on the table without asking, great coffee and hot chocolates (for the kids - including a smiley face design on the frothy top and marshmallows), and Excellent Attentive Service! The owner/manager arrived while we were there and warmly embraced his staff, and he then showered us with personal thanks for coming to his café. Nice. It seems there are other Mozaik cafés around NZ - Mairangi Bay, New Lynn, Takapuna, Orewa, Parnell, Grafton and Hamilton. www.mozaik.co.nz

4. The Hospice Shop ('turning second hand goods into first class care'). I LOVE second hand shops. Highlights here were good prices (you can find a bargain), clean (washed (spit?)-polished), nicely displayed ceramics, glassware and trinkets, colour-coordinated clothing hung on uncluttered racks around the shop, and a tea trolley of special bargains on the pavement at the front door where I found some glass tea light holders for our candle-dining hosts here ($4 NZ - total!). The little place was buzzing with activity and browsers, and I was really happy to drop my coinage in Hospice donation box. All funds from the shop support the Mercy Hospice Auckland in the care of their patients. 453 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden.