Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland
Slide Nr 1They call it the City of Sails, but Auckland is so much more than cruise ships and the America’s Cup. With more than 1.5 million inhabitants of all nationalities, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest urban area – and still growing. The city has changed greatly in the past 10 years, establishing itself as an ideal place to explore for incredible food, shopping and entertainment, all in proximity to an unparalleled natural environment. Get ready to explore in style, the New Zealand way!
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 28am: Wake Up In The Heart Of It All – Few Auckland hotels can rival The Grand Mercure for ambience and service. The lobby design, for instance, features a specially created icon unique to the hotel, inspired by Maori carvings and the undulating hills of Auckland harbour, while upstairs you’ll find great views at Attica Bar, in the midst of it all. Start the day with a full breakfast at the hotel, which includes a range of unexpected surprises such as honey from a beehive on the hotel roof, herbs from an on-site garden, and the opportunity to press your own fresh juice. A word to the wise before you set out: Stash some cash for Ubers or taxis, as the city is spread out, and public transport can be confusing.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 310am: Explore Britomart And The Waterfront – The first stop for any Aucklander is Britomart. Skip chaotic Queens Street in favour of local boutiques like Kate Sylvester, World and Fabric, all housed in this compact plaza right at the foot of your hotel. While this area is still under development, you’ll be hard-pressed not to part with a little cash as you explore the shops, pop in for a blow wave at Dry & Tea, or even hop on a bike from Evo Cycles. Playful, whimsical and just a little bit posh (in the best sense), Britomart is Auckland at its most indulgent. If you feel your energy waning, grab a coffee from The Store, and finish with a walk along the waterfront, checking out the controversial State House sculpture by local artist Michael Parekowhai …costing $1.5 Million.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 412.30pm: Lunch At Ponsonby Central – Foodies rejoice, for all are catered for at Ponsonby Central. If you and your travel companion can’t agree on where to go for lunch, this is the perfect option. The contemporary food hall offers world-class variety, from Foxtrot Parlour to Little Bread & Butter, Chop Chop Noodle House, Ceres Fresh Market, Tokyo Club and Dante’s Pizza – the real challenge is selecting just one. After lunch, take a stroll down Ponsonby Road, where Auckland’s hippest set live, work and play. Stop by the unique boutiques on offer and – if you’re somehow still hungry – check out the popular local cafés like Little Bird Unbakery, serving entirely raw food.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 53pm: Climb Mount Eden – After all that eating, it might be time to burn off some calories. Hop in a car or Uber to the foot of Mount Eden. Just 5 kilometres from downtown, it’s the highest of the city’s 48 volcanic cones; the last eruption was about 15,000 years ago, leaving a crater 50 metres deep. Plan a little time to walk to the top of the volcano (it usually takes about an hour), where you’ll get a 360° view of Auckland – as long as the rain stays away! [Photo: The.Rohit/Flickr]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 6Rainy Day Option – If your walk up Mount Eden gets rained out, then a stop at the City Gallery is a worthwhile alternative. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the city’s principal public gallery, showcasing the most extensive collection of national and international art in New Zealand, as well as rotating international exhibitions. Make sure to leave plenty of time to explore. [Photo: Lucy Revill]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 77pm: Dinner At Amano – Mamma mia! Che buona! While there’s a glut of wonderful places to eat around Auckland, including The French Café and The Sugar Club, Amano is popular with locals morning, noon and night – making it the place to see and be seen. Filled with seasonal delights, from delicious homemade pasta to sweet sea oysters, this modern Italian-inspired eatery has a stunning reputation for all the right reasons. [Photo: Lucy Revill]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 89pm: Film Festival Screening At The Civic – Winter in Auckland can only mean one thing when it comes to entertainment: the New Zealand International Film Festival! With hundreds of films to choose from, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. Pick a screening at the incredible Civic Theatre; seating more than 2,000 people, and with a star-studded ceiling for a star-studded night, the 1929 venue has been elegantly restored, with Indian and Moorish influences. You might find yourself so distracted by your surroundings that you forget to watch the film! [Photo: Wikimedia Commons]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 9Late Night – If the film festival isn’t on (or you’re not yet ready to turn in) then finish the night as any good night should end: with a cocktail at Britomart or The Viaduct. With a range of different places to grab a drink, you’ll be spoilt for choice, no matter what you’re after. Try Ostro for excellent views and equally great service, but make sure you aren’t beyond having a bit of a raised conversation – the atmosphere can be pumping with loud music and chatter. The astonishing views across the harbour make up for it.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Auckland.
Slide Nr 12Read Before You Go – Once Were Warriors is New Zealand author Alan Duff’s bestselling debut novel, published in 1990. It tells the story of an urban Māori family, the Hekes, depicting the reality of domestic violence in New Zealand. Honest, brutal and heartbreaking, this book is a must-read in order to understand the darker aspects of New Zealand life, in contrast to the image of innocence often portrayed. While the book may not paint the most glowing portrait of Auckland life, it has had a powerful impact on the national identity and the collective confrontation of domestic violence.
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