Mel and Sean’s Local's Guidebook
Food scene
Best bakery goods in Downtown Auckland. Great coffee too! Only a short stroll away to grab breakfast on your way to sightseeing and ferries.
Daily Bread — Britomart
13 Galway StreetBest bakery goods in Downtown Auckland. Great coffee too! Only a short stroll away to grab breakfast on your way to sightseeing and ferries.
A hole-in the wall outpost from Grownup Donuts in West Auckland. Top notch fresh donuts filled with a range of fillings that change daily. Vegan options (when available) sell out fast! A short walk to the bottom of Anzac Avenue, cross the road and turn right - their shop is just around the corner. Perfect for a decadent late breakfast, snack or treat. Open 9am - 5pm daily.
Grownup Donuts
2 Anzac AvenueA hole-in the wall outpost from Grownup Donuts in West Auckland. Top notch fresh donuts filled with a range of fillings that change daily. Vegan options (when available) sell out fast! A short walk to the bottom of Anzac Avenue, cross the road and turn right - their shop is just around the corner. Perfect for a decadent late breakfast, snack or treat. Open 9am - 5pm daily.
If you're looking for lunch or dinner out, you can't go past Ima Cuisine. An informal, intimate cafe specialising in traditional Middle Eastern and North African dishes. This is one of our 'go-to' places for dinner.
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Ima Cuisine
53 Fort StIf you're looking for lunch or dinner out, you can't go past Ima Cuisine. An informal, intimate cafe specialising in traditional Middle Eastern and North African dishes. This is one of our 'go-to' places for dinner.
Simple yet fresh burgers at a budget-friendly price. Delicious fries and shakes.
Better Burger Customs Street
22 Customs Street EastSimple yet fresh burgers at a budget-friendly price. Delicious fries and shakes.
Top notch all-day European/Italian-inspired eatery in the Britomart precinct. Dine-in or stop by for fresh pastries to die-for.
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Amano
Britomart PlaceTop notch all-day European/Italian-inspired eatery in the Britomart precinct. Dine-in or stop by for fresh pastries to die-for.
Gorgeous cafe, deli and grocer. Stop here for a coffee or lunch when you're in mid-town, shopping on Queen Street or after taking in the Art Gallery. Tucked away behind Albert Park, take in a walk of this beautiful inner-city park at the same time.
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Scarecrow
33 Victoria St EGorgeous cafe, deli and grocer. Stop here for a coffee or lunch when you're in mid-town, shopping on Queen Street or after taking in the Art Gallery. Tucked away behind Albert Park, take in a walk of this beautiful inner-city park at the same time.
Dr Rudi's is my favourite Viaduct Bar. Great for groups, sit out on the third floor roof top balcony and take in the Viaduct Harbour. Order pizza by the foot or other sharing plates.
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Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
204 Quay StDr Rudi's is my favourite Viaduct Bar. Great for groups, sit out on the third floor roof top balcony and take in the Viaduct Harbour. Order pizza by the foot or other sharing plates.
Our top favourite local Chinese takeaway if you don't feel like cooking and feel like a night in. Located one minutes' walk down the road in the Oceanic Hostel Foodcourt. Huge portions at a great price, packed full of veges. The husband and wife team took over from the parents - they've been here forever. Support a local family-owned business in the CBD. We love everything here - Hokkien Noodles, crispy or BBQ pork dishes, Wah Ton Hor, Braised Mushroom and Crispy Pork on Rice and the squid and onion dishes are some of our go-to's.
Yummy BBQ
83 Anzac AvenueOur top favourite local Chinese takeaway if you don't feel like cooking and feel like a night in. Located one minutes' walk down the road in the Oceanic Hostel Foodcourt. Huge portions at a great price, packed full of veges. The husband and wife team took over from the parents - they've been here forever. Support a local family-owned business in the CBD. We love everything here - Hokkien Noodles, crispy or BBQ pork dishes, Wah Ton Hor, Braised Mushroom and Crispy Pork on Rice and the squid and onion dishes are some of our go-to's.
For beautiful gelato and other desserts, we love Miann in Britomart. Dine-in or takeaway on the way to sightseeing.
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Miann Britomart
36 - 38 Galway StFor beautiful gelato and other desserts, we love Miann in Britomart. Dine-in or takeaway on the way to sightseeing.
Ken Yakitori Bar is our favourite local casual dining option. Serving yakitori or skewers of chicken, vegetables and seafood with salt and yakitori sauce, as well as other typical Japanese pub-style plates. With a great atmosphere, you can watch your dinner being cooked over charcoal heat while sitting at the bar, or just take in the Tokyo-style vibe at one of the tables. Serves Located on Anzac Ave, is only a short walk down the road.
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Ken Yakitori Bar
55 Anzac AveKen Yakitori Bar is our favourite local casual dining option. Serving yakitori or skewers of chicken, vegetables and seafood with salt and yakitori sauce, as well as other typical Japanese pub-style plates. With a great atmosphere, you can watch your dinner being cooked over charcoal heat while sitting at the bar, or just take in the Tokyo-style vibe at one of the tables. Serves Located on Anzac Ave, is only a short walk down the road.
For fast and fresh ramen (Japanese noodles), we love Tanpopo. Eat in or takeaway, it's only a short walk down the road from the apartment. One of our top local cheap eats.
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Tanpopo Ramen City
13 Anzac AveFor fast and fresh ramen (Japanese noodles), we love Tanpopo. Eat in or takeaway, it's only a short walk down the road from the apartment. One of our top local cheap eats.
Activities
For a fun day or night-time activity try the classic game of mini-golf! With two quirky themed courses, inside so great for a rainy day, and centrally located in a bar in the Viaduct, guaranteed fun.
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Holey Moley Golf Club Auckland
204 Quay StFor a fun day or night-time activity try the classic game of mini-golf! With two quirky themed courses, inside so great for a rainy day, and centrally located in a bar in the Viaduct, guaranteed fun.
Pop down for a coffee, breakfast, snack or early lunch from one of the stalls, or fresh veg and flowers. A small but perfectly formed market, stop by on your way to sightseeing. Open 8am-2pm Saturdays rain or shine.
Britomart Saturday Market
Britomart PlacePop down for a coffee, breakfast, snack or early lunch from one of the stalls, or fresh veg and flowers. A small but perfectly formed market, stop by on your way to sightseeing. Open 8am-2pm Saturdays rain or shine.
Wynyard Quarter and Silo Park - Highly recommend taking a walk around this fabulous waterfront precinct. Part of a long term urban regeneration project to turn the wider Wynyard Quarter into a world class precinct. There are often pop up events, markets and kids activities at Silo Park. Have a go at playing with the interactive water installations in Silo Park and in around the wider streets - fun for kids (and adults!) of all ages. Climb the stairs of The Gantry, a giant steel structure where you can see fantastic views of the sea and the Harbour Bridge. A neat small marine-themed playground is located on the end of the precinct at Silo Park. Join up a trip to Silo Park with a walk along the waterfront. Start at the Ferry Building, walk west past the Viaduct (New Zealand Maritime Museum), over the Rolling Lift Bridge towards Karanga Plaza. Then wander past the North Wharf cafes, bars and restaurants towards Silo Park. Check out the second playground on Daldy Street on the way back. Sit down for lunch at Williams Eatery or pastries at La Petit Fourchette. Or check out the Auckland Fish Market for a range of casual eats (best fish and chips!) and eat in the open air inner courtyard inside. Take in a high-end Italian dinner at Baduzzi (to die-for pasta), or a casual drink outdoors at the Good George pub.
Loving the Auckland Waterfront and wanting a longer walk or scoot around to take in the City of Sails? From Silo Park continue south along Beaumont Street, turn right onto Westhaven Drive then keep walking east along the lovely Westhaven Path boardwalk next to Westhaven Drive. Take in the views of the Harbour Bridge. Continue as far as you feel like - even under the Harbour Bridge via Westhaven Promenade.
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Silo Park
Jellicoe StreetWynyard Quarter and Silo Park - Highly recommend taking a walk around this fabulous waterfront precinct. Part of a long term urban regeneration project to turn the wider Wynyard Quarter into a world class precinct. There are often pop up events, markets and kids activities at Silo Park. Have a go at playing with the interactive water installations in Silo Park and in around the wider streets - fun for kids (and adults!) of all ages. Climb the stairs of The Gantry, a giant steel structure where you can see fantastic views of the sea and the Harbour Bridge. A neat small marine-themed playground is located on the end of the precinct at Silo Park. Join up a trip to Silo Park with a walk along the waterfront. Start at the Ferry Building, walk west past the Viaduct (New Zealand Maritime Museum), over the Rolling Lift Bridge towards Karanga Plaza. Then wander past the North Wharf cafes, bars and restaurants towards Silo Park. Check out the second playground on Daldy Street on the way back. Sit down for lunch at Williams Eatery or pastries at La Petit Fourchette. Or check out the Auckland Fish Market for a range of casual eats (best fish and chips!) and eat in the open air inner courtyard inside. Take in a high-end Italian dinner at Baduzzi (to die-for pasta), or a casual drink outdoors at the Good George pub.
Loving the Auckland Waterfront and wanting a longer walk or scoot around to take in the City of Sails? From Silo Park continue south along Beaumont Street, turn right onto Westhaven Drive then keep walking east along the lovely Westhaven Path boardwalk next to Westhaven Drive. Take in the views of the Harbour Bridge. Continue as far as you feel like - even under the Harbour Bridge via Westhaven Promenade.
Auckland's central city library, come and browse the collection, zines, maker's space and cool kids area. Use the free computers and Wi-Fi, or take a break from shopping and sight-seeing. Includes a parent's room. Come and say 'hi' to Sean at work Mon - Fri :)
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Central City Library
46 Lorne StAuckland's central city library, come and browse the collection, zines, maker's space and cool kids area. Use the free computers and Wi-Fi, or take a break from shopping and sight-seeing. Includes a parent's room. Come and say 'hi' to Sean at work Mon - Fri :)
Auckland CBD's destination mall! Highly recommend checking out this high-end shopping precinct with a fabulously curated selecting of clothing retailers and stores for gifts or a special something to take home. Go the top floor to Harbour Eats, the fancy food court where you can buy a drink from the bar to eat with your meal.
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Commercial Bay
7 Queen StAuckland CBD's destination mall! Highly recommend checking out this high-end shopping precinct with a fabulously curated selecting of clothing retailers and stores for gifts or a special something to take home. Go the top floor to Harbour Eats, the fancy food court where you can buy a drink from the bar to eat with your meal.
Auckland's newest mall in central Auckland offers the full range of stores you'd hope for in a top mall. Go to the rooftop area for cool and casual dining options (including a small play area for kids).
Getting there: Take the train - Southern, Western or Onehunga Lines. Or take the bus: InnerLink (green bus), OuterLink (orange bus), or 70, 75, 30 bus routes depending on where you are in the city. Note: You'll need an AT HOP card, available from Britomart or selected dairys.
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Westfield Newmarket
277 BroadwayAuckland's newest mall in central Auckland offers the full range of stores you'd hope for in a top mall. Go to the rooftop area for cool and casual dining options (including a small play area for kids).
Getting there: Take the train - Southern, Western or Onehunga Lines. Or take the bus: InnerLink (green bus), OuterLink (orange bus), or 70, 75, 30 bus routes depending on where you are in the city. Note: You'll need an AT HOP card, available from Britomart or selected dairys.
Sightseeing
Great for a day trip, we recommend getting out of the city and exploring Waiheke Island! Take a Fuller's Ferry from the Ferry Terminal (only a short stroll from the apartment) and a 35 minute ferry to the island. Best to get there early to line up for the ferry during busy times. Use Fullers Hop-on Hop-off Explorer bus to check out cafes, seaside villages, vineyards and other sights. Or combine the ferry with rental car hire for the day.
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Waiheke Island
25 Karaka RdGreat for a day trip, we recommend getting out of the city and exploring Waiheke Island! Take a Fuller's Ferry from the Ferry Terminal (only a short stroll from the apartment) and a 35 minute ferry to the island. Best to get there early to line up for the ferry during busy times. Use Fullers Hop-on Hop-off Explorer bus to check out cafes, seaside villages, vineyards and other sights. Or combine the ferry with rental car hire for the day.
Feeling like an active day out? Climb the summit of this volcanic island, an iconic Auckland view. Take a 25 minute Fullers Ferry from the Ferry Terminal, enjoy the cruise through the Hauraki Gulf and the harbour. Explore lava caves and more!
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Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve
Feeling like an active day out? Climb the summit of this volcanic island, an iconic Auckland view. Take a 25 minute Fullers Ferry from the Ferry Terminal, enjoy the cruise through the Hauraki Gulf and the harbour. Explore lava caves and more!
We love walking up Maungawhau (Mount Eden) for it's panoramic views of central Auckland and the Waitematā Harbour. One of 48 volcanic cones in Auckland and the highest natural point. Take a walk around the crater.
Get there by taking the 27 bus (27H, 27T, or 27W) from 2 Anzac Avenue bus stop. Note: you'll need an AT Hop Card (purchase at Britomart Train Station or selected dairys). Is only one stage. After your walk up to the summit, walk to Mount Eden Village, a typical upmarket Auckland shopping village and take in one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars, and wander around the shops.
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Mount Eden
We love walking up Maungawhau (Mount Eden) for it's panoramic views of central Auckland and the Waitematā Harbour. One of 48 volcanic cones in Auckland and the highest natural point. Take a walk around the crater.
Get there by taking the 27 bus (27H, 27T, or 27W) from 2 Anzac Avenue bus stop. Note: you'll need an AT Hop Card (purchase at Britomart Train Station or selected dairys). Is only one stage. After your walk up to the summit, walk to Mount Eden Village, a typical upmarket Auckland shopping village and take in one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars, and wander around the shops.
Neighbourhoods
Discover one of Auckland’s hippest strips.
Ponsonby is packed with boutique fashion stores, chic cafés, bars and restaurants, all just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
Treat yourself to a shopping spree at Ponsonby’s sophisticated boutique stores. Find unique designer fashion, upmarket homewares, top quality jewellery, accessories and specialist foods. Check out local arts, crafts and galleries. Browse the independent and second hand bookstores to pick up collectable books and visit the famous Dorothy Butler Children's Bookshop.
Ponsonby is undoubtedly one of Auckland’s best and busiest dining spots too. Sip on superb coffee at a laidback café and dine on dishes from all corners of the globe. Choose from a huge array of options, from five-star restaurants with award-winning chefs to pop-up stalls and street food at the uber-cool Ponsonby Central.
When night falls, catch a live music gig at one of the neighbourhood bars or dance late into the night as top DJs spin their decks. Sing along to classic retro tunes or the latest club music.
https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/destinations/auckland-central/ponsonby
Getting there: Take the OuterLink (orange bus) or InnerLink (green bus) depending on where you are in the city. Note: You'll need an AT HOP card, available from Britomart or selected dairy's.
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Ponsonby
Discover one of Auckland’s hippest strips.
Ponsonby is packed with boutique fashion stores, chic cafés, bars and restaurants, all just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
Treat yourself to a shopping spree at Ponsonby’s sophisticated boutique stores. Find unique designer fashion, upmarket homewares, top quality jewellery, accessories and specialist foods. Check out local arts, crafts and galleries. Browse the independent and second hand bookstores to pick up collectable books and visit the famous Dorothy Butler Children's Bookshop.
Ponsonby is undoubtedly one of Auckland’s best and busiest dining spots too. Sip on superb coffee at a laidback café and dine on dishes from all corners of the globe. Choose from a huge array of options, from five-star restaurants with award-winning chefs to pop-up stalls and street food at the uber-cool Ponsonby Central.
When night falls, catch a live music gig at one of the neighbourhood bars or dance late into the night as top DJs spin their decks. Sing along to classic retro tunes or the latest club music.
https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/destinations/auckland-central/ponsonby
Getting there: Take the OuterLink (orange bus) or InnerLink (green bus) depending on where you are in the city. Note: You'll need an AT HOP card, available from Britomart or selected dairy's.
K Road is our favourite alternative and creative shopping and dining strip. Located at the top of Symonds St / Queen St. Vintage and retro shop until you drop, browse the art galleries and quirky independent stores. Check out St Kevin's Arcade for delicious coffee, cabinet and menu food at Bestie, Whammy Bar and the Wine Cellar for local gigs. Top tip: if going back to Queen St cut through below St Kevin's to restful Myers Park with it's great playground. See all of the K Road area - head down Mercury Lane, see the City Rail Link construction site and left onto Cross Street for more hidden gems. Or keep walking along K Road towards Ponsonby for great international and euro-style eats. Best coffee is at Daily Daily. For snacks we love cabinet food from Bestie in St Kevins, artisan bread and pastries from Fort Greene, middle eastern cabinet food from Zeki's. Delicious burgers from Ziggle or Sneaky Snacky, Asian supermarket Lim Chhour and much more. Go for a wander and find your faves.
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Karangahape Road
Karangahape RoadK Road is our favourite alternative and creative shopping and dining strip. Located at the top of Symonds St / Queen St. Vintage and retro shop until you drop, browse the art galleries and quirky independent stores. Check out St Kevin's Arcade for delicious coffee, cabinet and menu food at Bestie, Whammy Bar and the Wine Cellar for local gigs. Top tip: if going back to Queen St cut through below St Kevin's to restful Myers Park with it's great playground. See all of the K Road area - head down Mercury Lane, see the City Rail Link construction site and left onto Cross Street for more hidden gems. Or keep walking along K Road towards Ponsonby for great international and euro-style eats. Best coffee is at Daily Daily. For snacks we love cabinet food from Bestie in St Kevins, artisan bread and pastries from Fort Greene, middle eastern cabinet food from Zeki's. Delicious burgers from Ziggle or Sneaky Snacky, Asian supermarket Lim Chhour and much more. Go for a wander and find your faves.
Borgartillaga
Samgöngur
Buses and trains are a great cheap way to get around
You'll need to buy an AT HOP card from Britomart Train Station to use buses and trains in Auckland. Don't forget to wear a mask in stations, at stops and while on public transport. Hardcopy public transport maps are available in the apartment. Otherwise download the AT app, use google maps or use the at.govt.nz website for journey planning.