A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Auckland
- Auckland Information
- Eating & drinking in Auckland
- Night life in Auckland
- Getting around in Auckland
- Things to do in Auckland
- Where to stay in Auckland
- Auckland street map
For such a small city, Auckland has a disproportionate number of good restaurants. Eating out here revolves around a wide range of great places that are bound to suit both the most adventurous of palates and, more importantly, the tightest of budgets.
Out to the west of the city center, the suburb of Ponsonby is Auckland's eating, drinking and nightlife hub. The Herne Bay end of Ponsonby Road, particularly, is a seemingly endless series of laidback cafés, bars and lively restaurants.
To the west, Parnell has a slightly more upmarket scene, while a little further south, Newmarket offers yet another alternative. Here, a range of excellent food can be sampled, as well as great coffee served in smaller cafés where tables are set out along the street.
Fresh fish is very much an Auckland specialty and some of the freshest seafood in the world is served in the Princes Wharf and Viaduct Harbour. Neither is particularly cheap, but the menus are bursting with local fish like tarakihi and trevally.
Food markets are extremely popular in Auckland. The Otara market in South Auckland and the Avondale Market in the inner-west area are among the best, and both offer a colorful experience and cheap produce.
Over the last few decades, Auckland has been a major draw to immigrants from Southeast Asia. Their culinary influences can be very clearly made out at the city's multicultural weekend markets, as well as the large number of cheap takeaway places lining Queen St.
Similarly, some of the cheapest – and most delicious – food in Auckland can be found at the Food Alley. This large warehouse-type building boasts 15 kitchens of various different cuisines which share one large communal dining area.
Not far from the city itself is Waiheke Island, a food and wine mecca for New Zealanders. There are around 30 vineyards dotted around this small island whose unique microclimate is responsible for its world-renowned red wine.
As in many Australian cities, some restaurants and cafés operate on a ‘Bring Your Own’ (BYO) basis. This allows you (for a small corkage charge) to bring your favorite bottle of wine along with you, and save money in the process.
From fine dining to more low-cost offerings, the eating and drinking on offer in Auckland is what makes it stand out as a travel destination. Whether your budget stretches to fine wines and seafood or sitting in a cheap and cheerful noodle stall, this is a city that has it all.
