News and Views

The Insider's Guide to Auckland

No wonder Auckland consistently ranks as one of world’s most liveable cities. When Maori discovered Auckland 800 years ago, they named it 'Tamaki Makaurau', a place desired by many. Sandwiched between two sparkling harbours, with over 90 idyllic islands, beautiful beaches, amazing food and stunning volcanic vistas, Auckland is a dream destination. But some of the best things to do Auckland-wide are tucked deep in the central city with its top-notch restaurants, hip boutiques, bars and art galleries. That’s if you know where to go!

So here’s our local's guide to the top Auckland attractions you don’t want to miss. 

Auckland’s best waterfront walk: City to North Wharf
Starting downtown at Auckland’s Ferry building, check out the harbour views from bustling Queen’s wharf. Then stroll west past the Viaduct, once home to Auckland’s fruit market and fishing fleet, to North Wharf. Here you’ll discover giant super yachts, a revitalised waterfront, busy eateries and unparalleled views of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. Enjoy promenading along this easy breezy walkway as Aucklanders sip wine in the sun. This is the perfect starting point for Auckland shore excursions. Check out other suggested Auckland day hikes here

Best Auckland Restaurants
Sightseeing sure does work up an appetite and lucky for you, central Auckland is a foody paradise. The buzzing Viaduct Harbour is home to Soul Bar, Oyster and Chop and gorgeous St Alice. Head for Sky City on Federal St with its fifteen restaurants and check out local favourites Depot, Fed St Deli or Sky Tower’s Sugar Club. Britomart has the superb Alma, Kingi, Amano and Ebisu while some of the best places to eat in Auckland can be found uptown, on vibrant K'Road with the brilliant Apero, Pici and Cocoa’s Cantina. For a hearty brunch in the city, check out Odettes, Scarecrow or Chuffed or grab a flat white coffee at the Espresso Workshop. Check out our guide to Auckland's best restaurants for a great night out.  

Best Rooftop Bars Auckland 
Quench your thirst, mingle with the locals and admire a bird’s eye view from a city rooftop bar. Hey, it’s not New York but Dr Rudi’s at Viaduct Harbour provides the best perch for people-watching and possibly Auckland’s best waterfront deck. The craft beer is brewed on-site, and the pizzas are great too, with free bowling lanes for added entertainment! For a classier experience with killer cocktails, dress up and head to the QT, the Sheraton’s Churchill Bar or the So Hotel bar on Customs St. We profile more Auckland rooftop bars here

Best Culture Fix: Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki and the Auckland Maritime Museum
Explore the history, art and culture of beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand by visiting The Auckland Art Gallery or Toi O Tamaki (‘our treasure house’). This is the home or wharenui of New Zealand art and presents around 800 pieces (going back around 700 years) and visiting international exhibitions. The works of famous New Zealand artists like Charles Goldie, Ralph Hotere and Colin McCahon are on public display instead of hidden away in private vaults. The Gallery runs one-hour tours daily (except Xmas Day) at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

At downtown’s Auckland Maritime Museum, set sail and discover the stories which helped to shape our nautical nation including winning the America’s Cup. Take a one-hour voyage on the heritage scow, Ted Ashby to discover why Auckland really nails its reputation as the “city of sails.” 

The Fashion edit: where to shop
Head downtown for Auckland’s best shopping to the stylish Britomart precinct for Kiwi designers or take a stroll up nearby High Street for gifts, shoes, books and vintage apparel. For international designers, stick to Queen Street and drop into heritage department store Smith and Caughey or the newest shopping and eating destination downtown, Commercial Bay. 

The best way to see a new city is strolling the back streets with a knowlegable local guide. Find your feet and beat the jet lag by booking our Hello Auckland walking tour and we'll give you our current 'best things to do Auckland' guide.

Other Pro Tips for Visitors: 

• Grab the free Auckland A-Z Guide when you land at Auckland airport. Tourism information offices in NZ are called iSITES.
• Best Auckland side trips: Waiheke Island's vineyards and beaches or Piha, the city’s wild west coast beach. One hour north is the Matakana region with it’s sculpture trails, regional parks and stunning beaches. 
• Auckland weather: Look up Metservice for the most accurate NZ forecasts. 
• New Zealand's emergency number is 111. Legal drinking age is 18 years. Marijuana is illegal
• Hello in Maori is ‘Kia ora’ (pronounced ‘Kea-ora’)    
• Airport to City transport: Catch the SkyDrive Coach into SkyCity. Book online (Adults from NZ$18 one way) -  30 minute off peak drive.
• Bin the banana at the border! NZ has very strict bio-security laws. Declare anything you’re unsure about. Else you’ll cop a NZ$400 fine at the airport, no exceptions.
• Central Auckland gyms and day spas:  City Fitness, Les Mills Gym, East Day Spa, Chuan Spa at the Cordis hotel 
• Public transport:  Buy a HOP card from Auckland Transport (AT) at the downtown Britomart station if you're here for a few days. Get cheaper bus, train and ferry fares and help save the planet too.

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.

Top 10 Auckland Beaches

It goes without saying that most New Zealanders love hanging out on a beach (the country consists of three main islands after all) and one of the best Auckland attractions is its stunning coastline. Whether it's the white sandy beaches of the calm East Coast or the rugged black sands of the West Coast surf beaches, this Pacific playground dazzles visitors and locals alike. 

Highly contested indeed, here's our round-up of Auckland's best beaches.   

TAWHARANUI BEACH 
A favourite weekend destination for Aucklanders, set yourself up for a day of sun 60-minutes north of the city.  Nestled on a peninsula, this regional park attracts surfers and campers to hikers. If the pristine white sands don’t do it for you, stroll down to the rock pools for a fossick and a paddle.Pack a picnic and unwind in this idyllic location.

PAKIRI (Beware rips and often strong currents)
A beautiful secluded escape from the city, Pakiri beach is the perfect spot for some downtime. A car will be needed to reach this slice of paradise.  Turn a relaxing 90-minute drive from Auckland into a weekend getaway by staying overnight at the local holiday park cabins.  Enjoy a guided horse trek along 14 kilometres of pristine white sand. 

OREWA BEACH
An easy 35-minute drive from downtown Auckland, this is a perfect day out. This large 3-kilometre beach is very flat and a favourite with young families. Park up near the surf life saving club for safe swimming, a great kid's playground and potentially water-sports to rent.  Head across the road into Orewa town for a hand-rolled ice cream or some Kiwi-style fish and chips.

CHELTENHAM BEACH
Offering panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, this little gem is a less populated version of neighbouring Takapuna Beach. 
Hop on the ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport and take an easy 25 minute stroll around to this coastal beauty. Immerse yourself in the Kiwi village vibe, with the local dairy and fish and chip shop easily in reach. 

TAKAPUNA BEACH
This bustling village on the North Shore is a quick 15-minute drive over the Harbour Bridge from downtown Auckland. Takapuna is renowned for its cafe scene and shopping, so if you want a break from the beach, there is definitely enough to keep you busy for the day. The changing winds make this stretch of coastline popular for young local sailors. 

PIHA BEACH (only swim when patrolled and swim between the flags)
On the remarkable west coast, sits one of Auckland’s most well-known beaches. 
This beach is not for the faint-hearted. Strong currents and wind attracts surfers with its massive waves. The black-sand beach is split in two by the famous Lion Rock perched in all its magnificence. It's no surprise stunning Piha is popular with photographers motivated to snap that “instagram worthy picture”. 

KAREKARE BEACH (only swim when patrolled and between the flags)
Calling all fans of the Oscar-winning movie “The Piano”. The breath-taking scenery that engulfs this stretch of coastline is so good, they filmed the movie here. Don't worry if you don’t feel like braving the rugged water as the scenery and potential photo opportunities make this isolated beach worth the 45-minute drive from the city. Added bonus: the stunning Karekare waterfalls are a short walk inland.  

MISSION BAY BEACH
Can't decide between cafe hopping or the beach?  Mission Bay offers a perfect combination of city living and sea. With prominent views of Rangitoto Island, this picturesque eastern seaside suburb is a favourite of families wanting an easy day out and a safe swimming beach. 

OKAHU BEACH
With vistas of the Auckland skyline, Devonport and the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, this bay arguably provides the best views out of all the Central Auckland beaches. To keep the kids entertained, there are a variety of options from a basketball court to a playground with a flying fox! Hire a paddle board or kayak from nearby Ferg's Kayaks and glide across the harbour.

POINT CHEVALIER
A hit with the locals, this inner city favourite has a relaxed neighbourly vibe with its calm safe waters and kid-friendly playground. Best visited at high tide.

When you've had your fill of sand and salty surf, explore the inner-city on our small-group Hello Auckland walking tour. We share the best places to eat, shop and go including Auckland's best restaurants. and rooftop bars. 

All rights reserved @auckywalky 

Awesome changes afoot in Auckland 

Thought you knew downtown Auckland? Well look again as the central city is undergoing the biggest transformation in 100 years with a new waterfront park, midtown rejuvenation and the Cracker Bay precinct in the pipeline. And there’s much to be excited about now, from the city's largest rooftop bar, new dining and hotels to hosting one of the World's largest cultural events in July.

Here’s our insider guide on what’s new and coming up.

A new downtown precinct (main image). Anointed Cracker Bay (not sure of the name’s relevance to the area), the aim is to create a waterfront precinct befitting the City of Sails. We’re guessing a Hobsonville Point-type feel with a mix of high-end apartments, eateries and marine services sited between Westhaven Drive and Beaumont Street. The new Beaumont Street Bodega will provide destination dining, The Boathouse is set to rival old favourite Sails for waterfront dining and The Club will serve as a private yacht club for member-only boaties.  Watch this space.

One huge benefit is that the popular Westhaven boardwalk will be extended through new Cracker Bay providing improved walking and cycling linkage from the harbour bridge to North Wharf. We love this idea! 

Where we’re heading next

• New Queens Rooftop and Wineshop.  Just opened at number 1 Queen Street, Commercial Bay. The all-day dining menu looks tasty (green-lipped mussels in chilli and coconut, cured sashimi) and what a primo position smack bang downtown. The lift entrance is tucked inside the new wineshop (very clever) and a new basement restaurant is coming later this year.
• Advieh at the Intercontinental.  Gareth Stewart’s new nod to contemporary Turkish food is garnering rave reviews. Our clients are also enjoying the more American-sized guest rooms at the hotel and its awesome location. 
• Auckland’s biggest rooftop bar is coming at Australasia’s first Raddisson Red Hotel. It’s opening new doors on Queen Street opposite the Aotea Centre. And another hotel, Indigo is coming later this year in newly rejuvenated St Patricks Square (with award-winning restaurant the Grove nearby). A savvy move for both hotels considering midtown’s planned regeneration around the upcoming City Rail Link subway. 

Where we're NOT heading next: Unfortunately Peter Gordon’s fantastic Homeland Restaurant, a leader in New Zealand-style kai has closed. A casualty of developer Winton’s plans for new Cracker Bay as Peter couldn't find a suitable new location. So strike this off your Best Auckland Restaurant's list.

Our best night out – guess where?
We popped into Ahi recently to savour their NZ Food Story degustation comprising ten delicious courses. TV personality Chef Ben Bailey and team have done a stunning job of showcasing artisan food producers through their innovative cuisine. Each mouthwatering dish was accompanied by a captivating harvest-to-plate tale.  And what an iconic view of Auckland’s Ferry Building sparkling at night. Ahi deserves its spot on our hit list of best Auckland restaurants. 

Dining with friends at Madame George on K’Road made for a great night out too. Awesome food (Mediterranean-inspired shared plates), waitstaff and a friendly, casual ambience, so give it a go uptown.

Introducing new guide Nina (pictured left)
We are delighted to have recruited this talking taonga into Auckland tourism.
Born in Tamaki Makaurau, Nina has the most interesting work stories as a former undercover policewoman and public speaker. Currently wintering in sunny Perth, we look forward to her return next season and more amazing five-star reviews. 

“Nina met us right on time, pleasantly smiling despite the rainy walk that Mother Nature had ahead for us. She created a very interesting and informative walk for us first timers to NZ. She had several dining recommendations, which we enjoyed. Highly recommended guide and experience.”

As professional guides, it’s our job to keep abreast of hospo changes so we can provide genuine recommendations to guests on where best to eat, drink and go.

We are regarded as one of Auckland's best first-day experiences!

Art lovers?  Send them our way. 
Pro Tip: Book arty clients on a private art walk with us. We provide the what, why and how context for the city’s public art in an entertaining 2-hour stroll concluding with refreshments at an iconic city bar. 

We’ve got public art in spades in the central city and here’s what’s new:

• Artist Owen Dippie’s stunning new portrait mural of Israel Adesanya now graces Victoria Street
• Over in Myers Park, a light and sound installation has been integrated under the Mayoral Drive underpass, by artist Graham Tipene. It honours Te Waihorotiu, the ancient river that flows underneath this inner-city valley.  
• Federal Street (south) is now the home of Lost and Found by Joe Sheehan. Eight large boulders from all around New Zealand feature everyday objects including sneakers, sunglasses and a baseball cap to encourage a sense of community (right outside Auckland’s HomeGround city mission).  

Big plans for Wynyard Quarter
The former petrochemical site at the northern end of Wynyard Quarter is to be transformed into a 10-hectare public park, called Wynyard Point (pictured). It will be the first, large-scale open city space developed in a century. Co-designed with local iwi, the original foreshore and lost headlands which graced the city before colonisation, will be acknowledged. The concept includes tidal rockpools, direct water access for waka and people and new civic spaces for outdoor events and activities. And of course, panoramic harbour views.  More images here

When will we ride Auckland’s new subway? 
Yep we’re all over the cones and disruption on the west side of the Queen Street valley. In late 2026, people will hop on Auckland’s new City Rail Link and breeze into Waihorotiu Station (tipped to become the busiest station in the country) near Aotea Square. 
This midtown station will also host the Symphony Centre by 2028 – think cafes and retail flowing into a bustling Aotea Square. Best of all, a tap-and- go cashless ticketing system is planned across Auckland’s buses and trains. Making it easier for city visitors to jump on board. Will this be the end of Hop cards? 

With so much change afoot, we’re excited to share our city on foot with Auckland’s visitors. 

Coming up: More than 10,000 delegates are converging on Auckland in July for the World Choir Games, the largest choral festival and competition in the world! It's not the scale of last year's FIFA WWC scale, but we're benefiting from winter tour bookings!

It’s our mission to help first-time folks find their feet, so please send them our way to help kickstart their stay.

Check out our latest reviews here