Auckland Restaurants

The early Maori settlers called Auckland 'Tamaki Makaurau', or 'a place desired by many'. With such abundant fresh produce, the sentiment still rings true. Today, Auckland is home to some of New Zealand's best restaurants.

Sure, you could plan an around-the-world food-tasting itinerary. Or you could just plan a trip to Auckland. This multicultural city is home to an incredibly diverse restaurant scene. Think Thai, Italian, Indian, Indonesian, Mexican. The list goes on!

With such abundant natural resources, many of the local restaurants feature seasonal, native, sustainably sourced ingredients. The result? World-class cuisine paired with excellent local wines. This is dining out you can feel really good about. Here's a quick guide to where to eat in Auckland.

Image: Todd Eyre for Visit Auckland

Dining Precincts

  • A few foodie pockets of Auckland really pack a punch. Ponsonby is a former warehouse area that's filled with hip eateries. Some great spots are SPQR, Blue Breeze Inn and Bedford Soda and Liquor.
  • It's all happening in the wharf areas of Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, the new waterfront districts. Some of the best places to eat are Shucker Brothers, Baduzzi and Oyster and Chop.
  • Federal Street is set in the heart of Auckland. Try upscale spots including Depot, MASU and The Grill for a posh night out.

Image: Todd Eyre for Visit Auckland

Markets and Food Tours

  • One of the best places to taste Auckland's sustainably sourced fresh produce is the farmers market. Venture north for the hometown favourite of Matakana Village Farmers Market.
  • Another market to visit is the Clevedon Village Farmers Market. For a unique twist, try La Cigale, a French-style street market.
  • Auckland offers many great food tours and wine tours - so you can leave the planning to an expert.

Image: Todd Eyre for Visit Auckland

Sustainability

  • From its fertile soils to its healthy harbours, Auckland is surrounded by natural resources. It's perfect for sightseeing and eating alike.
  • As such, Auckland is home to a slew of restaurants serving local and seasonal fresh produce.
  • Some of the best places to eat sustainable cuisine are Orphans Kitchen, Pasture and Scarecrow.

Created in partnership with Visit Auckland

Auckland dining activities

$211

per traveller

Food & Wine Walking Tour

By Unique Tours
Recommended 100% by Travellers

Immerse yourself in the food, wine, and the architecture of downtown Auckland in the company of a friendly guide who's dedicated to showing you everything

Duration: 3h

$303

per traveller

Matakana Artisan Food & Wine Tour

By Warkworth Tours
Recommended 100% by Travellers

Enjoy a relaxing visit to the beautiful region of Matakana, where you explore boutique vineyards and local establishments, sampling delicious cuisine and a

Duration: 7h

$241

per adult

Kumeu Winery Tour with Gourmet Lunch from Auckland

By Bush and Beach
Recommended 100% by Travellers

Croatian families planted the first vines in Kumeu in the 1930s. This Old World savoir faire has helped the area to develop some of New Zealand's most

Duration: 5h

$173

per adult

Taste of Waiheke Island Tour

By Fullers Group
Recommended 90% by Travellers

Combine your ferry travel to Waiheke Island with this popular tour. Enjoy a day of wine and olive tasting at 3 vineyards and an olive grove. Indulge in

Duration: 6h 30m

Great Tastes of Matakana Full-Day Tour

By Bush and Beach

Uncover the many delights of Matakana with a food, wine, and art tour of this pretty rural area. With visits to vineyards, artisan food producers, and

Duration: 7h

$313

per traveller

Taste of Auckland Full-Day City & Wine Tour with Lunch

By Bush and Beach
Recommended 100% by Travellers

Discover the sights, sounds, and tastes of Auckland on this full-day exploration of the city and country. Begin your excursion on a morning bus tour through

Duration: 8h 15m

$418

per traveller

Private Full-Day South Auckland Flexible Tour with Tastings

By Time Unlimited

Known for its heavily awarded wine country and wondrous natural landscapes, South Auckland is full of treasures. Explore the beautiful region on this private

Duration: 8h

$418

per traveller

Private Full-Day Tour of the Matakana Coast with Food & Wine Tastings

By Time Unlimited

Discover one of Auckland's best-kept secrets when you visit the Matakana Coast on this private tour. Experience gorgeous beaches, rolling countryside, and the

Duration: 8h

What you need to know about Auckland

Weather
TEMPERATURE °C
AV. RAINFALL (MM)
21°C J 87
21.6°C F 108
20.3°C M 99
18.4°C A 99
16°C M 145
14.3°C J 144
13.4°C J 139
13.6°C A 136
14.2°C S 127
15.5°C O 80
17.2°C N 65
19.6°C D 105
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Getting Around

Auckland has a superb public transport system made up of buses, trains and ferries. From the harbourfront transport hub you'll find regular services to inner-city locations and the outer-lying suburbs.

There's miles of urban cycle paths, too, which makes getting around on two wheels great fun.

And if you need to get somewhere in a hurry then hail one of dozens of reliable taxis.

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Best time to Visit

With so much going on in Auckland, the best time to visit is whenever the opportunity arises. Summer brings the most agreeable temperatures, long sunny days perfect for relaxing on the beach and an endless list of outdoor festivals. Winters can be cold and dark but you can easily take refuge in the city's brewpubs, cosy cafés and eclectic restaurants.

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What to Pack

To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, consider bringing the following:

  • Hiking Boots: Because mountain treks are par for the course in New Zealand.
  • Sunglasses & Rain Jacket: Weather conditions can change dramatically in the city, so be prepared.
  • Bathing Suit: In summer, beaches close to the city centre invite you to take a refreshing swim.
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How to get to Auckland

Auckland Car Hire

Auckland Car Hire

Prefer to explore at your own pace? Then hire a car and cruise the North Island's coastal roads and scenic highways. The colourful seaside village of Devenport is just a 25-minute drive away. Or you could drive in the foothills of the Hunua Ranges.

Reserve your car now
Auckland Airport Transfers

Auckland Airport Transfers

Take the stress out of getting to your hotel and book your transfer ahead of time. Share the ride or book a van all to yourself. Whatever your choice, relax knowing that all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride right to your hotel door.

View Airport Transfers
Main Airport Information

Main Airport Information

Auckland Airport is located about 20km from the city centre, which is 25 minutes by car. The SkyBus airport transfer runs round-the-clock 365 days a year. Purchase a return ticket and benefit from a small discount. Taxis are also readily available.