Unlike in Melbourne and Sydney, which has fed off a rich Mediterranean immigrant heritage, Asian cuisines here are plentiful. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and to a lesser extent, Thai, flavors are common. And some have worked their way into New Zealand’s contemporary, seasonally driven cuisine.
Regularly rated as one of the world’s most livable cities, Auckland—also called Tamaki Makaurau—has grown into a beauty of a destination. The sparkling harbor is sprinkled with gleaming white sails and ferries commuting to waterside suburbs and outlying islands. The largest Polynesian city in the world, Auckland has also become hugely multicultural, which is reflected in the dynamic dining scene.
You’ll find all of this and more in the Central Business District, or CBD, and the inner-city suburbs. In the CBD, historic High Street and Vulcan Lane have always drawn people in with their small-town charm, but the new kid on the block is recently rejuvenated Britomart, which brims with boutiques, alfresco cafes and restaurants.
Inner-city Ponsonby is a rambling residential neighborhood teeming with beautiful people and Victorian-era houses; it’s Auckland’s answer to New York City’s West Village. Ponsonby Road and nearby Jervois Road in Herne Bay are both lined with bars, cafés, and restaurants. Across the bridge, Takapuna—the moneyed northern suburb about a 15-minute drive from downtown—has long been known for its white-sand beach but is now gaining attention for its retail and culinary scenes.
Stick around for summer when the pohutukawa tree puts the coast into dramatic red relief – perched on cliffs and hanging from hilltops, this tenacious and gnarly New Zealand native has a sensational display of red flowers. It’s a special sight when the stamens fall to the ground and turn the white beaches and sidewalks a pinky-red.
While there is tons of entertainment in the city, there’s much more to this sub-tropical destination, including the harbor, Hauraki Gulf and its outlying islands, beautiful bush walks in the Waitakere Ranges, and the wild west-coast beaches of Piha, Karekare, and Bethells, to explore.
Best Time To Go
For the best weather, travel between November and April.
Transportation
The city and its inner suburbs are easily explored on foot, but you can also take the Inner Link bus ($2.50), which does loops around the city to Parnell, K Road, Ponsonby, and Victoria Park.
Weather
January and February are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 71ºF (21ºC). July and August are the coldest months, with an average temperature of 55ºF (13ºC).
Know Before You Go
Auckland’s public transportation can be a hassle, so book a car in advance if you’d like to see the entire city.
Language: English
Electric: Local voltage is 240AC, or 50 hertz. Power outlets take two-pin and three-pin plugs (Type I).
http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/auckland
