News and Views

Don't miss Auckland's Heritage Festival

Posted by Website Admin on September 24, 2019

Don’t miss Auckland’s Heritage and Art Week Festival 

October brings together Auckland’s Heritage Festival and Art Week with events designed to celebrate the city’s history, culture, architecture, artists and legends. This annual festival keeps on getting better. 

This year’s Heritage festival theme is ‘Journeys’ exploring the stories of how New Zealanders traveled to Auckland Tamaki Makaurau by sea, by air or by land, to create a shared future together.

It’s one of our favorite festivals as the colourful characters, art and diverse cultures of Auckland are bought to life by the city’s historians, commentators, artists and social anthropologists over a magical three weeks of walks, talks, exhibitions and market days. 

Here’s a few events which have captured our imagination:

1842: The Arrivals
Sat 19 October 10.30am - 12,30pm Shed 10, Queens Wharf. Adults $10
America’s first European settlers of note arrived on the infamous Mayflower. Auckland’s first significant shipment of passengers was the Jane Gifford in 1842. Scroll through the passenger manifest and it reveals a bleak and long journey of hardship to an unknown new frontier. Put yourself in settler shoes and be guided around the city of old by old hand Eliza Post.

K-Road: The Winding ridge
Sun 6 & Friday 25 Octo 1pm - 3pm
Take a journey through time along Auckland city’s infamous ridge Karangahape. Known as the Karanga (Calling)  Hape (a mythical Maori spirit who traveled ahead of our first people), this colourful vibrant street mirrors the social, commercial and political history of our city. Until the middle of the 20th century Karangahape Road was the only street in central Auckland with a Maori name as it predated the European settlement.
The Symonds Street and Karangahape Road ridges are also part of the walking route used by Maori to reach the Manukau Harbour. This track was known as Te Ara o Karangahape or The Path of Karangahape.

Changing Lanes
Part of Artweek
12-20 October 2019

Auckland's much loved central city lanes will be transformed by local artists during Art Week. 
Prepare to feel lost as local artists use the laneway cobbles and walls as a creative canvas.
This year features work from the following artists. 

Ross Liew 'kè knài láo' | Durham St East
Shannon Novak 'Alight' | Upper Vulcan Lane
Yohan Ryoo, Yosop Ryoo, Raimana Jones 'I Spy with My Little Eye' | Lower Vulcan Lane
Angus Muir 'RIPPLE' | Exchange Lane
Tracey Tawhiao | Chancery Square
Unitec Creative Industries and Piki Toi Artists Collective 'The Little Theatre: Aotearoa Arcade' | Chancery Square

 Art in the heart of the city
Monday 14 October 11am, Friday 18 October 11am

Journey up the lower Queen St valley and discover sculpture in public places. In most cases, the artist and/or the subject is Maori. The modernist movement emerged in 1960s, with Maori artists forging a new national identity of indigenous art. The city centre has a significant collection of public art made by five Maori artists including Ralph Hotere, Fred Graham, Selwyn Muru, Paratene Matchitt and Arnold Manaaki Wilson. Their works are part of the city centre public art collection. 

The Auckland Heritage Festival kicks off from October 5, click here for the full programme. Or book onto any of our small-group Auckland walking tours to discover more about the city's history from a professional local guide. 

Image credit: Auckland art gallery courtesy of Heart of the City

Top $25 menus this Restaurant Month

Posted by Website Admin on August 18, 2019

Top $25 menus this Restaurant Month

Get eating Auckland! Only two weeks remain in American Express Restaurant Month to enjoy international award-winning chefs and special offers from top city restaurants. We've enjoyed some delicious meals out this month in between showcasing some of Auckland's best food on our Taste Auckland Food Tour.

More than 100 restaurants are taking part in the August event with a calendar packed full of unique dining experiences – from the return of the popular Chef Dining Series to special set menus at three price points; $25, $40 and $55+.

Where to munch on a $25 lunch? Don't miss these bang-for-buck menus at:

> Gusto at the Grand | $25 2-course lunch menu with a glass of wine
With a menu designed by renowned Chef Sean Connolly, Gusto is the perfect spot to share delicious Italian dishes amongst friends and family. Check out their special Restaurant Month menu which includes pea, mint, ricotta bruschetta to start and a main of Pappardelle al Ragù alla Bolognese. A delicious wine match is also included. 

> SEVEN at Seafarers | $25 for a 3-course dinner & lunch

Enjoy rooftop views of the Waitemata Harbour and flavourful pan-Asian delicacies including SEVEN's BBQ char siu Bao with hoisin mayo, spring onion, pork crackling. 

> The Culpeper | $25 for a 2 course dinner & lunch
The Culpeper menu - from Nourish Group’s Executive Chef Gareth Stewart draws on influences from around the globe. Their Rotisserie jerk spice chicken is just one lip-smacking sensation from their Restaurant Month menu.

Who’s taking over the kitchen? Here’s a couple of special celebrity chef events coming up over the next fortnight.

A Taste of Maha at Soul
Wednesday 21 August 2019 - $199 per person
Melbourne’s Maha restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, contemporary Middle Eastern menu with a cutting-edge style that has redefined this ancient cuisine through modern dining. Chef, Television Presenter and Author, Shane Delia and the Maha team will join Gavin Doyle of SOUL Bar & Bistro to create a one-off menu of full-flavoured Middle Eastern dishes and a night of celebrating a shared love of food and company.

A Taste of Aaharn at Huami
Wednesday 28 August 2019 - $230 per person
Culinary legend David Thompson is a master of Thai cuisine and made his name internationally when his London restaurant Nahm, was the first Thai restaurant in the world awarded a Michelin star within six months of opening. Now promoting Thai gastronomy through his chain of Long Chim restaurants in Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and the newly opened Aaharn in Hong Kong. Thompson is teaming up with Raymond Xue at HUAMI to bring the authentic Taste of Aaharn right here in Auckland for one night only.

Check out American Express Restaurant Month 2019 including a full list of participating restaurants and menus here 

Credit: Repurposed in part from Scoop Business, July 2019

Auckland's Winter Festivals

Posted by Website Admin on June 25, 2019

Top things to do in Auckland: Winter Festivals

Let’s be real, we work in tourism and dream of travel all year round. So when the chilly season hits, it’s the perfect excuse for a winter getaway. But with so much on offer in Auckland this July, we're planning a mini-break to enjoy events right in our backyard. Between Elemental AKL, Matariki - Maori New Year, the New Zealand International Film Festival and the Pop-Up Globe winter season — we're mega excited. So don't hibernate, wrap up, get out and celebrate this beautiful city. Here’s our pick of what’s coming up this winter for both visitors and locals to enjoy:

Matariki - Maori New Year 22 June to 14 July 

This time of renewal, when the Matariki star cluster rises in the midwinter skies, will be celebrated nationwide with a series of free and ticketed events. We like the look of these events.

> Hangi at Britomart   Lunchtime Tue 25 - Sun 30 June.
The Maori Kitchen crew are bringing their A game to Britomart, digging up the lawn downtown at Takutai Square and laying down a traditional hangi. Listen to music and sample some great food and drink with a guitair party singalong from 5pm till late. 
 
> Vector Lights for Matariki Festival - 8 minute shows, half hourly 27 June - 14 July  (FREE)
The Auckland harbour Bridge will be lit up with the sacred star of the Maori New Year, te wetuu tapu o te tau hou Maaori. Includes a soundtrack of songs composed specifically for Matariki Festival. 
 
> Matariki Market on K’Road  Thurs 4 July, 6pm - 9pm  (FREE)
The foyer of historic George Coutt’s on K’Road will be transformed into an arts and crafts market with the opportunity to learn more about Matariki
 
> Matariki on the Move: Understanding Maori Astronomy Wed 10 July 7pm - 10 pm  Sky City Theatre  (FREE)
Join Astronomer, Dr Rangi Matamua, expert Rereata Makiha and master navigator Hoturoa Kerr for one night only as they share their latest research and knowledge  on Maori astronomy. Learn how the stars guided traditional customs and navigation techniques.
 
> Matariki on the Move:  Sail a waka from 24th June - 14th July (various times) (FREE)
Board a traditional waka from Orakei Marina and sail out to a dark-sky under the guidance of navigation and way-finding expert, Hoturoa Kerr. Learn about the Matariki star clusters and their meanings.
 
Elemental AKL - July
This Auckland-wide winter festival curated by ATEED promises to illuminate the city with around 60 free and ticketed events covering art, culture and cuisine. Check out the full programme because here's where we’re heading:
 
> Turama Festival Albert Park 26 - 28 July
Albert Park will be transformed into an immersive art experience for Turama Festival - an enchanting world of light. The festival will showcase artworks ranging from performance to sculpture, imaginative illumination to interactive installation. Enjoy amazing food and drink, local Auckland musicians and a full service bar. A great reason to explore a magical slice of our inner city.

> Silent Disco Citywalk "Glow in the Dark" Edition
Throw on your dancing shoes and Silent Disco headphones. Then boogie and walk your way around Auckland by night guided by special dance instructors. This multi-sensory 60-min experience begins at Silo Park and ends at Queens Wharf. 

>  Pop Up Globe Winter Festival   From 19 July (Four week season)
The popular Shakespear theatre opens its doors for a limited winter season under a brand new all-weather heated Pop up Globe. New productions include A Midsummer Nights Dream and Twelfth Night with the return of popular shows Hamlet and Measure for Measure.
 
With so much on offer, the city will be abuzz this winter. Our Hello Auckland small-group walking tours feature Maori art and new installations in place especially for Matariki so walk this way for the highlights. 

Image and copy credit: ATEED Elemental AKL website

Top things to do in Auckland

Posted by Liz on June 25, 2019

Top things to do in Auckland 

What's hot with visitors? Well according to international Trip Advisor research, it’s hot springs, wellness experiences and kid-friendly attractions as family travel grows. Walking tours also make the top 10 booked tours worldwide.

TripAdvisor analyzed traveler booking data to reveal the most popular and fastest-growing categories for tours and activities in 2019, setting the stage for determining 2020 travel trends. 
 
The most-booked individual experiences of the year reflect a universal interest in sightseeing activitie; seeing the famous icons and landmarks that make a destination so loved. Whether it’s a skip-the-line ticket to a popular attraction, a walking city tour, or an architecture river cruise, it’s clear that travelers see the value in a guided tour to experience all the worthwhile sights and sounds of a destination.

Top things to do in Auckland on Trip Advisor include (in order of popularity) Sky Tower, a climb up Mount Eden, a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, exploring the Auckland Botanical Gardens and Rangitoto Island. 
 
“Travelers are booking more immersive experiences than ever,” says Molly Burke, a TripAdvisor spokesperson. “Visiting iconic sites is still a priority, but travelers are increasingly curating trips to suit their unique interests. Whether that means bringing the whole family along or booking rejuvenating wellness experiences, travelers have so many options to really customize their trip, and immerse themselves in the local culture.

The trends reveal that travelers are on the hunt for a way to unwind, quiet their minds, and recharge their batteries from fast-paced lives. 
 
Which is why New Zealand with its nature, hot springs and scenic beauty will remain a preferred destination.

Our small-group Hello Auckland walking tour is the perfect 'day one' activity for visitors wanting to familiarise themselves with the city. Family-friendly, it can be booked as a private tour and offers a leisurely way to discover key landmarks and lanes on foot. 

Credit: copy repurposed from Trip Advisor Report “2019 Travel Trends”

Auckland's Top 5 Restaurants: Visitors vote!

Posted by Website Admin on June 20, 2019

Auckland’s top 5 restaurants: Visitors vote!

In April, Auckland’s Metro Magazine announced the winners of the Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year Award 2019. Twelve judges fanned out across the city to discretely dine at restaurants on their raydar. 

Pasture, the Supreme Award winner is a six-seat fine diner where you are served by three chefs in an open kitchen. Runner-up Cazador is a family run restaurant serviing Persian and Spanish inspired food down the Mt Roskill end of Dominion Road.
 
Best newcomer is Waiheke’s 372 (named after the island’s area code) on Onetangi beach.
And restauranteur of the year are the Sarawats, owners of Sid Art, Cassia and Sid at the French Cafe.

So we decided to compare the views of the local expert judging panel against what visitors (and locals) think based on Trip Advisor reviews. The results are vastly different.

Here’s the top 5 restaurants according to diners (not judges) for 2019:

Paris Butter, 166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Chef Nick Honeyman and his team create innovative French cuisine using locally-sourced New Zealand ingredients. The restaurant’s NZD$110 tasting menu is popular with diners raving about the venison tartare, potato veloute and poached pear dessert. Definitely worth the uber fare from town. 

The Grove, St Patrick’s Square, Wyndham St
Named as one of the top 10 restaurant’s in the world, owner Michael Dearth is riding a wave of success with this fine dining option. Guests mention the knowledgeable wine sommelier, the chef’s exquisite degustation menu (with vegetarian options) and the New York-styled interior offerring pretty views of the city skyline. Popular dishes include the spinach and cashew ravioli and the mushroom brioche.

One Tree Grill, 9 Pah Road, Epsom
This suburban bistro continues to impress diners with its “great food, great staff and great wine.” It’s cozy booths are a perfect foil to a chilly winter’s night. As is the seared scallops, Hereford eye fillet and pork belly with crackling. 

Sid Art, Three Lamps Plaza, Ponsonby Road
A close contender for third spot, Sid Swarawat’s Sid Art serves up Indian-fusion fine dining. Guests describe “a unique experience with smooth attentive service.” Each dish is delicately infused with heavenly spices like coriander or cumin. The restaurant is highly regarded for it’s focus on vegetarian dining with a fabulous range of options.

Kazuya, 193 Symonds Street, Uptown
Top pick last year, Kazuya is a chic, contemporary restaurant offering Japanese-influenced European dishes. Chef Kazuya uses the unique process of slow-roasting meat and also traditional Japanese methods for preparing fish. Guests love the restaurant’s intimacy highlighting dishes like the taro and rosemary infused starter and to finish, the chocolate and salted caramel dessert.

It’s great to see a range of cuisines feature on Trip Advisor’s top 5 restaurants especially as Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world. 

We reveal great inner-city restaurants on our Taste Auckland walking tour. Or you can choose to include an optional lunch at the end of our Hello Auckland tour. The city offers an endless array of delicious eats and treats.