While the rest of the world has been in and out of lockdown, seeing restaurants, bars, hotels and experiences shuttered either temporarily or permanently, New Zealand has, well… not. Kiwis’ freedom (within their own shores at least) has been the envy of the world, and the domestic travel, culture and gastronomy scene has rocketed.
Now, more than a year on from their, “Go hard, go early” lockdown, Auckland – the sprawling harbour city that houses more than a quarter of the country’s residents – is abuzz with new openings, exciting events and plenty to draw travel-hungry Aussies across the Tasman.
The major transformative development projects that have been a constant feature of Auckland’s city centre for the last decade have made it a vibrant place to live, work, play and travel. In case you missed it, Auckland was declared the most liveable city in the world this month by respected The Economist Intelligence Unit. The survey ranked 140 cities on factors including stability, infrastructure, education and healthcare, and Auckland usurped Vienna this year.
Downtown Auckland has been rejuvenated by the shared spaces and laneways of O’Connell Street, Elliot Street, Fort Street and Federal Street. Freyberg Square has been completely reimagined and residents have welcomed award-winning amenities such as the Ellen Melville Centre, the Art Gallery and the Te Ara I Whiti Lightpath cycleway.
More recently, Wynyard Quarter, Britomart and Commercial Bay have been transformed into world-class drinking, dining and shopping hubs that are drawing crowds day and night.
Filling all these new and rejuvenated spaces? Clever new venues showcasing the best of New Zealand’s food and drink, and plenty of new activities, experiences and must-dos.
Yes, it’s the middle of winter, but this is a city that’s used to the cold and rain. Alongside winter festival Elemental AKL, which lights up the city for three weeks, it’s rugby season, markets are bustling, music and theatre options abound, and food and wine events are all making an appearance on the calendar in the next few months.
Likely aware of how lucky they are compared to much of the rest of the world, Aucklanders – and Kiwis from further afield – are out enjoying all everything their city has to offer. Now, lucky us, we can too.
Stay
* For chic accommodation, check out the new five-green-star Hotel Britomart, in the heart of the Britomart development. It offers 99 sleek guest rooms and five suites – three of which have sky gardens – and landed a coveted spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2021 Hot List.
* Another downtown option is New Zealand’s first Park Hyatt, opened in the CBD in September last year, with a design that recalls a traditional Maori wharenui (house). Many of the 195 rooms overlook the Lighter Quay or Waitemata Harbour.
* Sudima is a smart, modern 180-room hotel, perfectly situated between the city, the Viaduct and Ponsonby. It’s billed as a 4.5-star hotel and offers an onsite restaurant, East, which is largely vegan.
* Hotel Fitzroy in Ponsonby occupies an historic two-storey villa in the centre of the buzzing suburb. As well as 10 luxury rooms, there’s a library serving wine, a 24-hour room-service menu and a complimentary minibar.
Do
* Plan your trip to Auckland this winter around Elemental AKL. Consider it the southern cousin of Dark Mofo or Vivid, celebrating the culture, cuisine and creativity of Auckland. Running from July 14 to August 1, the winter festival offers art, food, music, outdoors, light and theatre experiences across the city. Tickets range from pricey to free.
* Up Maungawhau/Mount Eden, a new boardwalk and viewing platform lets you walk around the iconic crater and historic pa (Maori settlement), taking in spectacular views over Auckland’s CBD and Waitemata Harbour.
* The Fullers360 Winter Wine & Dine deal offers wine and a multi-course lunch at one of Waiheke’s vineyards (choose from one of four), with the return ferry and on-island transport included for just NZD$112.
* Or watch the Wallabies take on the mighty All Blacks in the first test of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park Stadium on August 7.
Eat and drink
* Inner-city Parnell has just welcomed Va Bene, a modern venue with vibes of a European wine bar. The menu is simply executed sharing plates and the drinks list leads with creative cocktails backed up by an extensive selection of Champagne and local drops.
* Try Bali Nights, a new spot in Ponsonby offering the fresh and funky flavours of Balinese street food – the real ones, not a fusion substitute. The decor is bright and fun, the tunes are pumping and the wine is BYO.
* Ghost Street, named for Beijing’s famous food street, is a cleverly designed subterranean venue serving elevated Chinese dishes and classic cocktails underneath Britomart. Don’t miss the signature Biang Biang noodles.
* The new bar at the Cordis Hotel in Grafton is aptly named Our Land Is Alive, and it’s all about Aotearoa: a mural painted by a local artist, the bar made from rescued kauri, native plants dotting the space and a menu that shines a light on local wines, beers, spirits and produce.
Take me there
Fly: Air New Zealand flies from Sydney to Auckland for about $570 return.
Explore more: airnewzealand.com.au
