News and Views

7 of Auckland's Best Rooftop Bars 

When you think of Auckland attractions, rooftop bars might not be top of mind but this cosmopolitan city has come of age. Discover a stylish selection of hidden and locally-loved viewing decks from which to take in the city from above with this handy guide to Auckland's best rooftop bars. 

The Churchill - Queen St: The discrete player on the block, The Churchill is sitting pretty atop the Four Points By Sheraton. On arrival, you’re presented with stunning 180-degree city views and a killer gin menu of some +170 brands from around the world. The food is great too, offering a variety of tasters and shared plates to impress like smoked Halloumi sliders and the 'can’t go-past' curly fries. Eat, drink and make merry all the while gazing down on Auckland’s Queen Street and and it's bustling beauty.  

Bar Albert - Voco Hotel: No other bar provides more panoramic rooftop views, than this swanky contender perched on the 38th floor of the Voco hotel. They also offer the best loo with a view, take our word for it. Currently the highest hotel rooftop bar in New Zealand, it's the perfect spot for an expertly crafted cocktail or smooth single malt whisky with a stunning backdrop.

The Parasol & Swing Company - Auckland Viaduct
Boasting the best sunset views in the buzzy Viaduct, park yourself on Parasol's sunny deck for a refreshing vino or cocktail and a spot of people watching. The tasty menu boasts burgers, tacos and salads and their legendary jalapeño poppers. 

Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co - Auckland Viaduct
Next door to Parasol, this place is party central when the winning boat comes in. Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co and celebrating the America’s cup go hand-in-hand.  It’s one of the most iconic rooftop bars in New Zealand and injects a whole lot of energy into the downtown Viaduct. Hop on the escalator to Dr Rudi’s and you’ll soon find yourself drinking beer brewed on-site and chowing down on metre-long pizzas. When you tire of the waterfront view, take aim down the bar’s indoor bowling lanes or launch yourself onto the dance floor enjoying live DJs on the weekend.

HI-SO - Customs St
Style, hipster and swank combine at Hi-So on the 16th floor of the SO/Auckland hotel.  Not only do gorgeous panoramic views of Auckland harbour, Rangitoto and the North Shore await, you’ll also find an epic drinks menu. This inner-city gem is considered the place to be seen if you're out to impress and one of Auckland’s best cocktail bars. 

La Zeppa - Victoria St
Get your dose of vitamin D while gazing upon the beautiful Victoria Park in a warm and inviting atmosphere. An industrial NYC design is transported to the City of Auckland with the masterful Sky Tower soaring above. Unwind with live music, Mediterranean tapas and cocktail creations at one of Auckland’s most well-known rooftop bars.

Rooftop At QT - Viaduct Harbour Rd
With an open kitchen, a swanky bar and breathtaking views of Auckland's harbour, this is the insta-worthy spot to be seen. Enjoy mezze snacks from Esther’s Mediterranean-inspired menu six floors below, together with espresso martinis and other killer cocktails. Take a detour on the way up and check out the stunning artwork displayed throughout the floors of the stylish QT Hotel. 

Work up a thirst on our  Hello Auckland walking tour and add a rooftop bar experience to your 'what to do Auckland' list. Check out too our guide to Auckland's best restaurants so every meal is a delight during your stay or for wine lovers, our guide to the best New Zealand wines. We show where the locals go on our top-rated Auckland walking tours so walk with us to find out more. 

All rights reserved @auckywalky 2024

Image credit: Hi-So courtesy of Urban List

Discover the Best New Zealand Wines 

The results are in for New Zealand’s best wines from the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand.

An expert team of judges had the formidable (but envious) task of evaluating the 900 entries for the best New Zealand wines 

This team knows its cheeky reds from its crisp whites and dry varietals. And how to keep their wits about them when faced with dozens of top wines to taste and assess. But before we spill the beans on which tipples took away the top gongs, how do judges (and amateur wine lovers for that matter) assess a great wine from a middling one? It mainly comes down to four key components:

1. Give it a sniff:  The first criteria is the wine’s aroma.  Even before you take a sip, give the glass a swirl and take a sniff – does it smell like wine, a little fruity or floral?  If so, it’s passed the first test.  But if it smells like vinegar, then ditch the whole bottle. Life’s too short for bad wine.

2. Is the wine in balance?  The acid, sugar, body and tannin levels. If your wine passes the sniff test, the second clue to knowing if your wine is good is balance. This is where the acidity, tannin, alcohol, or fruit all blend together and nothing stands out.

If the level of acidity is too high (and makes your eyes water) or the sweetness is cloying, the wine is out of whack. If however, you notice a nice freshness to the wine and the fruit flavour is smooth, then the winemaker has nailed the blend.

3. Depth of taste:  Next taste the depth of flavor in the wine by swirling it in your mouth. It should taste like fruit with other layers of flavor.  Perhaps a touch of citrus in a white wine or chocolate notes in a red? Wines with depth are a lot of fun across a meal as the taste of the wine often changes.

4. Finish – the aftertaste:  An easy way to determine a top-flight wine is to consider how long the flavor lasts on your palate. The longer it lingers, the better the wine. If you can still taste the wine after 10 or more seconds, you’ve hit the jackpot!

So if you want to show off your beginner sommelier skills, crack open the bottle and consider the four elements: smell, balance, depth of flavor and finish. Or you can just trust the judges and choose from the following selection of New Zealand’s best wines in 2023.  All top of their grape game and destined for the best Auckland restaurants’ wine lists.

Check out our Taste Auckland food tour if you want to discover the city's exciting food scene (and sample great New Zealand wine). 

Drum roll please for the gold medal winners of The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2023.

Category - Sparkling
Winner: Diamond Heart Waihopai Cuvée 2018
 
Category - Gewürztraminer
Winner: Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Gewürztraminer 2023
 
Category - Riesling
Winner: Mt Maude Reserve East Block Riesling 2023
 
Category - Pinot Gris
Winner: Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2023
 
Category - Sauvignon Blanc
Winner: Martinborough Vineyard Home Block Sauvignon Blanc 2023
 
Category - Chardonnay
Winner: Isabel Estate Marlborough Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022
 
Category - Other Specified White Varieties & Unspecified or Blended Whites
Winner: Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Albarino 2023
 
Category - Sweet Wines
Winner: Clark Estate Single Vineyard Botrytised Riesling 2022
 
Category - Rosè or Blush
Winner: Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rosé 2023
 
Category - Pinot Noir
Winner: Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 Bull Block Pinot Noir 2021
 
Category - Cabernet and Cabernet predominant blends
Winner: Mudbrick Velvet 2022
 
Category - Merlot and Merlot predominant blends
Winner: Church Road McDonald Series Merlot 2021
 
Category - Fruitfed Supplies Trophy for Champion Syrah
Winner: Tipping Point Opportunist Syrah 2021
 
Category - Other Specified Red Varieties & Unspecified or Blended Reds
Winner: Beach House Cabernet Franc 2021
 
Category - Best Presentation Award
Winner: Jules Taylor On The Quiet Pinot Noir 2021
 
Category Award: Organic Award
Winner: Loop Rd Pinot Noir 2022
 
Category - Export Award
Winner: OTU Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Visit the National Wine Awards website to find out more

END.

Eating out: Best New Zealand Restaurants 

Who do New Zealanders' turn to for dining inspiration? The annual Metro restaurant guide of course. From newcomers to trusty favourites, the Metro judges - made up of food writers, critics and hospitality experts - chomp their way through the country's best restaurants to determine which contenders cut the mustard for the crown of 'best restaurants Auckland' and beyond. 

Over the last twenty years, New Zealand chefs have developed a style of cooking often described as Pacific Rim. Many have sharpened their skills in Michelin-starred restaurants internationally. Their recipes blend the best New Zealand ingredients - our juicy lamb, beef, seafood and venison with pan-Asian and European-influenced flavours. This, combined with an emerging farm (or fish) to the fork ethos, creates a fascinating lineage for contemporary New Zealand food. All with a dollop of innovative local growers, farmers and intrepid fishing folk serving up the main ingredients.

So is there such a thing as a truly ‘New Zealandesque’ restaurant ?  We’re pleased to shout “yes!” 

Here's our round up of the best centrally located Auckland restaurants which regularly make the cut in the city's 'top 50 best restaurants Auckland'. Plus a selection of top restaurants nationwide.  

Bon appeitit!

Flavours of Aotearoa NZ 

• Ahi - Commercial Bay
• Culprit - Wyndham  St 
• Mr Morris - Galway St, Britomart
• Depot - Sky City
• Metita - SkyCity
• Tala - Parnell
• Kingi - Britomart
• Gilt - O'Connell St

French - European/Fine Dining

• The Grove - Saint Patrick's Square, Wyndham St
• Anise, Symonds St
• SidArt - Ponsonby Rd
• Origine - Commercial Bay

Pan Asian Fusion

• Hello Beasty - Viaduct Habour
• Cafe Hanoi -  Britomart - Vietnamese
• Kazuya -  Symonds Street, Eden Terrace - European with Japanese Influence.
• Gochu - Commerical Bay  - South Korean inspired

Italian/Spanish - Mediterranean

• Alma - Tyler St, Britomart 
• Amano - Tyler St, Britomart
• Apero - Karangahape Rd
• Advieh - Hotel Intercontinental
• Ortolana - Britomart

The range of cuisines mirrors Auckland' s make-up as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Around 200 different nationalities call this cosmopolitan hot spot home. 

Rest of North Island

• Palate - Hamilton
• Embra - Taupo
• Craggy Range - Hawkes Bay
• Koji - Wellington
• Graze - Wellington
• Capitol - Wellington

South Island

• Amisfield - Queenstown
• Rata - Queenstown
• Blue Kanu - Queenstown
• Kika - Wanaka
• 5th Street - Christchurch
• Inati - Christchurch

Walk with us to discover our 'best places to eat Auckland' list which we update every season.  The best cafes, rooftop bars and central city delis. Or book a private walking tour and join us for lunch!  Discover also the major Auckland attractions you don't want to miss on our top-rated Auckland walking tours.

All rights reserved @auckywalky 2024

Ahoy there! Best Restaurants Waiheke

It's only a 45-minute ferry ride from downtown but it feels like a world away. Waiheke island is one of the best Auckland attractions, with its sun-kissed beaches, verdant vineyards and top restaurants. It's the perfect Auckland shore excursion for day-trippers and wine lovers keen to experience island life amongst the vines. 

With over 30 wineries scattered across the island, here's our guide to Waiheke's best vineyards and restaurants. 

Three Seven Two - finalist Best Auckland Restaurant 
Named after the first three digits of the Waiheke area code , this beautiful restaurant is nestled across the road from Onetangi Beach.  There is a large dining room set in terracotta tiles, flowing out to the outdoor terrace, perfect on a fine summers evening. 
Bronwen Laight has introduced a menu that is balanced and fresh. Seasonal and produce-driven, choose from a range of shared-plate options to a la carte. Book ahead as this restaurant is extremely popular with the locals. However, if you are unable to get a table, there is a great bar menu ready to be explored. 

Arcadia  - Pop into Arcadia at Palm Beach for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Offering a more relaxed dining experience than the vineyard restaurants, soak up the atmosphere at this beach cafe and bar.  Arcadia means “a simple land that provides great pleasure” so indulge in a menu that emulates the idea of simplicity. Here you can blend into the island lifestyle in a warm and relaxing environment.

Casita Miro - finalist Best Auckland Restaurant 
On the slopes overlooking Onetangi, this winery not only produces a quality Syrah but also excellent cuisine.
Started more than 20 years ago by the Bond family, Casita Miro is inspired by the kitchens of Spain. Dive into the delicious menu and choose your own tastings from goats cheese croquettes to a ‘shared plate’ paella. Or go gung ho and opt for the 4-course Fiesta menu. 

Above the restaurant is the Bond Bar showcasing a mosaic masterpiece. Inspired by Gaudi in Spain, the result of seven years work is truly something not to be missed.  

Tantalus - finalist Best Auckland Restaurant  - Striving to create a swanky atmosphere, immerse yourself in the glorious vineyard setting of the recently renovated Tantulus. The estate is situated in the heart of Onetangi Valley, surrounded by other amazing wineries.  A seamless indoor-outdoor flow in the restaurant makes you feel right amidst the vines. Nothing short of spectacular, the seasonal dishes produced here make Tantalus an experience like no other.  

The Shed - finalist Best Auckland Restaurant  - Situated next door to Tantalus, is this little gem. Don't be put off by the rough driveway and rustic decor because first appearances can be deceiving. The food is divine. The Shed’s head chef orders entire beasts, butchering the whole animal for the restaurant’s Nose-to-Tail option. The special cuts (think lamb shoulder) changes daily and so do the house-cured meats and the butcher’s skewers.

Kennedy Point If you consider yourself a part-time environmentalist, Kennedy Point is the place for you as it holds the title of the only certified organic winery on Waiheke. Becoming a certified organic winery is no easy task, only 8% of New Zealand vineyards can keep up with the standards.

Upholding a sustainable approach that emits the use of chemicals and pesticides in the vineyard means that the wines are fermented with wild yeast. Combine a cellar door tasting with a platter of cured meats, Aoraki salmon and Waiheke olives.

Mudbrick Situated between the vines and panoramic views of Auckland, Mudbrick is considered one of Waiheke’s most beautiful vineyards. Many a wedding is celebrated here. Relax on the front veranda with a bottle of wine or explore the cellar doors with a tasting or two. With an incredible selection of wine comes a fantastic restaurant to match. The impressive degustation menu allows you to sit back and relax for a minimum of 3 hours, as you feast on a 7-course menu with the option of a tailored wine match. 

Waiheke is the perfect side trip, offering top-notch wine and food, so add this to your 'what to do Auckland' list. We show where the locals go on our top-rated Auckland walking tours so walk with us to find out more. Check out our Auckland best restaurants guide for more tips on best places to eat Auckland-style cuisine.

All rights reserved @auckywalky 2024

Best Maori Food? It's everywhere

Visitors often ask where they can try traditional Maori food in Auckland because they're curious about the tastes of our indigenous culture.  

Maori traditionally survived on a hunter-gatherer diet of native birds like wood-pigeon (keruru), mutton-bird, wild pig, fish, kumara, taro and vitamin-rich puha. They also foraged for native ferns, fungi, berries, fruit and seeds. Food was traditionally about sustenance and survival, high in protein and carbohydrates for energy. After more Pakeha (European) settlers arrived in New Zealand, their crops expanded to include wheat, potatoes, maize, carrots, and cabbage. Maori also began raising sheep, pigs, goats and poultry.

Potatoes were easier to grow than kumara, and pigs could be fattened quickly, so pork, puha and potatoes became a staple meal called a ‘boil-up’. A rather plain-tasting blend of all three food groups in the same big cooking pot.

Not exactly the Pacific-rim flavours we enjoy today.

Select high-end bistros adapt their menus to honor the Maori new year (June's Matariki), but year-round choices are limited. You might find delicious rawena paraoa (potato bread), fresh oysters, green-lipped mussels or kumara mash (sweet potato) as entrees or side dishes.

If visitors are Rotorua-bound, we recommend including a Maori cultural experience which often includes hangi-cooked food (or kai), a traditional process of slow-cooking food in shallow earth pits. Heated rocks are placed in a shallow pit with manuka wood. The food is then placed on the rocks and buried in the earth to cook. Pork, chicken, potato, kumara, pumpkin, cabbage, stuffing and watercress salad are the key items on the menu. Manuka woodchips give the food an earthy, smokey flavour. 

If you’re keen to try traditional Maori food in Auckland then look out for these edibles on restaurant menus, in the supermarket, at farmers markets or in fish shops. 

Kumara (sweet potato).  Maori travelled west across Polynesia 600-700 years ago and used this root vegetable to sustain themselves on their long voyages. They brought edible plants from Hawaiki, and today kumara mainly grows in the semi-tropical regions of the North Island and comes in hues of red, gold or orange. We mash them, roast them and deep fry them as chips. Even serve up a sweet Kumara brownie for pudding.

Manuka comes from the tea tree plant. Delicious manuka honey, with its natural anti-inflammatory properties is also the base for a growing list of medicinal, skincare and antiseptic properties. The higher the UMFor unique manuka factor on the label, the greater the potency.  

Puha or sow thistle is a green leafy plant which grows along streams and is traditionally served cooked with pork.

Paua is a large shellfish commonly known overseas as abalone. It's highly valued for its firm meaty flesh and salty flavour. In traditional Maori carving, the pearlescent shell usually represents the eyes of a powerful totem.

Bluff Oysters are a highly prized delicacy. These big and juicy shellfish are sourced from Bluff at the bottom of the South Island. The harvest season is short from March until August. South Island Whitebait are another gourmet treat, often served fried or frittered.  Fishermen use hand-held nets  to bag this tiny, worm-sized fish. With the best spots highly coveted and a short catching season, it's no wonder that Whitebait is the most expensive seafood in New Zealand. 

New Zealand's famous green-lipped mussels are jam-packed with protein and low in fat and calories. New Zealanders typically steam them open or cook them in a broth base of tomatoes, garlic and fish stock. Most farmers markets will have a mussel fritter stand. They’re also a very good source of omega-3, sustainably farmed and more reasonably priced than fresh fish.

We love sharing the best places to eat New Zealand food on our Hello Auckland city walking tour. With our small-group focus, it’s the best way to start your visit and the perfect Auckland shore excursion. Check out our ' best things to do Auckland' guide for more travel inspiration.