Guidebook for Auckland

Paul & Emily
Paul & Emily
Guidebook for Auckland

Places to Eat

Some of our fav places to eat in the city
Great cheap eat located just a short stroll down the road, 13 Anzac Ave.
16 locals recommend
Tanpopo Ramen City
13 Anzac Ave
16 locals recommend
Great cheap eat located just a short stroll down the road, 13 Anzac Ave.
My top recommendation for a late night dessert spot. Set up like an authentic NYC delicatessen, the dessert sample platter is to die for. I opt to dine on the street and watch the world go by while I enjoy my cheesecake, lemon meringue and pumpkin pie.
79 locals recommend
Federal Delicatessen
86 Federal Street
79 locals recommend
My top recommendation for a late night dessert spot. Set up like an authentic NYC delicatessen, the dessert sample platter is to die for. I opt to dine on the street and watch the world go by while I enjoy my cheesecake, lemon meringue and pumpkin pie.
Japanese dining at it's best. Even Oprah recommends this place so it's got to be good right.
64 locals recommend
MASU by Nic Watt
90 Federal St
64 locals recommend
Japanese dining at it's best. Even Oprah recommends this place so it's got to be good right.
If you're looking for food with flair, then you are in good hands with Auckland's renowned chef Al Brown and his flamboyant approach to cooking (most of his dishes are cooked over charcoal or hard wood so if it's flavour you want, this will not disappoint).
101 locals recommend
Depot
86 Federal St
101 locals recommend
If you're looking for food with flair, then you are in good hands with Auckland's renowned chef Al Brown and his flamboyant approach to cooking (most of his dishes are cooked over charcoal or hard wood so if it's flavour you want, this will not disappoint).
This modern Vietnamese restaurant is a popular choice with Aucklanders who keep coming back for the great menu and elegant setting. Tends to be quite busy on Friday and Saturday nights so arrive early.
63 locals recommend
Cafe Hanoi
27 Galway St
63 locals recommend
This modern Vietnamese restaurant is a popular choice with Aucklanders who keep coming back for the great menu and elegant setting. Tends to be quite busy on Friday and Saturday nights so arrive early.
A popular restaurant offering delicious (you guessed it) Mexican cuisine. Great for families
28 locals recommend
Mexico Britomart
23 Britomart Pl
28 locals recommend
A popular restaurant offering delicious (you guessed it) Mexican cuisine. Great for families
Either visit their cute diner to eat-in or pick-up and go from their neighbourhood store selling an ever-changing menu of house-made ‘gourmet convenience’ food and coffee to take away
23 locals recommend
The Store
5B Gore St
23 locals recommend
Either visit their cute diner to eat-in or pick-up and go from their neighbourhood store selling an ever-changing menu of house-made ‘gourmet convenience’ food and coffee to take away
The BEST ice creams in Auckland. Enjoy an 'ice cream experience' that can't be beaten. They are pricey and you might have to queue, however it is well worth it
41 locals recommend
Giapo
12 Gore St
41 locals recommend
The BEST ice creams in Auckland. Enjoy an 'ice cream experience' that can't be beaten. They are pricey and you might have to queue, however it is well worth it
Contemporary bistro which is also great for dinner
56 locals recommend
Ortolana
33 Tyler St
56 locals recommend
Contemporary bistro which is also great for dinner
One of our fav restaurants in the city that serves up casual Italian inspired food with local ingredients and a menu that changes daily. Also does great coffee, pastries and brunch
87 locals recommend
Amano
Britomart Place
87 locals recommend
One of our fav restaurants in the city that serves up casual Italian inspired food with local ingredients and a menu that changes daily. Also does great coffee, pastries and brunch
Simple Japanese fare in an authentic cosy setting very close to the apartment. It feels like you've stepped into a back alley restaurant in Tokyo, 55 Anzac Ave.
21 locals recommend
Ken Yakitori Bar
55 Anzac Ave
21 locals recommend
Simple Japanese fare in an authentic cosy setting very close to the apartment. It feels like you've stepped into a back alley restaurant in Tokyo, 55 Anzac Ave.
The place to go for sweet treats! It is quite small so a good place to grab some takeaway dessert to bring home to eat
39 locals recommend
Milse
31 Tyler St
39 locals recommend
The place to go for sweet treats! It is quite small so a good place to grab some takeaway dessert to bring home to eat
Great raw and vegan food cafe
28 locals recommend
Little Bird Kitchen
Ponsonby Road
28 locals recommend
Great raw and vegan food cafe
Auckland's best vegan cafe
6 locals recommend
The Butcher's Son
204 Jervois Rd
6 locals recommend
Auckland's best vegan cafe
The best modern Indian in Auckland
21 locals recommend
Cassia
90 Fort Ln
21 locals recommend
The best modern Indian in Auckland
Soul has been a part of the Auckland eating and drinking scene for years and still serves up a great night out
68 locals recommend
Soul Bar & Bistro
Customs Street West
68 locals recommend
Soul has been a part of the Auckland eating and drinking scene for years and still serves up a great night out
Great cafe with wonderful harbour views - a great day out if you hire a bike (or ebike) and cycle around the waterfront
Akarana Yacht Club
10 Tamaki Dr
Great cafe with wonderful harbour views - a great day out if you hire a bike (or ebike) and cycle around the waterfront
Serving up contemporary cuisine inspired by regions of Japan, Korea and China, Hello Beasty is a cult eatery on Auckland's waterfront. Hello Beasty’s kitchen offers a tasty and approachable sharing menu, providing an experience that delivers clean, bold flavour profiles with a touch of heat, from shucked oysters served with fresh wasabi, to spicy buns, a Beasty cup ramen, and their own creative take on KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower).
Hello Beasty
95-97 Customs St W
Serving up contemporary cuisine inspired by regions of Japan, Korea and China, Hello Beasty is a cult eatery on Auckland's waterfront. Hello Beasty’s kitchen offers a tasty and approachable sharing menu, providing an experience that delivers clean, bold flavour profiles with a touch of heat, from shucked oysters served with fresh wasabi, to spicy buns, a Beasty cup ramen, and their own creative take on KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower).
Sid at The French Café is a partnership between husband and wife team, Sid Sahrawat, executive chef and Chand Sahrawat operations manager. Sid and Chand Sahrawat bought the iconic French Cafe in September 2018 from its previous owners Simon Wright and Creghan Molloy-Wright. They intend to honour the more than 20 year old legacy handed over to them and maintain the high standards of food and service The French Cafe has become known for.
46 locals recommend
Sid at The French Cafe
210 Symonds St
46 locals recommend
Sid at The French Café is a partnership between husband and wife team, Sid Sahrawat, executive chef and Chand Sahrawat operations manager. Sid and Chand Sahrawat bought the iconic French Cafe in September 2018 from its previous owners Simon Wright and Creghan Molloy-Wright. They intend to honour the more than 20 year old legacy handed over to them and maintain the high standards of food and service The French Cafe has become known for.
A great little French café
9 locals recommend
La Petite Fourchette | Britomart
9 Britomart Pl
9 locals recommend
A great little French café
Very good coffee with café food available
9 locals recommend
Espresso Workshop Britomart
11 Britomart Pl
9 locals recommend
Very good coffee with café food available
Great coffee and day time dining options
38 locals recommend
Chuffed
43 High St
38 locals recommend
Great coffee and day time dining options
Great sea side dining and ice creams, main cafe is on Tamaki Drive with coffees, pastries and ice cream available from the corner shop
40 locals recommend
Cafe on Kohi
237 Tamaki Dr
40 locals recommend
Great sea side dining and ice creams, main cafe is on Tamaki Drive with coffees, pastries and ice cream available from the corner shop
If you are exploring the K Road precinct, Bestie is a great spot to grab a bite to eat
14 locals recommend
Bestie Cafe
183 Karangahape Rd
14 locals recommend
If you are exploring the K Road precinct, Bestie is a great spot to grab a bite to eat
Situated in Wynard Quarter, great day time eating
Williams Eatery
85 Daldy St
Situated in Wynard Quarter, great day time eating
Great veggie and vegan food
9 locals recommend
Revive Vegan Cafe
33 Lorne St
9 locals recommend
Great veggie and vegan food
A reimagining of the heady hole-in-the-wall eateries that run along Beijing's famous food street of the same name with really good Chinese food and cocktails
Ghost Street (Restaurant)
27 Galway Street
A reimagining of the heady hole-in-the-wall eateries that run along Beijing's famous food street of the same name with really good Chinese food and cocktails
One of the best places in Auckland to eat contemporary Japanese food
29 locals recommend
Ebisu
116 – 118 Quay St
29 locals recommend
One of the best places in Auckland to eat contemporary Japanese food
Modern Pacific and New Zealand dining experience from Chef Michael Meredith
Mr. Morris
Modern Pacific and New Zealand dining experience from Chef Michael Meredith
A celebration of authentic NZ food, the seafood here is really good and we recommend the ‘Trust Us’ menu
Ahi
7 Queen Street
A celebration of authentic NZ food, the seafood here is really good and we recommend the ‘Trust Us’ menu
Josh Emmet’s latest restaurant, the menu is dedicated to quality and provenance, refined but not fine-dining
Onslow
9 Princes Street
Josh Emmet’s latest restaurant, the menu is dedicated to quality and provenance, refined but not fine-dining
Great Italian inspired restaurant and a good family friendly dining option
51 locals recommend
Baduzzi
26 Jellicoe St
51 locals recommend
Great Italian inspired restaurant and a good family friendly dining option

Drinks & Nightlife

Great place for a drink and dance located in the viaduct
29 locals recommend
Headquarters
103 Customs St W
29 locals recommend
Great place for a drink and dance located in the viaduct
Set right on the harbour is this great place for eating and drinking complete with it’s own indoor bowling ally!
55 locals recommend
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
204 Quay St
55 locals recommend
Set right on the harbour is this great place for eating and drinking complete with it’s own indoor bowling ally!
A South Pacific eatery and drinkery located on the edge of the water. Also famous for the Bottomless Brunch served every weekend
7 locals recommend
The Lula Inn
149 Quay St
7 locals recommend
A South Pacific eatery and drinkery located on the edge of the water. Also famous for the Bottomless Brunch served every weekend
Traditional Irish pub in the Viaduct
O'Hagan's
103 Customs St W
Traditional Irish pub in the Viaduct
With stunning views of the Viaduct Harbour and bespoke cocktails
Parasol and Swing Company
204 Quay St
With stunning views of the Viaduct Harbour and bespoke cocktails
Rooftop bar with epic views of the Sky Tower
11 locals recommend
The Glass Goose
78 Federal St
11 locals recommend
Rooftop bar with epic views of the Sky Tower
Headquarters aka HQ is in a picture perfect spot in the Viaduct and the team is made up of enthusiastic foodies, driven by a desire to offer simple and humble food. A full rounded experience is fleshed out with games in the bar, a constant flow of laughter and hustle-bustle and live music most nights, plus, a stunning deck with exceptional Viaduct views.
29 locals recommend
Headquarters
103 Customs St W
29 locals recommend
Headquarters aka HQ is in a picture perfect spot in the Viaduct and the team is made up of enthusiastic foodies, driven by a desire to offer simple and humble food. A full rounded experience is fleshed out with games in the bar, a constant flow of laughter and hustle-bustle and live music most nights, plus, a stunning deck with exceptional Viaduct views.
Saint Alice is another jewel in Auckland’s bar and nightlife crown. Perched three floors up above the waterfront, this chic yet casual bar will treat you to a drinks list full of local beer, wine, bubbles as well as some snazzy signature cocktails. Pair these lovely tipples with their fresh seafood dishes and their dazzling harbour views and both you (and your belly) are in for a heavenly time.
8 locals recommend
Saint Alice
204 Quay St
8 locals recommend
Saint Alice is another jewel in Auckland’s bar and nightlife crown. Perched three floors up above the waterfront, this chic yet casual bar will treat you to a drinks list full of local beer, wine, bubbles as well as some snazzy signature cocktails. Pair these lovely tipples with their fresh seafood dishes and their dazzling harbour views and both you (and your belly) are in for a heavenly time.
Great inner city pub with good pub meals
15 locals recommend
Brew on Quay
102 Quay St
15 locals recommend
Great inner city pub with good pub meals
Great inner city pub
The Chamberlain
120 Quay Street
Great inner city pub
Good inner city pub with good pub meals
The Brit Pub & Eatery
122 Quay Street
Good inner city pub with good pub meals
Drinks, mini golf and karaoke, the venue sprawls two stories and boasts 27 themed golf holes along with cocktails and food
10 locals recommend
Holey Moley Golf Club Auckland
204 Quay St
10 locals recommend
Drinks, mini golf and karaoke, the venue sprawls two stories and boasts 27 themed golf holes along with cocktails and food
Stunning rooftop bar with views across the harbour
Rooftop At Qt
4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue
Stunning rooftop bar with views across the harbour
Auckland’s luxury rooftop gin and cocktail bar, located on the 20th floor of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and unveils spectacular panoramic views of the city
The Churchill Auckland
396 Queen Street
Auckland’s luxury rooftop gin and cocktail bar, located on the 20th floor of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and unveils spectacular panoramic views of the city

Sightseeing

A beautiful historic village by the sea just a 10 minute ferry trip from Auckland CBD. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling through the picturesque cafes, restaurants and art galleries.
224 locals recommend
Devonport
224 locals recommend
A beautiful historic village by the sea just a 10 minute ferry trip from Auckland CBD. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling through the picturesque cafes, restaurants and art galleries.
For all your touristy brochures and for personalised sight-seeing advice the staff at i-Site are really informative.
14 locals recommend
Auckland i-SITE Visitor Information Centre - Princes Wharf
137 Quay St
14 locals recommend
For all your touristy brochures and for personalised sight-seeing advice the staff at i-Site are really informative.
Just a short ferry ride away is a very unique and special wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand's most important and exciting conservation projects, Tiritiri Matangi Island. Enjoy the song of the Saddleback, come face to face with a Takahe and if you are really lucky you might spy a giant weta, or even a tuatara, a living ancestor of the dinosaurs. We have taken our young kids here (the walking tracks are buggy friendly) and they loved it! Ferry booking is a must, head to https://www.fullers.co.nz/ for a ferry timetable.
122 locals recommend
Tiritiri Matangi Island
122 locals recommend
Just a short ferry ride away is a very unique and special wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand's most important and exciting conservation projects, Tiritiri Matangi Island. Enjoy the song of the Saddleback, come face to face with a Takahe and if you are really lucky you might spy a giant weta, or even a tuatara, a living ancestor of the dinosaurs. We have taken our young kids here (the walking tracks are buggy friendly) and they loved it! Ferry booking is a must, head to https://www.fullers.co.nz/ for a ferry timetable.
For the more adventurous, take a ferry ride to Rangitoto Island. This unique volcanic cone is a 30 minute ferry ride away, has plenty of walks and wonderful views of the Gulf and the City. Go to https://www.fullers.co.nz/ for a ferry timetable.
280 locals recommend
Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve
280 locals recommend
For the more adventurous, take a ferry ride to Rangitoto Island. This unique volcanic cone is a 30 minute ferry ride away, has plenty of walks and wonderful views of the Gulf and the City. Go to https://www.fullers.co.nz/ for a ferry timetable.
Great collection of bars and restaurants as well as waterfront sightseeing. The Wynyard Quarter play-space includes a fountain for the kids to play in, a basketball court and a fun playground. This area is accessible on foot if you walk along the water-front, past the viaduct and over the foot bridge. Show the kids the Super-yachts along the way
220 locals recommend
Wynyard Quarter
220 locals recommend
Great collection of bars and restaurants as well as waterfront sightseeing. The Wynyard Quarter play-space includes a fountain for the kids to play in, a basketball court and a fun playground. This area is accessible on foot if you walk along the water-front, past the viaduct and over the foot bridge. Show the kids the Super-yachts along the way
St Helier’s playground is right on the beach and kids love being able to explore the rock pools on the water’s edge. Stroll over to the St Helier’s Bay Bistro for an ice-cream. This is also an easy location to get to by bus.
31 locals recommend
St Heliers Beach
31 locals recommend
St Helier’s playground is right on the beach and kids love being able to explore the rock pools on the water’s edge. Stroll over to the St Helier’s Bay Bistro for an ice-cream. This is also an easy location to get to by bus.
Come and enjoy one of the world’s best little islands! Just a short stroll from our apartments is the ferry that will take you across to Waiheke Island which was recently voted one of the world’s best islands. Spend a morning strolling along some of Waiheke's beautiful beaches before spending the afternoon visiting world-class vineyards, sampling wine as you enjoy views of the Gulf and Auckland city. The ferry terminal is walking distance from this apartment and it is a scenic 35-minute trip to the island.
407 locals recommend
Waiheke Island
25 Karaka Rd
407 locals recommend
Come and enjoy one of the world’s best little islands! Just a short stroll from our apartments is the ferry that will take you across to Waiheke Island which was recently voted one of the world’s best islands. Spend a morning strolling along some of Waiheke's beautiful beaches before spending the afternoon visiting world-class vineyards, sampling wine as you enjoy views of the Gulf and Auckland city. The ferry terminal is walking distance from this apartment and it is a scenic 35-minute trip to the island.

Parks & Nature

Take a self-guided walk amongst the tunnels, batteries and army barracks built on the headland to protect Auckland from feared Russian invasions with while enjoying a breath-taking view back at the city. A short documentary film plays on a loop between 8.30am and 4pm.
26 locals recommend
Maungaūika/North Head Historic Reserve
18 Takarunga Road
26 locals recommend
Take a self-guided walk amongst the tunnels, batteries and army barracks built on the headland to protect Auckland from feared Russian invasions with while enjoying a breath-taking view back at the city. A short documentary film plays on a loop between 8.30am and 4pm.
Possibly Auckland's most renowned Surf spot.
115 locals recommend
Muriwai
115 locals recommend
Possibly Auckland's most renowned Surf spot.
Popular surf spot made famous by the NZ television show, 'Piha Rescue'.
229 locals recommend
Piha
229 locals recommend
Popular surf spot made famous by the NZ television show, 'Piha Rescue'.
Auckland's iconic Rose garden overlooking the harbour.
33 locals recommend
Parnells On The Rose Garden
85 Gladstone Rd
33 locals recommend
Auckland's iconic Rose garden overlooking the harbour.
Feed the ducks, read a book under a tree or visit the botanic gardens. Visit here for somewhere to unwind and enjoy the greenery without having to leave the city.
250 locals recommend
Auckland Domain
Park Road
250 locals recommend
Feed the ducks, read a book under a tree or visit the botanic gardens. Visit here for somewhere to unwind and enjoy the greenery without having to leave the city.

Arts & Culture

Visit New Zealand's largest art institution, with a collection of over 15000 works. Entrance is Free.
606 locals recommend
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Wellesley Street East
606 locals recommend
Visit New Zealand's largest art institution, with a collection of over 15000 works. Entrance is Free.
Go back in time and explore how NZ's relationship with the sea has shaped our national identity. From the first Polynesian migration to Aotearoa, the early European exploration and settlement of New Zealand, right through to our modern-day yachting success. You can even experience Auckland's stunning Waitemata Harbour for yourself with a sailing on board a heritage vessel.
81 locals recommend
New Zealand Maritime Museum
81 locals recommend
Go back in time and explore how NZ's relationship with the sea has shaped our national identity. From the first Polynesian migration to Aotearoa, the early European exploration and settlement of New Zealand, right through to our modern-day yachting success. You can even experience Auckland's stunning Waitemata Harbour for yourself with a sailing on board a heritage vessel.
MOTAT is New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum of its kind and offers a fun and interactive learning experience for visitors of all ages.
197 locals recommend
Museum of Transport and Technology
805 Great N Rd
197 locals recommend
MOTAT is New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum of its kind and offers a fun and interactive learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Auckland's largest Museum. Entry by donation.
787 locals recommend
Auckland War Memorial Museum
787 locals recommend
Auckland's largest Museum. Entry by donation.

Shopping

One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
67 locals recommend
Britomart Place
Britomart Place
67 locals recommend
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
Auckland's largest shopping mall, mostly undercover.
236 locals recommend
Sylvia Park Shopping Centre
286 Mount Wellington Hwy
236 locals recommend
Auckland's largest shopping mall, mostly undercover.
One of Auckland's largest indoor shopping mall centres.
185 locals recommend
Westfield St Lukes
80 St Lukes Rd
185 locals recommend
One of Auckland's largest indoor shopping mall centres.
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
227 locals recommend
Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby Road
227 locals recommend
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
25 locals recommend
Parnell Road
Parnell Road
25 locals recommend
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
73 locals recommend
High Street
High Street
73 locals recommend
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
137 locals recommend
Queen St
Queen Street
137 locals recommend
One of our city's popular shopping destinations offering an eclectic array of boutique fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.
Large new shopping complex in Newmarket with outdoor rooftop dining
67 locals recommend
Westfield Newmarket
277 Broadway
67 locals recommend
Large new shopping complex in Newmarket with outdoor rooftop dining
Great shopping and eating
35 locals recommend
Commercial Bay
7 Queen St
35 locals recommend
Great shopping and eating

Essentials

Just a few minutes walk down the road for all your grocery needs. Visit their website www.countdown.co.nz as they will deliver.
222 locals recommend
Countdown Auckland City
76 Quay St
222 locals recommend
Just a few minutes walk down the road for all your grocery needs. Visit their website www.countdown.co.nz as they will deliver.