The Foodie Guide to Auckland: Places to Eat & Food Tours

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Foodie Activities in Auckland

Wineries and Vineyards

Auckland’s sunny climate is ideal for wine-producing. With that, north of the Auckland region and Waiheke Island have rows and rows of vines that decorate the landscape.

For foodies, this means there are cellar doors to visit showcasing local wines. Waiheke Island provides your most comprehensive array of wineries, from boutique vineyards like the Batch winery to internationally-acclaimed brands like Cable Bay.

Either make your own itinerary to visit the cellar doors with our 20 Vineyards & Wineries on Waiheke Island or enjoy the ease of a wine tour with companies like Waiheke Wine Tours, Wai Tiki Tours, Enjoi and Ananda Tours.

Culinary Tour

A great way to start a foodie trip to Auckland is to get orientated with a culinary tour. The Big Foody Food Tours offers a range of food tours in Auckland, taking food enthusiasts to laneway coffee roasters, supermarkets where the chefs shop, the Auckland Fish Market and some fantastic restaurants.

Farmers’ Markets

Another way to get your foodie fix is by checking out the local produce and products at Auckland’s markets. Farmers’ markets provide authentic Kiwi foodie experiences in Auckland, with some of your best options being in the suburbs of Grey Lynn (Sunday mornings) and Mt Albert (Saturday mornings).

Closer to the city centre, La Cigale French Market (Saturday mornings) is always worth a visit for its handmade bread, olive oils, meats, pastries, chocolates, condiments, cheeses and more.

Finally, take a road trip to the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market on Saturdays to pick up some artisan goodies and check out some of the surrounding wineries in the region.

Local Craft Beer

Did you know that New Zealand is home to more than 160 breweries? Get started on visiting them all with the breweries in Auckland. Hallertau Brewery in Riverhead offers brewery tours on Saturdays providing they meet the minimum number requirement.

Otherwise, you can just enjoy tasting some hoppy goodness. Brothers Brewery & Juke Joint also serves their house-made beers in Mt Eden.

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Best Restaurants in Auckland

Auckland certainly has a dizzying array of eateries to indulge in. We’ll point out some of the highlights right here!

New Zealand-style Food

You didn’t come to New Zealand to try food that you already eat back home, did you? Try Kiwi cuisine at One Tree Grill in Epsom for signature dishes including Hawke’s Bay lamb, Canterbury duck and local market fish.

Try traditional “hangi”, food cooked in an underground oven, at The Maori Kitchen located in the NorthWest Shopping Centre.

Or head to Newmarket’s Teed St Larder for New Zealand-style baking and mains.

Fine Dining in Auckland

For a special occasion or “just because” treat yourself to some of the fine dining experiences in Auckland.

A few venues worth mentioning include Clooney in Freeman’s Bay, known for its creative combination of flavours including caramelised yoghurt, violet and pomegranate, nettle and sunflower, just to name a few.

Harbourside in the city centre is your gourmet seafood restaurant.

Kazuya on Eden Terrace is where you’ll find Japanese fine dining featuring beautifully-presented plates.

Check out more of our recommendations in 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Auckland.

Cheap Eats in Auckland

For foodies on a budget or unashamedly wanting the “street food” experience, there are a wealth of options in Auckland.

Try Le Garde Manger for some traditional French crepes. No.1 Pancake serves some mean Korean-style pancakes, both sweet and savoury.

If you’re after something hearty, Federal Delicatessen, offers New York-style sandwiches and bagels.

Better Burger on Customs Street for, well, damn good burgers.

And the list goes on in The Top Cheap Eats in Auckland.

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Where to Stay: Accommodations in Auckland for Foodies

When it comes to gastronomical experiences at your accommodation, Auckland has a choice of hotels with fabulous restaurants or self-catering accommodation, should you want to spruce something up with local ingredients.

Although we outline all your options in the 15 Best Self-Catering Accommodation in Auckland and 30 Best Hotels in Auckland, here are some of our top picks for foodies.

Quest on Eden – The Best Self-Catering Accommodation in Auckland

The international apartment hotel chain known for its stylish apartments with fully-equipped kitchens certainly provides for foodies staying in Auckland.

If you’re looking to spruce up your own meals and large comfortable private kitchen then Quest is a no-brainer.

Couples, families and small groups are catered to with a choice of a “Two-Bedroom Apartment”, “Studio” and “One Bedroom Apartment”, providing a home away from home in Auckland city.

Note that there are also Quest Apartments in Parnell, Mount Eden, Takapuna, Newmarket and Queens Street also in Auckland.

Discover why Quest on Eden is perfect for self-catering travellers and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

The Grand by SkyCity – Ultimate Luxury Stay for Food Lovers in Auckland

Foodies will find paradise at The Grand by SkyCity, a luxury hotel boasting an impressive 11 restaurants right on site. From MASU‘s contemporary Japanese cuisine to The Sugar Club‘s fine-dining experience and Cassia‘s delicious offerings, you’ll be spoilt for choice without leaving the building.

We’re big fans of the variety here, whether you’re after a relaxed meal at Depot or something special at Huami, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Start your day with the buffet breakfast (weekdays 6:30 am to 10:30 am, weekends 7 am to 11 am).

All 312 rooms feature 24-hour room service, perfect for late-night cravings, plus 65-inch Smart TVs and comfortable bathrobes. The hotel also offers an indoor pool, spa services and four bars for post-dinner drinks.

See why The Grand by SkyCity is a dream stay for food lovers and book your experience through Booking.com.

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Alternative Things to Do in Auckland

Finally, don’t leave Auckland without trying a few non-food-related activities. Don’t worry, you can always pack a picnic!

More Things to Do in Auckland

• Check out the Auckland Museum
• Walk up the volcanic Rangitoto Island
• See protected wildlife on the Tiritiri Matangi Island bird sanctuary
• Do a skydive with Skydive Auckland
• Jump off the Sky Tower with the SkyJump or walk around the top of it with the SkyWalk
• Join a whale-watching cruise with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
• Walk to Mt Eden for some city views

For more ideas, see the 101 Best Things to Do in Auckland.