Auckland Unlocked - Concierge Series
Urban Playground
Auckland is a vibrant city filled with captivating beauty, cultural diversity, Maori culture, youthful energy, open-minded attitudes, beautiful beaches, urban adventures. It’s a place where you can hike up a volcano one day and spend the next day shopping at some of the unique and hip stores around the city. It’s a place where you can visit an island in the morning and explore the vibrant dining scene by night. It’s got the balance of natural and urban adventures- there’s truly something for everyone.
Perhaps it’s the easy-going and relaxed nature of the residents, but there is something about Auckland that welcomes people from all walks of life. It’s this connection to each other that gives the city an intimate feel and allows it to be a multicultural mecca that draws people in year after year- there’s a reason it’s New Zealand’s biggest city.
Auckland Unlocked is a series dissecting what makes Auckland great. Many New Zealanders and travelers see Auckland as a gateway to the rest of New Zealand, but we’re here to show you, it’s much more than that. Auckland is not just somewhere you stop along the way; it can be your destination. Auckland is the perfect place for your next trip.
New Zealand is known for its breath-taking natural beauty. In fact, for many people, New Zealand is known for the powerful scenery, once shown on screen in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. While they're great films that showed New Zealand scenery, they don't tell the whole story. Travellers must unveil all Auckland has to offer, moving beyond the movie images.
What people don’t realise is how much New Zealand has to offer in its cities. As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is the economic powerhouse of the country.
Auckland is a city where music lovers unite for concerts, where shopping is interesting, the coffee is excellent and the culinary scene full of diversity. It’s not just a gateway to the rest of the country, it is - and should be - its own unique and interesting destination.
Our special guest Local Liz from Aucky Walky tours joined our Head Concierge Manish Baungally to explore High Street, Vulcan Lane, O’Connell St. and Freyburg Place, all of which are walking distance from Crowne Plaza Auckland.
High Street used to be the main street of Auckland until a fire destroyed around 50 buildings on the strip of land. Although the focus turned to Queen Street, High Street has morphed into the trendy strip of classy and hip stores it is today. High Street is home to places like Unity Books, one of Auckland’s most beloved bookstores. It’s also home to brands like Moochi, a boutique women’s fashion brand, and Barker’s Menswear, which has been dressing New Zealand men since 1972.
Meanwhile, Vulcan Lane emerged as a connection between Queen Street and High Street. It’s was nicknamed “Vultures Lane” in the early 1920’s due to journalists frequenting the area. Vulcan Lane is home to The Occidental, a Belgian Beer Café, open since 1870. It’s also home to an ever changing bar scene.
O’Connell Street is home to Bohemein Chocolates, an Auckland chocolatier that has been serving up exquisite treats since 2005 using only the freshest ingredients. It’s also home to Cahn, a specialty wine and spirits shop run by Martin Cahn. who has long expertise in the trade. Above the street is a giant circular mirror. This piece of artwork gently reflects light to catch onlookers’ eyes and aims to highlight the area’s impressive architecture. "It brings to attention the sky, framed by the built environment, and the earth beneath,” says artist Catherine Griffiths.
Lastly, Freyburg Square is an area where Aucklanders take to the massive steps to lunch on a delicious meal from one of the nearby restaurants. The Ellen Melville Centre is located in the square and is a place to enjoy free coffee and tea, ping pong, video games and free cultural events that occur there.
While these streets only comprise a small part of Auckland, they represent some of the best things about the city. 
In this area you can find some of the top restaurants in Auckland, an award-winning bookstore, unique fashion, local art, a delicious cup of coffee and living history. While Auckland is a place of immense natural beauty, it’s important to keep in mind that Auckland has even more to offer. It’s institutions like these, the history behind them, and the unique experiences on offer that make this amazing city the Urban Playground that it is.
Proud Partners of
Les Clefs d’Or® – Your Key to Everything™
With roots dating back to 1929, Les Clefs d’Or was officially founded in France in 1952, as a not-for-profit organisation based on two pillars: Service and Friendship. Just few concierges have the right to wear the golden keys, showing several years of experience and proving beyond doubt their ability to deliver the highest quality of service. Learn more.
Thanks to our Special Guest
Aucky Walky - Auckland Walking Tours
Walk with the professional guides of Auckland in a small or private group to discover its legends, landmarks, local food and hidden spots. As you stroll the lanes and ride the locals' bus, you'll hear entertaining stories at the heart of the city and discover the best places to eat in Auckland. Aucky Walky is perfect if you're looking for a personal experience and to lose the crowds. Learn more.
Manish Baungally is Crowne Plaza Auckland’s Head Concierge and has been with us since 2015. Manish's stellar career journey, started as a room attendant and he worked his way up to the Head Concierge position in 2019. Manish is a member of the prestigious hotel concierge society, Les Clefs d'Or - joining an elite group of only 21 concierges in New Zealand who can claim that position.
“It is a pleasant challenge when guests come up with the most unusual of requests. It pushes me to go out of the comfort zone and look for the best way to fulfil guest request. As a concierge, we always go the extra miles to make sure guest have the best experience. Guest will always come back to us and express their happiness, shake our hand or give us a hug for a job well done.” says Manish.
For any questions when staying with us at Crowne Plaza Auckland, contact Manish at:
