What's New Auckland - Spring Edition
Auckland Tamaki Makaurau is gearing up for summer with a raft of new restaurants and public amenities coming our way.
The city has got a positive spring in its step following one of the warmest winters on record, new rooftop bars, upcoming festivals and a significant boost in CBD safety. Our food scene has even won a quirky international accolade this year!
Here’s our insider guide to what’s new and making the news:
Where we’re drinking and dining next
Our clients always ask “where can we try Auckland’s best fish and chips’? Well, walk this way, because there’s a new spot downtown at Catch and Crisp Takeaway, Wynyard Quarter.
Serving up fresh New Zealand seafood with an Asian twist, the menu includes tasty bites like crab dogs with nori-sesame dressing or Hong Kong style curry fish balls alongside traditional crumbed or battered fish fresh from the ocean.
Nearby on Halsey Street, Little Italy has just opened its doors as the city’s newest Italian restaurant. With the pizza dough and pasta handmade on site and lunch options starting at $15, it’s targeting the wallet's sweet spot especially with Illy coffee, Italy’s best roast coffee brew.
With an eye on mid-afternoon cravings, Auckland’s Little Culprit is promoting grazing platters for a sneaky snack alongside their extensive wine and cocktail menu. Take a perch at the bar next time you’re in town and enjoy a kaimoana platter of local oysters, sashimi, fish tartare cones and crayfish bisque dip with a side of agria potato crisps. Yumbo.
Who will be crowned Auckland’s top restaurant?
The 50 finalists for Auckland’s Top Metro Restaurant of the Year 2024 have been announced with the major gongs awarded on 14 October.
Central Auckland contenders in the top 50 (no doubt with their knives out) include:
Newcomer Advieh (Hotel Intercontinental), Ahi in Commercial Bay, Alma, Apéro on Karangahape Rd, Bossi, Cassia, Gemmayze Street, Gilt, Gochu, Hello Beasty, Hugo’s Bistro, Kazuya, Metita (SkyCity Grand), Mr Morris, Onemata (Park Hyatt), Onslow, Origine, Pici, The Grove and The Lodge.
And from the Strange but True files;
Aucklanders have been named the World’s Earliest Diners'' according to a survey by international food magazine Chef’s Pencil. Not the most desirable of international accolades but booking a table past 8.30pm (even on weekends), is a rarity with locals. In fact, Auckland restaurants take the cake for the earliest ‘last orders’ in the world.
So we suggest to visitors that they dine early, then make the most of their evening. Afterwards, take a walk or take in a show, head to a rooftop bar or in small towns, the local pub! Because if Aucklanders are deemed early diners, what time do folk in spots like Masterton or Methven eat?
Take a bow Britomart
New Zealand’s first 5-greenstar rated hotel has been named New Zealand’s Best Hotel at the country's 2024 Hospitality Awards. Congratulations to the team at Hotel Britomart for this well-deserved recognition. With awesome restaurants, a thriving Saturday food and craft market, designer retail and the waterfront just a stone’s throw, it makes a great impression on our international visitors.
New hotel alert
New Zealand’s first Moxy by Marriot is taking shape on Wakefield Street, with the 16-level build due to open late 2025.
Safer city, less gritty
The new police base in Federal Street (beside Sky Tower) is having a significant impact this year. With 51 officers now stationed in town on rolling shifts 24/7, this noticeably visible presence along with beefed up retail security, has seen reported crime drop by one-third in the Auckland CBD and retail theft halve over the past 6 months. Making the city safer and more vibrant for everyone.
Take a dip at Wynyard Point (pictured)
At last, an open-air salt-water swimming pool will grace the central city waterfront.This summer, the tidal steps at Karanga Plaza will soon access a safe, multi-lane swimming pool complete with pontoons, right beside the Park Hyatt at North Wharf. This will be a fantastic addition for both locals and visitors to enjoy a refreshing dip in the heart of the city.
Team Aucky Walky are rearing to go
We’re gearing up for an exciting season of sharing our city on foot with Auckland’s visitors. As professional guides, it’s our job to keep abreast of changes so we can provide genuine recommendations on where best to eat, drink and go. We are the walking concierge of the city!
Which is why Tourism NZ and Tataki Auckland engaged us to host famils over winter for their high-value agents from North America.
It’s our mission to help first-time visitors find their feet and enjoy their Auckland stay.
Here’s how Gaye, a recent Aucky Walky guest summed up her private family tour with us:
“It was the perfect introduction to this fascinating city! We learned about the history, landmarks and really useful information…there were even treats along the way. Our guide Debbie was engaging and informative, it felt like a friend showing us around’.
Meet your Aucky Walky Team here and please join us on tour soon.
Ka kite ano hoa. See you later friends.