Karen Walker's rise to fashion fame is an inspiring story. Walker went from launching a fashion line with only NZ$100, to running three New Zealand-based namesake outposts, selling in Barneys, and outfitting the likes of Kate Winslet, Madonna, Bjork and Sienna Miller. Oh yeah, and since her debut on the scene two seasons ago, she’s been a favorite NY Fashion Week fixture.

But, when the designer isn’t stateside dressing celebs, or showing whimsical, sophisticated-yet-flirty collections as she did last night at the Soho Grand Hotel, she’s holding court in her hometown of Auckland, New Zealand, with her husband, Mikhail Gherman (an advertising creative director who has designed many of her iconic prints). Born and raised in the constitution-less country known, among other things, for providing film sets for Lord of the Rings and birthing the HBO-endorsed novelty act, Flight of the Conchords, Walker is an expert on the coolest, chicest spots Auckland has to offer. We caught up with her pre-fashion week, to discuss the spots that, at this point, she probably can’t wait to return to. In her own words:

What’s the first thing you’re homesick for while traveling abroad?
My cats and dog.

What is your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon?
At home - we live in the Waitakere Ranges, a mountainous 45,000 hectare large National Park 25 minutes west of central Auckland. There are a few thousand homes dotted throughout it and we've got a gorgeous little spot of 12 acres of forest there. So, my dream Sunday afternoon is hanging out at home. If it's sunny, lazing by the pool, and, if it's cold, settled in by the fire.

Where can one find the area’s best cheap eats?
Bethell's Café, which is nestled into the giant sand dunes at Te Henga (Bethell's Beach), 45 minutes west of central Auckland. Bethell's Cafe operates through the summer months out of an old caravan and is the best place I know for brunch, lunch or dinner. They serve great coffee, great homemade organic cakes and they have the best location in the world. Kura is my favorite sushi place in the city. It’s built into the volcanic stone foundation of the old town hall - good food, great atmosphere. During the winter it’s cozy by the fire, and it’s great in the summer as well.

Where do you shop (be it literally or figuratively) for inspiration locally?
Victorian Gilt- a tiny, crammed treasure trove of Victorian and post-Victorian clothing, fabrics and jewelry.
Drummonds Antiques- a magpie-ish antique/junk shop, which I can never walk away from empty-handed.

What is your absolute favorite beach?
Te Henga, my local beach just 20 minutes from my home. It's one of many vast and slightly overwhelming beaches that line Auckland's huge west coast. Rugged, dominating and breathtaking, Te Henga is great on a warm summer evening, watching the sunset, or a crisp winter's morning, when it can be just you and a few placid seals sunbathing on its many miles of black sand. Stay at the Bethell's Cottages for the best view there is of the beach and the Tasman Sea.

And Auckland’s best boutiques?
Karen Walker of course, Wunderkammer, and Richard...son.

What is your favorite band coming out of New Zealand right now?
The Checks.

Were you to treat your husband to a night of fine dining, where would you go?
dine- Peter Gordan's wonderful, luxurious Auckland restaurant. It's fine dining but not stuffy. Have the degustation menu if you have time. It’s sensational, I guarantee. There's not a single thing on the menu that you’ll think you could have crack at, at home.

Three spots the girl you design your line for would love to hang out:
Te Henga, Ponsonby Road for great food and coffee, and Karangahape Road for great vintage shops.

What's your watering hole?
S.P.Q.R. is always a favorite for after work drinks.

Where is the first place you like to go out to upon returning home post-NY fashion week?
Thorn's Bay - one of many gorgeous little bays with golden sand, blue water and old Pohutakawa trees in Auckland's east coast; it’s 10 minutes from down town Auckland.

What is your all-time favorite place to let loose on a Saturday night?
Given I'm about to have my first baby: a movie and the couch.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Go There:
Kura, 315 Queen St, Auckland City, Auckland, +64 9 379 5656
Victorian Gilt, 85 Great South Rd, Remuera, Auckland, +64 9 520 5565
Drummonds Antiques, 10 Anzac Ave, Auckland Central, Auckland, +64 9 379 4396
Karen Walker, 15 O'Connell St, Auckland City, Auckland, + 64 9 361 07 80 and 6 Balm St, Newmarket, Auckland, + 64 9 522 42 86
Wunderkammer, 76 A Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland, +64 9 360 4090
dine, Grand Hotel, 90 Federal Street, Auckland City, +64 9 363 7030

Fourth photo by Dean Purcell courtesy of the New Zealand Herald