Auckland Food
Eating out in Auckland used to mean Chinese, Indian or steak and chips and even drinking a glass of wine with a meal was considered eccentric. However, that was then and this is now. Auckland now offers a range of gastronomic delights to suit even the most adventurous and exotic palates.
Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the South Pacific and is a hub for those from south-east Asia, whose culinary influences can be spotted at the city's multicultural weekend markets and a large number of restaurants across the sprawling city.
Auckland has a great number of restaurants and is a fine city to dine in. Visitors should take a trip down the Posonby Road, which is Auckland's busiest strip of laid-back cafes and lively restaurants. A range of excellent food can be sampled, as well as great coffee served in smaller cafes with tables set out along the street.
Fresh fish is also a delicacy in Auckland and some of the city's best fish restaurants can be located in the Viaduct region, which serves a selection of fresh seafood from all over New Zealand. Those who want a real taste of the ocean are invited to join the Seafood School in Auckland, where students can learn how to prepare fresh ocean delicacies.
Most supermarkets in Auckland also sell fresh seafood and shellfish. However, for some of the best and freshest seafood in the world it is best to visit Seamart in the Viaduct Harbour, which sells live crayfish, fresh tuna, mussels, snapper, terakihi and trevally.
Food markets are extremely popular in Auckland and provide the perfect way for tourists to sample a wide range of traditional delicacies without having to travel very far! The Otara market in south Auckland or the Avondale market in the inner-west area are among some of the best and both offer colourful, exotic and cheap produce.
For some of the cheapest and most authentic Asian cuisine that can be found in Auckland, visitors are advised to sample the delights at the Food Alley. This large warehouse-type building boasts 15 kitchens which share one large communal dining area. Food from all over Asia is available at a snip. From larb chicken and rice to roast Chinese-style duck and pork and rice and soup. There is also a fully licensed bar which offers low-cost alcohol and a range of delicious fresh juices.
For a slightly more expensive but much more sophisticated night out, tourists are advised to visit the newly-opened Orbit restaurant which is situated at the top of Auckland's landmark building the Sky Tower. As well as offering high-quality food and drink, the 360-degrees rotating restaurant also offers spectacular views of the city as you dine.
Within the Auckland region and close to the central business district in the city is Waiheke Island, which is the food and wine Mecca of Auckland. Within this small space, there are around 30 vineyards, which are renowned for the amazing red wine they produce due to the unique microclimate.
The high temperatures and low levels of summer rainfall make it drier during the grape ripening period. Visitors can also dine on Waiheke Island and a wide variety of cultures can be found. The island includes wine bars, cafes, fish and chip shops, takeaways, fast food and a la carte restaurants.
Auckland offers a range of good-value-for-money English and Irish pubs, as well as trendier cafes and bars around the Viaduct area. The High Street in the city centre also offers a number of stylish drinking establishments. Some Auckland restaurants and cafes have a bring your own (BYO) licence, which means you can bring your favourite bottle of wine along with you, although this option usually comes with a small corkage charge.
From fine dining to low-cost but tasty burger joints, Auckland offers something for all visitors. Whether you are looking to sample fine wines in a rooftop restaurant or sit in a converted warehouse drinking your own alcohol, this colourful Australasian city has it all.
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Eating and drinking
