“New Zealand is really the heart of my story,” says Emilia Wickstead. “There is such a strong relationship between nature and craftsmanship, and whenever I go back, it really grounds me.” The Kiwi designer lives in London but returns with her husband and children each year to visit the places that she has loved since her childhood in Auckland. Wickstead’s classic silhouettes have global fans like Kate Middleton and Gwyneth Paltrow, but next year she’ll debut her most personal collection yet: clothing for the crew of Air New Zealand. “This is more than a creative project,” she says. “It is about celebrating the cultural tapestry, sacred landscapes, and people who embody the spirit of Aotearoa.” While her love of the country’s green forests and blue horizons informed the entire collection, she partnered with renowned Māori artist Te Rangitu Netana for five patterns; the pair studied endemic flora like kōwhai, which holds symbolism in Māori culture. Below, Wickstead’s favorite places around her hometown and beyond, including some natural escapes whose influence can be felt in her designs.
David Matheson
What is the neighborhood to visit in Auckland?
For me it has to be Parnell. When I was a kid, my mother had an atelier and studio inside the Axis building, which is one of the coolest buildings in Auckland. There are the rose gardens nearby, where I would spend hours as a teenager. Tiny St. Stephen’s Chapel is on top of a hill, where I would dream about getting married. Rosie is still my favorite café in town. I go for tea and chocolaty Afghan biscuits. Even today it’s where I meet everyone for breakfast.
What are the must-stay hotels in Auckland?
On Auckland’s Waiheke Island my family gets the Owners Cottage at the Boatshed, which has a swimming pool and is right across from Oneroa Beach. Huka Lodge in Taupō is really special, and Black Barn, over in Hawke’s Bay, is the perfect countryside getaway.
Which beaches are not to miss in Auckland?
The beauty of a New Zealand beach is finding an empty spot along the long shorelines. Piha, which is outside Auckland and has black sand, is wild and real. My best friend as a kid had a house there, and we would bring our sleeping bags out and sleep under the stars. It is so laid-back and very Kiwi. There are lots of surfers and surf lifeguards. No lounges or restaurants, just a corner store. The sunsets are also spectacular. In the city my favorite is Herne Bay Beach, which is small and found at the end of a street with beautiful homes. The beach is shaded by big trees and no one really knows about it. Once, I landed at the airport and drove straight there.
Stolk/Getty Images
What’s the best day trip from Auckland?
We head just up the coast to Leigh or Matakana. At Leigh we’ll hop between Pākiri and Otari beaches with a cooler and umbrella and set up for the day. Matakana has the most gorgeous bakery called Ringawera Baker, which does incredible quiches, breads, and croissant sandwiches. It also has a solid surf shop and farmers market.
Where can travelers get their culture fix in Auckland?
The Domain and the Auckland War Memorial Museum are amazing. The Domain is a park that feels a bit like London’s Hyde Park; it’s wonderful for kids. In the middle is the memorial and museum, as well as a whare rūnanga, or Māori meeting house. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki does an excellent job of bridging Māori heritage and New Zealand art.”
Mark Meredith
What under-the-radar town can we escape to near Auckland?
Napier, in the wonderfully green Hawke’s Bay region, is a place more people should know about. It’s on the coast and has stunning Art Deco architecture and wineries nearby. It feels like it is from another time. It’s a hidden treasure that I love to walk around in.
Where should visitors grab a bite in Auckland?
I love to sit at the bar in Amano in central Auckland. It’s fast, easy, and you can watch the open kitchen at work. Daphnes in Ponsonby does good Mediterranean food, with shared plates and a cool design. The owners, Clare and Joost, used to own the great Odettes Eatery. For something more simple, you can’t beat Leigh Eats for fish and chips, an hour’s drive from the center.
This article appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.