Best things to do in Auckland – from top food spots to scenic beaches

Booking your next holiday soon?

You can visit Auckland as popular airline Emirates announced the return of its A380 non-stop route.

In light of the news, cabin crew member Drew Beveridge wants travellers to get the most out of their trip.

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Auckland is known for its downtown, beaches and harbour which is full of superyachts.

So if you want to like a local and explore hidden gems in Auckland, you've come to the right place.

Drew shared her top tips for enjoining the New Zealand city.

Go-to dining hotspots:

Situated at Auckland's Waterfront in the Britomart district is Amano, a modern Italian restaurant renowned for their rustic breakfast menu and bakery.

Baked goods such as the flaky almond croissant paired with a takeaway cappuccino can be enjoyed by the harbour and best characterises the Kiwi "brekkie" culture.

Drew loves visiting the Receptionist Coffee which gained recognition on TikTok for being home to Auckland's best cuppa.

While you won't find any menus at this cafe, you will find the city's best baristas, pastries and memorable service.

New Zealand is home to some of the freshest produce in the world.

Those travelling to the region better come hungry – as the cuisine is a definite drawcard for the country.

Some of the local cuisines Drew recommends Bluff Oysters which are native to New Zealand and the best place to go is Auckland Harbour.

Alongside the seafood feast, you should try a high-quality glass of wine, with Drew's favourite being the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc or the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

Meat Pies are also a Kiwi food worth-trying. Often sold in bakeries or at pubs, the meat-filled pastry isn't common outside of the Southern Hemisphere.

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Tips to embrace the Kiwi lifestyle:

Simply be outside. Auckland has some of the world's most lush and vibrant scenery – whether it's a takeaway fish and chips in the park or hiking up a beachside mountain.

For travellers to best prepare themselves and blend in with the locals – they should always pack a light jacket for the unpredictable cool weather and a pair of flip flops.

New Zealand also developed a unique assortment of lingo which could be like a new language to travellers.

For those new to the country, some common slang visitors might encounter from locals include:

Jandal = flip flops

Dairy = corner/convenience store

Togs = swimwear

Bro = friend

Chur = thank you

Kia Ora = hi

Aroha = love

Kiwi = New Zealander

Those wanting to indulge in some local shopping, the best spots include Britomart Saturday Farmers Market and the Grey Lynn Farmers Market.

As a local, the hidden treasures include Waiheke Island which is bursting with activities.

It's a popular destination to experience New Zealand's best vineyards. Mudbrick Vineyards and Stonyridge Vineyard are just two outstanding recommendations!

Meanwhile, beaches such as Oneroa Bay, Sandy Bay, and Onetangi Beach are a serene escape for sun-loving travellers.

Active escape Mount Maunganui is just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Auckland, drawing in both locals and travellers from across the country to experience its laid back, beachside lifestyle.

The Mount is also an excellent way to enjoy some of the region's best food and beverage offerings and to shop boutique stores.

Rotoroa Island is just a one-hour ferry from Auckland and home to a vast range of native wildlife and untouched scenery.

The Island has a focus on sustainability and conserving the historic environment and species including the iconic North Island Brown Kiwi.

Rotorua is a fantastic place to experience the culture and history of the indigenous Māori culture people and the geothermal activity it is renowned for.

The magical Whakarewarewa living Māori village offers an authentic look at Māori lifestyle, where visitors can watch indigenous dancing and try the traditional method of cooking using heated rocks, Hāngī.

Visitors can also marvel at the boiling mud pools, geysers, for a completely unique and memorable spectacle.

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