Auckland's Ponsonby has been named one of the "coolest neighbourhoods" globally.
The suburb in central Tāmaki Makaurau, also known as Te Rimu Tahi (the lone Rimu tree), ranks 33rd on the list of the world's coolest in 2023, according to British magazine Time Out.
Last year Kingsland took the title of the supercity's favourite suburb.
Time Out said Ponsonby Road is "lined with independent boutiques and galleries showcasing artists and designers from around New Zealand."
Meanwhile, the local eateries, bars, cafes, clothing stores, and knick-knack shops offer "the full spectrum of Auckland’s diversity," claim the magazine's editors.
They also noted Ponsonby's huge demographic change in the past few decades.
"The home of artists, bohemians and Pacific Peoples in the 1960s and 70s, who all contributed to the creative culture of the area, Ponsonby was drastically reshaped by gentrification in the late twentieth century," it said.
A visit to Franklin Road to see the lights during Kirihimete/Christmas time was also suggested.
Every October, Time Out's editors rank the top 40 or 50 "the greatest places for fun, food, culture and community" around the world after people vote for their favourites.
The world's coolest suburb went to Laureles, in Colombia's capital Medellín - a city of 2.5 million people.
"Each area's diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals," the magazine's writers said.
Five of this year's top 10 suburbs are in Europe, three are in the Asia-Pacific region, and one US suburb made the list too.
"Be it at an all-nighter or on a nighttime bike ride, these neighbourhoods are where the city comes to play."
The top 10 coolest neighbourhoods:
- Laureles, Medellín, Colombia
- Smithfield, Dublin, Ireland
- Carabanchel, Madrid, Spain
- Havnen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
- Brunswick East, Melbourne, Australia
- Mid-City, New Orleans, USA
- Isola, Milan, Italy
- West, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Tomigaya, Tokyo, Japan
See the full list here.
