Food
From busy noodle houses tucked behind Asian commodity markets to spit-roasted pigs at a Samoan cultural festival – you’ll find it all in this cosmopolitan city. Auckland is blessed with thousands of restaurants so ask others for their dining recommendations.
For fine dining, head for Mission Bay, Parnell or Ponsonby. If you fancy a taste of the Orient without blowing your budget, wander down to Food Alley in Albert Street with its 15 kitchens and common eating area. For the best Polynesia has to offer, a Saturday excursion to the Otara Markets, in south Auckland, is an absolute must (see Highlights).
Drink
Auckland’s geographical spread means the nightlife is scattered. In every corner you will great find bars and cafes. The only rule is to avoid Queen Street on Friday and Saturday nights – unless you fancy joining hoards of teenagers with their modified cars and thumping car stereos. Both Parnell and Ponsonby Road – east and west of the city centre respectively – boast a great strip of cafe’s, bars, restaurants and clubs, while the Viaduct Basin attracts a more sophisticated after-work crowd. For a walk on the wild side, wander down Karangahape Road (known as K Road), Auckland’s red light district, where chic cafes, bars and restaurants – Verona and Khuja Lounge to name a few – cluster between strip clubs.
Water
The water from the tap in New Zealand is fine to drink
