It may be half a world away - but that doesn't mean you can't live like a local when visiting Auckland.
New Zealand has long been the go-to holiday destination for adventurers, thanks to its incredible varying landscapes, bustling cities and natural phenomenons.
Its biggest cities offer a plethora of surprising activities from whale-watching in Auckland to epic nature reserves in Wellington.
To celebrate the return of Emirates’ A380 non-stop route to Auckland, Emirates Cabin Crew member Drew Beveridge shares her top tips and recommendations for how budding travellers can explore hidden gems while visiting the country's largest city...
Go-to dining hotspots
- Situated at Auckland's Waterfront in the Britomart district is Amano, a modern Italian restaurant renowned for their rustic breakfast menu and bakery. Baked goods such as the flaky almond croissant paired with a takeaway cappuccino can be enjoyed by the harbour and best characterises the Kiwi ‘brekkie’ culture.
- One of my go-to places whilst out in Auckland is Receptionist Coffee. The hole-in-the-wall coffee-shop has gained recognition on TikTok for being home to Auckland’s best cup of coffee. While you won’t find any menus at this cafe, you will find the city’s best baristas, remarkable pastries, and memorable service.
Freshest produce in the world
Those travelling to the region better come hungry - as the cuisine is a definite drawcard for the country. Here are some of the local cuisines and particular dishes that visitors should definitely try:
- Being the home of seafood, to eat like a local you must try snapper, New Zealand’s most popular choice in fish. People should sample Bluff Oysters which are native to New Zealand and reputed as the best in the world. Auckland Harbour is the place to try these.
- Alongside a seafood feast, you should also accompany it with a high-quality glass of wine. New Zealand is famous for its wine production – with my favourites being the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc or the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
- Meat Pies are also a Kiwi food worth-trying. Often sold in bakeries or at pubs, the meat-filled pastry is a moreish meal that isn’t common outside of the Southern Hemisphere.
- Britomart Saturday Farmers Market which features a variety of vendors offering all things fresh food. This is a great spot for indulging in market food and local shopping.
- Grey Lynn Farmers Market is the perfect start to a slow Sunday. This one is for the environmentally conscious as it is 100% community-owned and run.
Embrace the Kiwi lifestyle
- Simply be outside. Auckland has some of the world’s most lush and vibrant scenery which I’d encourage visitors to spend as much time in - whether it’s a takeaway fish and chips in the park or hiking up a beachside mountain.
- For travellers to best prepare themselves and blend in with the locals – they should always pack a light jacket for the unpredictable cool weather and a pair of ‘jandals,’ (flip flops).
Learn the lingo
New Zealand has also developed a unique assortment of lingo that could be like a new language to travellers. For those new to the country, some common slang visitors might encounter from locals include:
- Jandal = flip flops
- Dairy = corner / convenience store
- Togs = swimwear
- Bro = friend
- Chur = thank you
- Kia Ora = hi
- Aroha = love
- Kiwi = New Zealander
The hidden treasures
As a local, the best places I would take my friends or visitors to experience Auckland/ North Island include:
- Waiheke Island is bursting with activities to entertain travellers of all types and is a popular destination for experiencing New Zealand’s best vineyards. Mudbrick Vineyards and Stonyridge Vineyard are just two outstanding recommendations! Meanwhile, beaches such as Oneroa Bay, Sandy Bay, and Onetangi Beach are a serene escape for sun-loving travellers.
- Active escape Mount Maunganui is just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Auckland, drawing in both locals and travellers from across the country to experience its laid back, beachside lifestyle, and to tackle the hike to experience 360 degree coastal views of the beach that has been crowned New Zealand’s best. The Mount is also an excellent way to enjoy some of the region’s best food and beverage offerings and to shop boutique stores.
- Rotoroa Island is just a one-hour ferry from Auckland and home to a vast range of native wildlife and untouched scenery. The Island has a focus on sustainability and conserving the historic environment and species including the iconic North Island Brown Kiwi.
- Rotorua is a fantastic place to experience the culture and history of the indigenous Māori culture people and the geothermal activity it is renowned for. The magical Whakarewarewa living Māori village offers an authentic look at Māori lifestyle, where visitors can watch indigenous dancing and try the traditional method of cooking using heated rocks, Hāngī. Visitors can also marvel at the boiling mud pools, geysers, for a completely unique and memorable spectacle.
