What August Does to Auckland

Angus McDougall, Fashion and Beauty Writer and Content Creator

Angus McDougall knows this city. As a fashion and beauty writer for Your Ex Magazine and a content creator with a sharp eye for what makes Auckland worth visiting, he understands what Fashion Week does to the energy of a place.

We asked him what August in Auckland actually looks and feels like, and where to go when you're here.

What makes Auckland come alive in August?

"Fashion Week obviously makes the city come to life in August. You can really feel the vibrancy emanating out of Shed 10. All the people dressed up, the excitement, the people who have never been getting really dressed up. I live for that."

NZFW brings an international spotlight to Auckland. What does that mean for the city?

"Having Fashion Week bring international visitation to Auckland is super important. A lot of people I know who live in Sydney haven't been back for three or four years. They come back and really notice how Auckland has transformed into this beautiful city, with all the little neighbourhoods, little bars, and spaces."

One insider tip for someone visiting Auckland for the week, where do you send them?

"Where I would dine would be Andiamo, which is on Jervois Road. It's just a little beautiful neighbourhood. It has an amazing vibe, amazing service, fabulous food."

And for shopping: "I would go to Westfield Newmarket. This is my go-to. It's a one-stop shop. It has everything you need, from fashion boutiques, high-end luxury to New Zealand brands like Trelise Cooper, to all of your beauty requirements, from Mecca to Sephora."

New Zealand Fashion Week returns to Shed 10, Auckland, 17–22 August 2026.

Plan your Auckland visit here.