Auckland, located literally on the other side of the world and perched on a narrow isthmus between two bays in the Pacific Ocean, is a city of contrasts. Cosmopolitan, yet a stone’s throw from mind-blowing nature, New Zealand’s largest city is worth the trip now more than ever, as the country plays host to the Women’s World Cup.
Hometown of Lorde, Rachel Hunter, KJ Apa, and many others, Auckland (or Tāmaki Makaurau, in Māori) dazzles with its culture, its varied landscapes, and its thousands of sailboats dotting its waters - the city is nicknamed City of Sails, after all. As a half-New Zealander myself, allow me to recommend nine must-see spots for your next trip down under.
Our guide to Auckland in 9 must-see spots
Australia and New Zealand both claim to have originated the Flat White. Without siding with the latter on the subject, it’s undeniable that Kiwi coffee culture runs deep. And when in Auckland, a pit-stop at the very addictive Ozone Coffee Roasters is a must. Located in a post-industrial space in the city’s Grey Lynn neighborhood, Ozone stands out with its environmentally-friendly approach (it’s a certified B Corp), and its original menu: feijoa porridge, wapiti with guava mole sauce… Quite the unconventional selection.
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Located to the north-east of the city center, the vast Hauraki Gulf, where whales and dolphins come to play, is home to numerous islands, each perfect for a quick getaway. The most popular among them, Waiheke Island, is where you’ll find no fewer than 25 world-renowned vineyards. After a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, visitors are treated to fabulous beaches, superb art galleries, and excellent wines (from Cable Bay, Te Motu, Mudbrick, or Tantalus Estate, for example).
A native Aucklander, fashion designer Trelise Cooper launched her eponymous brand in 1985, and is now recognized as a leading authority on the New Zealand fashion scene. Her flagship boutique in the city’s modern Britomart district is the jewel in her crown, showcasing her signature floral and colorful prints and dresses. Kiwi Flower Power!
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Auckland-based brand Karen Walker offers fashionable creations in collaboration with big brands such as Levi’s, Veja, or Birkenstock, as well as a collection of playful sunglasses.
Located in St Kevin’s Arcade, an art-deco building dating back to 1924, Gemmayze Street excels at all things mezze. Warm and welcoming, the restaurant takes your taste buds on a direct Auckland to Beirut flight. My pick of the moment: roasted cauliflower with red zhoug and almonds.
Amber, patchouli, ylang-ylang, cedar wood, oud, mandarin, and so much more… In the charming neighborhood of Devonport, a short 15-minute ferry ride from Auckland’s downtown, Miller Road Fragrances creates artisanal candles and perfumes, and even offers workshops where you can create your own personal scent. It’s all run by Treena, a native New Zealander and graduate of the famous Grasse Institute of Perfumery.
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It’s easy to find yourself transported to that legendary scene from Lady and the Tramp when Coco’s Cantina serves you their signature, mouth-watering plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Founded in 2009 by two sisters, the restaurant is located on Karangahape Road (“K Road”, as it’s known by the locals), in the middle of Auckland’s prime nightlife district.
Here, the kitchen puts the New in New Zealand. Nestled in the heart of the city’s very chic Wynyard Quarter, Homeland bills itself as the “Food embassy of Aotearoa (New Zealand) & the Pacific”. Ambitious indeed, but the proof is in the plate. Curated by chef Peter Gordon (star judge of The Great Kiwi Bake Off), the menu features unique creations such as Hāngī-style beef brisket (a traditional Māori cooking method, using geothermal energy), or a terrine of creamed Pāua, a mollusc endemic to New Zealand known for its iridescent shell. Ancestral flavors guaranteed.
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Perched on the 38th floor above the Voco Auckland hotel, Bar Albert is without a doubt the best rooftop from which to observe the Tasman Sea. Offering a panoramic view of the entire city and the Hauraki Gulf, the bar is also an excellent spot to admire and photograph the famous Sky Tower, and enjoy a signature cocktail.
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