Rated among the world's ten most livable cities, Auckland is home to one-third of New Zealanders and has the world’s largest Pacific Island population. The region's colorful and diverse cuisine, music, art, and culture are directly influenced by this vibrant multicultural mix, as well as the city’s proximity to the sea.
While New Zealand is mostly known for its sweeping landscapes, city slickers can find something perfect for them in the streets of downtown Auckland. From fashionable boutiques and art galleries to craft breweries and artisan cafes, travelers looking to dive into Kiwi culture from a more metropolitan angle need not look any further. Here are the top things to do in the City of Sails:
The MÄori Kitchen
The indigenous culture is something MÄori chef and HÄngi Master Rewi Spraggon wants to keep alive, and with The MÄori Kitchen serving authentic HÄngi in downtown Auckland, he does just that. Taught to him by his parents and ancestors, the traditions of HÄngi cooking, through Chef Spraggon’s efforts, help spread the message of Manaakitanga, the MÄori word for welcome.
The MÄori Kitchen is located in Container 3, 89 Quay Street, Queens Wharf Village, Auckland. For more information, visit www.themaorikitchen.co.nz.
Burger Burger
Ever since Burger Burger opened its doors in Ponsonby a couple of years ago, the rest of Auckland has been playing catch up. The now legendary (and super successful) Burger Burger dishes up simple burgers the way they are supposed to be. All the meat are free farmed, the veggie burger is epic and the sides take everything to another level.
TIP: Try out the weekly special. Each week the Burger Burger team come up with a delicious burger a little bit outside the box. Try the charred broccoli side too, amazing. Burger Burger has two locations in Auckland, in Newmarket and Ponsonby. For more information, visit https://burgerburger.co.nz/.
The Botanical Distillery
Located on Waiheke Island, a 40-minute ferry from the city centre, The Botanical Distillery offers a variety of experiences and workshops focused on the creation of botanical gins, cocktails and fragrances. Perfect for groups, you will learn how to blend botanical ingredients and spices with spirits to create a bespoke drink, a contemporary twist to the regular vineyard visit. Book your visit through https://
Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o TÄmaki occupies one of Auckland's iconic buildings – a blend of heritage and contemporary architecture that is home to the largest permanent collection of New Zealand art. The impressive entrance is supported by majestic kauri columns that open to four floors of exhibitions covering seven centuries of art. Originally opened in 1888, the Auckland Art Gallery was New Zealand’s first permanent art gallery.
TIP: Before or after your visit to Auckland Art Gallery, head across the street to the Gow Langsford Gallery, to get your fill of contemporary Kiwi paintings and sculptures. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o TÄmaki is located in Kellesley St cor Wellesley St, Auckland. Plan your visit through https://www.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland Museum is one of New Zealand’s best-known historic buildings. The war memorial reflects on New Zealand’s part in the wars of the world, while the museum provides a window on cultural and natural history including a fine collection of MÄori treasures and Polynesian artifacts.
TIP: Take a stroll around the Auckland Domain around the Domain Sculpture Walk. The project, initiated in 2004, now includes eight large works from leading New Zealand artists, who were each commissioned to create site-specific works: Chiara Corbelletto, John Edgar, Charlotte Fisher, Fred Graham, Christine Hellyar, Neil Miller, Louise Purvis, and Greer Twiss.
Auckland War Memorial Museum is located in The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland. For more information, visit http://www.aucklandmuseum.com.
