Auckland Travel Blog

“You win a chocolate fish!” Heaps of Kiwi kids have grown up with this prize and even more of them have ventured into the local dairy (cornershop) to buy one…or many. It’s essentially marshmallow, white or pink, covered in milk chocolate in the shape of a fish. They are great...

New Zealand has seen a local market boom in recent years. Many of these new markets showcase the wonderful artisan food scene we’ve got going on down here. Auckland is lucky to have a few markets within its generous boundaries, but there are actually two right here in the city that are easily...

New Zealand Wine by Marie Szamborski   It’s Friday. What are you going to drink? There are some awesome alehouses and brewpubs in town. Maybe you’ve already overdone it on Thursday night and just want some coffee. But, if you are looking for something to warm your cockles with in New...

So, it’s a Saturday or Sunday morning and there is nobody on the road. Where do you think Kiwis are? Sleeping off a hangover…maybe. Jogging down the side of Tamaki Drive…possibly. I’m not sure of the actual numbers but I would wager that a very large percentage are in cafes across...

New Zealanders are taught in school that they should aim to eat five or more servings of fruit and veggies every day. Luckily we have a good variety to choose from in order to keep things interesting. New Zealand produce is, for the most part, GM free (non-genetically modified) and there are often organic...

Right in the central city suburbs there is a lovely little market in which to spend a weekend morning. Most people just call it the “French Market” or the “Parnell Market”, but the official name comes from the attached bistro and shop known as La Cigale. The market is one that...

Barbecue season has begun! From now until autumn, most New Zealand socialising will take place outdoors and much of this will include that summer staple known as “The Kiwi Barbecue”. It is, in actual fact, an art form…a ballet, if you will. Someone will clean the barbecue and load...

You might think there is nothing to it but, ohhhhh you’d be wrong! We’re talking about eating the famous New Zealand pies here, which is a very important cultural experience you absolutely must have whilst you are visiting. Hot pies straight from the pie warmer have their appeal in convenience...

Rangitoto as viewed from Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island There are many wonderful vineyards on Waiheke Island, but a romantic dinner at Mudbrick allows you this beautiful view of Rangitoto, a dormant volcano, at sunset. Book a table in the morning (or even the day before in the busy summer season)...

Looking for somewhere you can hang out and taste some local brews this weekend? Here are a few places that should make you happy. They also offer quite good food. The Ol’ Faithfuls: These two have been around for quite a while and the beer doesn’t disappoint. Galbraith’s, in particular,...