What To Eat And Drink In And Around Auckland, New Zealand

Forbes

30-04-2025

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 27: A View from the Auckland Harbour looking back onto the Ports and ... More through to the City skyline, Saturday 24th July 2004. (Photo by)
The Greater Auckland region encompasses an eclectic array of sights, sounds, and flavors. It contains the country's largest population center, with just about 1.8 million people. There's all the cultural vibrancy you'd expect from such a crowd. And yet it's easy to get lost in this landscape, to escape into verdant hills, or set sail for remote, idyllic islands, about which you could explore all day without encountering another living soul.
This expansive range of experience enables the area to be the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure playground. Especially when it comes to eating and drinking well. Suspended amongst the skyline in your downtown hotel, you could talk a short walk over to the pier and ferry over to the vineyards and olive groves of Waiheke Island. Or you could take a short drive north to explore the farmers markets and craft breweries of Matakana. Maybe just stay put and enjoy Michelin-caliber cuisine in the lobby of your own lodging. Auckland is your oyster and we're not just saying that on account of all the world-class seafood.
With so many options at your disposal, the only downside is decision paralysis. We've got the antidote in the form of a couple of carefully curated itineraries to guide you through your perfect day (or days) in Greater Auckland.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 17: Amano Restaurant operations manager Jonathan Lefevre works as a ... More single server for a table of guests as the restaurant opens for the first time in level two on May 17, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Amano – a popular, seasonally-focused Italian eatery. You'll want to sample several of the house made pastas, including the beef shin agnolotti.
Kingi – a boisterous locale in the lobby of the boutiquey Britomart hotel, opposite Waitemata Harbor. The focus is on sustainably caught seafood, paired with an extensive selection of New Zealand wines.
Panacea – a modern mixology lounge in the CBD describing itself as a 'cocktail kitchen.' Although you'll want to explore some of the unique offerings, don't sleep on the Old Fashioned; it's the best in the city.
Caretaker – A speakeasy style subterranean lounge that specializes in bespoke creations.
Fishsmith – 'It's the best takeaway in town for freshly-fried fish and chips,' according to Auckland native, Gabbie Tutheridge. 'Pack it up and head down to neighboring Herne Bay for a sunset dinner to remember.'
Odettes Eatery – A verdant and inviting spot located at the City Works Depot. The playful-yet-sophisticated menu synthesizes flavors from the Mediterranean and Northern Africa into something wholly unique.
Duck Island Ice Cream – Purveyors of hand-crafted, small batch confections with four separate locations across the Greater Auckland region.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 11: Local Matakana resident John Hay sells fresh produce from his ... More stall at the Matakana Famers Market in Matakana October 11, 2008 near Auckland, New Zealand. Farmers markets in New Zealand are rapidly growing in popularity as people seek more healthy, fresh and nutritious alternatives to supermarket food. (Photo by)
Matakana is a quaint bedroom community just 45 minutes drive north of Auckland. Yet it feels like a world away. In recent years, the area has become a lightning rod for DIY sorts—artisan cheesemakers, kombucha brewers, ceramicists, knife sharpeners. You'll spot all of them selling their respective wears and tears weekly at the Saturday Farmer's Market. Or you can stroll your way through the heart of downtown and pick up fresh flowers and handcrafted gin and mixers to build your own picnic on Omaha Beach.
Below is an itinerary custom-built for those with an indefatigable indie spirit. If you're dedicated to supporting the craftspeople in your own hometown, you clearly carry with you the same objective as you set out across the globe. We feel your passion and feed it fully with an hour-by-hour rundown of a magical day in Matakana. And we've shaped with the help of trusted Kiwi insight.
10 a.m. - Load up on protein at the Matakana Smokehouse
11 a.m. - Peruse the popular Saturday Farmers Market
1:30 p.m. - Picnic at the Sculptureum
3 p.m. - Beeline to the beach
5 p.m. - Cocktail hour at the Vintry
7 p.m. - Dinner at the Saw Mill
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 11: An old sign for the Matakana Famers Market is displayed in ... More Matakana October 11, 2008 near Auckland, New Zealand. Farmers markets in New Zealand are rapidly growing in popularity as people seek more healthy, fresh and nutritious alternatives to supermarket food. (Photo by)