Auckland Top 5 Things To
Auckland is a vibrant multi-cultural region where world-class shopping and dining is never too far from beautiful islands, native bush and black-sand beaches.
Discover one of Auckland’s many shopping precincts, taking your pick of global brands or local boutiques, then savour Auckland’s globally inspired local cuisine, award-winning wines and craft beer. Go whale watching, visit island bird sanctuaries, hike diverse regional parks or some of the region’s ancient volcanic cones; or stargaze on Great Barrier Island, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
A diverse region bursting with life and a recognised UNESCO City of Music, Auckland offers a host of cultural, creative and sporting events, festivals and theatre productions.
1 - The Ultimate Shopping Trip:
If there is one place in NZ to go shopping, it’s hands-down, Auckland. You’ll find everything from top NZ fashion designers, art, homewares, electronics and international fashion labels that you’d usually find on a shopping trip to Sydney or Melbourne. Britomart, and soon to open.
Commercial Bay, is a must stop on your shopping itinerary. Here you’ll find the latest collections from some of our top designers, including Karen Walker, Zambesi, Kate Sylvester and Trelise Cooper. You can also find local products from Great Barrier Island and shoes made of wool, thanks to Allbirds.
A shopping trip isn’t complete without a wander down Ponsonby Road -stop in at designer homeware stores, boutiques and pick up artisan goods. If it’s an abundance of international fashion labels you’re after, you’ll find them in David Jones at Westfield Newmarket. You’ll want to allow enough time though, Westfield Newmarket has more than 230 stores alone, complete with rooftop dining.
2 - Diverse Food & Beverage:
Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world and is home to more than 200 different ethnic groups, creating an exciting dining scene that is a melting pot of flavours and cuisines.
The subtropical isthmus city sees fine dining sit harmoniously alongside contemporary fusion menus, craft beer breweries, Pasifika and Māori cuisine, as well as street food that rivals some of the most exciting menus in the world. Forget Italy, Greece, India and Thailand you can experience the flavours of these countries, and many more, right here in Auckland.
Auckland truly is a food lover’s paradise surrounded by fertile land and rich waters it is home to world-class chefs, food producers and winemakers. Along with the city’s impressive range of restaurants, bars, cafes and markets, Auckland’s wine regions are a must for foodies too visit Waiheke, Matakana and Kumeu for some of the best wine in the country.
3 - Unwind On Great Barrier Island:
The Hauraki Gulf is the ultimate marine playground and thanks to an array of ferries, water taxis, seaplanes and guided tours, most of them are accessible - even if you don’t have a boat.
Great Barrier Island is the largest and most seaward island of the Hauraki Gulf islands, and a visit won’t disappoint. Getting there is all part of the adventure and the transport options are by sea or air.
Great Barrier is an island made for nature lovers. Not only does it have an abundance of great walking tracks with spectacular landscapes and breathtaking views, but the beaches are plentiful and include a mix of sandy shores and secluded coves.
Take a cosy dip in the natural hot springs. Kaitoke Hot Springs are the only undeveloped natural hot pools in the Auckland region and a leisurely 80-minute walk will take you there. Walk through glades of native nikau palms, over bridges and boardwalks with wetland and mountain views on your way.
When the day fades, look up. The dazzling night sky is arguably the best in the world it’s the first island on the planet to receive the Dark Sky Sanctuary status, making it a dream for astro-enthusiasts.
4 - Waiheke Island:
World class wines, pristine beaches, olive groves, walking tracks and art galleries, it’s easy to see why Waiheke is considered the jewel in the Hauraki Gulf’s crown. Although just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, you’ll feel like you’re a world away.
With regular ferry sailings, Waiheke is the perfect place to escape for the day, or the weekend, with plenty of beautiful accommodation options to suite a wide range of budgets.
Join a wine tour for tastings at some of the island’s 30 boutique wineries, swim at golden-sand beaches, soak up the scenery on the walking trails or indulge in fine food at an award-winning vineyard restaurant.
If you’re after a little more adventurous, there are plenty of activities on offer; including, ziplining over native bush, horse riding, archery, laser clay-bird shooting, pottery lessons.
You can even join a gin and tonic experience or try your hand at making your own unique perfume at The Botanical Distillery.
5 - Day Trip To Matakana:
Enjoy idyllic coastal views and exotic white sandy beaches where you can surf, snorkel, dive, swim, kayak or paddleboard. Indulge in wine tasting and follow the boutique Matakana Wine Trail to sample the local cuisine at the Matakana Coast cafes, restaurants and markets. Take in the stunning walking tracks around the Matakana Coast, cycle trails, activities and attractions.
One of Auckland’s three wine growing regions, Matakana is home to a number of superb boutique vineyards set amidst rolling green countryside, only an hours drive north of downtown Auckland.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the Matakana Farmers Markets. Pick up organic chocolate, homemade spreads, artisan cheeses, Italian meats and other gourmet goods. For another special foodie experience, go on New Zealand’s only oyster farm tour where you will learn how to shuck oysters on the Mahurangi Harbour.
Matakana is also known for its thriving art scene. Revel in the Sculptureum where finely curated sculptures are set amidst tropical gardens, or walk the outdoor sculpture trail at Brick Bay Winery.
Tāwharanui Regional Park, Goat Island and Leigh are just a stone’s throw away from Matakana village and offer spectacular coastal scenery and native bush walks.