The Foodie Guide to Auckland

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Foodie Activities in Auckland

From wine-tasting to farmers’ markets, there is a wide array for food-related activities to enjoy in Auckland. Here are just a few examples!

Auckland’s sunny climate is perfect for wine-producing. With that, north of the Auckland region and Waiheke Island have rows and rows of vines that make up the landscape. For foodies, this means there are cellar doors to visit and local wines to try. Waiheke Islands provides your most comprehensive array of wineries, from boutique wineries like the Bach winery to internationally-acclaimed brands like Cable Bay. Either make your own itinerary visiting the cellar doors with our 21 Vineyards & Wineries on Waiheke Island or enjoy the ease of a wine tour with companies like Waiheke Wine Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Wai Tiki Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor), Enjoi (on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Ananda Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

A great way to start a trip to Auckland is to get orientated with a culinary tour. The Big Foody offers a range of food-related tours taking food-enthusiasts to hidden coffee roasters, supermarkets where the chefs shop, the Auckland Fish Market and some amazing restaurants. You’ll get some recommendations from the experts on where to eat in Auckland. Discover more about The Big Foody’s tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Another way to get your foodie fix is by checking out the local produce and products at Auckland’s markets. Farmers markets provide the authentic Kiwi market experience, with some of your best options being in the suburbs of Grey Lynn (Sunday mornings, Grey Lynn Community Centre) and Mt Albert (Saturday mornings, 847 New North Road). Closer to the city centre, La Cigale French Market (Saturday mornings, 545 Parnell Road) is always worth a try for its handmade bread, olive oils, meats, pastries, chocolates, condiments, cheeses and more. Finally, take a road trip to the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market on Saturdays to pick up some artisan goodies.

Did you know that New Zealand is home to more than 160 breweries? Get started on visiting them all with the breweries in Auckland. Hallertau Brewery in Riverhead offers brewery tours on Saturdays providing they meet the minimum number requirement. Otherwise, you can just enjoy tasting some hoppy goodness. Brothers Brewery & Juke Joint also serves their house-made beers in Mt Eden.

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Best Restaurants in Auckland

Auckland certainly has a dizzying array of eateries to indulge in. We’ll point out some of the highlights right here!

New Zealand-style Food

You didn’t come to New Zealand to try food that you eat back home, did you? Try Kiwi cuisine at One Tree Grill in Epsom with signature dishes including Hawke’s Bay lamb, Canterbury duck and local market fish. Try the fantastic Kiwi coffee scene of the CBD (we recommend The Shelf on High Street) or head to Newmarket’s Teed St Larder for Kiwi baking and mains.

Fine Dining in Auckland

For a special occasion or “just because” treat yourself to some of the fine dining experiences in Auckland. A few venues worth mentioning include Clooney in Freeman’s Bay, known for its creative combination of flavours including caramelised yoghurt, violet and pomegranate, nettle and sunflower – just to name a few. Harbourside in the city centre is your gourmet seafood restaurant. Kazuya on Eden Terrace is where you’ll find Japanese fine dining featuring beautifully-presented plates. Check out more of our recommendations in 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Auckland.

Cheap Eats in Auckland

For foodies on a budget or simply wanting the “street food” experience, there are a wealth of options. Indulge in Korean sweet and savoury pancakes at the No.1 Pancakes food truck near the Auckland Library. Try Sri Pinang on Karangahape Road for their affordable chicken curry laksa. Stuff yourself silly with a 25-pack of pork, chive and prawn dumplings for under NZ$15 at Love Dumplings. And the list goes on in our Cheap Eats in Auckland.

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Alternative Things to Do in Auckland

Finally, don’t leave Auckland without trying a few non-food-related activities. Don’t worry, you can always pack a picnic!

More Things to Do in Auckland

• Check out the Auckland Museum (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Walk up the volcanic Rangitoto Island
• See protected wildlife on the Tiritiri Matangi Island bird sanctuary (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Do a skydive with Skydive Auckland (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Jump off the Sky Tower with the SkyJump (on Viator and Tripadvisor) or walk around the top of it with the SkyWalk (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Join a whale-watching cruise with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Walk to Mt Eden for some city views

For more ideas, see the 10 Auckland Must-Dos.