My Weekend: Bird and Knoll's Macayla Chapman

By Anna Lee

NZ Herald·

26 Sep, 2014 03:00 AM3 mins to read

Bedford Soda and Liquor. Picture / Babiche Martens

The accessories designer unwinds out of town, or at one of Auckland’s amazing eateries.

Macayla Chapman, one half of accessories brand

Bird and Knoll

, rates relaxing weekends away and exploring Auckland's eateries.

Depot

is a favourite: "I'm a huge fan of Al Brown, he is a master in the kitchen and just makes such delicious food - I always over order, desperate to try everything," she says.

Between designing the brand's signature oversized scarves with Natalie Knoll and jet-setting to New York, Champman can be found sneaking away to Wanaka for a weekend escape or hunting out the perfect New Zealand destination to feature on one of their printed creations.

Take a look at a few of her favourite spots.

Drinking ... Bedford Soda & Liquor in Ponsonby Central - it is pretty low key but a really central location for me so makes a great place for a quick drink pre- or post-dinner with friends. Their on-site mixologist creates the most amazing American retro-style cocktails - think juleps and sippers, with fruity garnish, that look good enough to photograph. I have made my way through the menu; my favourite at the moment is the silver tumbler of Big Apple Julep, which arrives frosted and crammed full of fresh mint, refreshing in every way.

Discovering ... Puhoi Pub Hotel & Stables. We recently shot our autumn/winter 15 campaign at this divinely unique pub/hotel, which I had never been to before (even though I have lived in Auckland most of my life).

Moving ... I have recently taken up boxing with a great personal trainer Emilie Rennell - I find it strangely relaxing!

Mornings ... Queenies in Freemans Bay. Thick bread soldiers and eggs doesn't get any better than in this quiet inner-city backstreet location. Oozing character, the ivy walled courtyard is a favourite oasis where I can enjoy the sunshine while eating breakfast and flicking through the paper. My 4-year-old has befriended Allana, the owner, and gets her very own takeaway bag of chocolate buttons - this alone is enough to keep us coming back!

Relaxing ... "You" time is slightly non existent with two young children, however, getting out of Auckland with the family is something I find relaxing.

Waiheke is such a retreat for me ... the minute I step foot on the ferry I feel like I am on holiday, heading away to my island destination. My head is clear, I am ready for adventure, with a good book tucked away in my bag, a scarf, of course, and some great wine and food awaiting me at my destination. Lunch at Stonyridge vineyard then a walk along the beautiful white sands of Onetangi beach collecting shells with the kids is bliss.

Loving ... Pakiri beach. It is a very special place, so wild, untouched and strikingly beautiful - and where my husband proposed to me!