Ada offers a warm, modern take on Italian-inspired dining. The menu celebrates seasonal New Zealand produce through handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes and generous plates designed to share. With its relaxed atmosphere, thoughtful wine list and beautifully restored surroundings, Ada is an inviting destination for long lunches, intimate dinners and memorable group occasions.

The Convent Hotel, 454 Great North Rd,
Grey Lynn

Advieh brings a refined approach to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dining. The menu showcases aromatic spices, vibrant seasonal produce and generous dishes designed for sharing, complemented by an elegant waterfront setting. Warm, sophisticated and full of flavour, it is an ideal choice for leisurely lunches, special occasions and memorable evenings in the heart of the city.

1 Queen Street, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

Located within QT Auckland, Esther is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired restaurant overlooking the Viaduct Harbour. Led by celebrated chef Sean Connolly, the menu draws on flavours from Italy, France and Spain, featuring handmade pasta, fresh seafood and generous sharing plates. With its glamorous interiors, lively atmosphere and coastal influence, Esther is perfect for long lunches, stylish dinners and celebratory occasions.

QT Auckland, 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland Central

Gilt Brasserie is an elegant, light-filled space dotted with cream pillars and anchored with dark wood. The 130-seater is designed to be a reliable favourite for all-day dining à la European bistro-style New York institutions such as Balthazar, The Odeon and Pastis. Find it on the corner of Chancery and O’Connell streets, in the century-old Chancery Chambers building.

2 Chancery Street Auckland 1010

Opened by Michael and Annette Dearth in 2004, The Grove offers degustation menus featuring seasonal modern New Zealand food.

90 Federal Street, Auckland

The Sugar Club, sits beautifully 53 floors above Auckland City at the top of the Sky Tower. Highlights include a Chef’s menu that champions seasonality, combining the best in local sustainably sourced produce with the boldest flavours from around the world.

Level 53, Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland

Take a seat on the ocean-view restaurant verandah or in the breezy dining room and savour a menu inspired by coastal classics, or just drop by and enjoy a cocktail or crisp glass of wine at the bar.

124 Oceanview Road, Oneroa

One of Auckland’s most chic destinations for degustations also happens to be one of the most creative - helmed by chef Nick Honeyman and 23/2024 Cuisine Chef of the Year Zennon Wijlens. While not strictly French, it's French in top-of-game food sensibilities. Degustations are served in courses of three or six.

166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay

Sid at The French Café is one of Auckland’s most celebrated fine-dining destinations, offering an elegant tasting-menu experience led by chef Sid Sahrawat. The cuisine combines contemporary techniques with seasonal New Zealand produce and refined global influences. Set within an intimate, sophisticated space, it is ideal for milestone celebrations, romantic dinners and memorable evenings centred around exceptional food and service.

210 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland

Flamed, charred and smouldering from fire, alma’s food style travels through seasons, produce and localities whilst nodding to a few from afar. A broad and playful wine list houses Spanish wines and a captivating cast of New Zealand grown Spanish varietals. Explore an array of Spanish sherries and vermouths. Or meander through a purposely constructed gin list for your own curation.

Corner of Gore & Tyler Street, Britomart

Located in Auckland’s historic Princes Street precinct, Onslow offers a refined yet relaxed take on contemporary New Zealand dining. Led by celebrated chef Josh Emett, the menu highlights premium local produce through elegant, confidently executed dishes. With polished interiors, warm service and a sophisticated atmosphere, Onslow is ideal for stylish lunches, intimate dinners and memorable special occasions in central Auckland.

9 Princes Street, Auckland

A 48-seat pasta restaurant, Osteria Uno offers handmade pasta dishes, as well as snacky small plates, Italian-inspired cocktails and an Italian-New Zealand wine list. It's sophisticated, with deep red leather banquettes to line the walls, paired with dark wood seating and chairs. There are changing specials and seasonal dishes, and there’s a dedicated kids’ menu with three pastas and a dessert.

140 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead

Gemmayze Street is a beloved Lebanese restaurant that sits alongside some of the city’s best venues. Order from the mezze menu or, for groups of more than six, you can opt for the “jeeb” feast. Dishes such as hummus, baba ganoush and falafel might be familiar, but Gemmayze’s version will likely outdo any you’ve tried before.

15/16 St Kevins Arcade, 183. Karangahape Rd, Auckland

Depo is a fast paced, fresh eatery and oyster bar by award winning New Zealand chef, writer and TV presenter Al Brown. Full menu is served 7 days a week and is the perfect place to drop in and refuel. The focus is on seasonal produce and simple food served generously, much of it cooked over charcoal or hard wood, but naturally, the oysters, fresh from the local waters are the highlight.

86 Federal Street, Auckland

Ahi offers a sophisticated celebration of contemporary New Zealand cuisine in the heart of Commercial Bay. Led by chef Ben Bayly, the menu showcases premium local produce, native ingredients and innovative techniques through beautifully presented dishes. With refined interiors, sweeping harbour views and polished service, Ahi is an excellent choice for special occasions, business dining and elevated evenings in central Auckland.

Commercial Bay, 7 Queen Street, Auckland Central, Auckland

Amano is a lively, all-day Italian-inspired restaurant in the heart of Britomart. Known for its handmade pasta, wood-fired breads, fresh seafood and produce-led menu, it blends casual dining with polished, stylish surroundings. The atmosphere is warm and energetic, making it a popular choice for relaxed breakfasts, long lunches, informal dinners and drinks with friends in central Auckland.

66–68 Tyler Street, Britomart, Auckland

Set within St Kevin’s Arcade, Pici is an intimate neighbourhood pasta bar known for simple, seasonal cooking and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The concise menu centres on handmade pasta, thoughtful small plates and natural wines, all served in a warm, understated space. It is ideal for casual date nights, spontaneous dinners and laid-back evenings with friends in Auckland.

22, St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland

Depot is a buzzy, informal eatery by chef Al Brown, celebrating fresh New Zealand produce in a lively, share-style setting. The menu features oysters, seafood, grilled meats and bold seasonal plates, complemented by local wines and craft drinks. With its energetic atmosphere, open kitchen and relaxed service, Depot is perfect for casual lunches, group dinners and spontaneous city dining.

86 Federal Street, Auckland Central, Auckland

The inventive Pacific-influenced cuisine at Mr Morris has drawn accolades and awards, and has a loyal following of foodies always checking in to discover the consistent and exciting changes on the menu.

Excelsior Building, Cnr Galway & Commerce Street, Britomart, Auckland

The acclaimed Poderi Crisci Restaurant is widely recognised as one of the finest on Waiheke. Enjoy al Fresco dining all year round in this stunning location looking across the valley, with the west facing restaurant capturing the final rays of the setting sun. The restaurant and surrounds are ideally suited for a casual lunch or family get together.

205 Awaawaroa Road, Awaawaroa Bay

Baduzzi is a vibrant Italian-inspired restaurant on Auckland’s waterfront, known for handmade meatballs, fresh pasta and generous plates designed for sharing. The lively dining room and relaxed service create an easy, sociable atmosphere, while the menu offers plenty of flavour and personality. It is a great choice for casual lunches, group dinners and laid-back celebrations by the harbour.

10–26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Wynyard Quarter

Owned by Heather Garland and Alastair Walker of Caretaker and Deadshot, Rocketman is an 80-seat bar with a fun-loving attitude. There's often live music or you could belt your own soundtrack in the hidden karaoke room Ms Kitty's Parlour. Hire the eight-person room by the hour and your fee goes towards a minibar of booze for your pink-hued performances.

40 Customs Street, East Auckland

There's arguably no better city than Auckland to have a drink a few floors up. Surrounded by all that sparkling blue harbour, there are plenty of stunning water views – as anyone visiting Sunset will see. There are obvious nods to the ’70s in the curved ceilings and banquettes of the 132-seater space, and its pastel hues also give a whiff of the ’80s. Clever use of timber, tiles and stone keeps things classy and contemporary – retro highlights done right.

63-67 Nelson Street, Auckland

Located on the 38th floor of the Voco Auckland City Centre hotel, this is Tāmaki Makaurau's highest-altitude bar. It has slightly dizzying views out over both the Waitematā Harbour and the Waitākere Ranges. An open-air deck means you can make the most of the view while enjoying a signature seasonal cocktail.

38 13 Wyndham Street Auckland

The curved, soaring shape of the former West Plaza building is one of Auckland CBD’s most iconic heritage structures. The venue was designed by Australian studio Acme & Co (Margaret, Fred’s, Mimi’s) in the company’s very first New Zealand project. Head to the curved outdoor terrace for a drink and bite surrounded by downtown Auckland’s skyscrapers.

1 Albert Street Auckland

QT Auckland’s in-house bar is a worthy destination regardless of whether you’re staying at the hotel. Find it on the sixth floor, with views of the cityscape and the harbour beyond. The large, open-air terrace is Rooftop’s key feature and its easy flow-on from inside means the whole space has an indoor-outdoor feel

6 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue Auckland

Explore New Zealand’s famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a one-way day trip from Auckland to Rotorua! Along the way, you’ll have morning tea in historic Rangiriri, stop in Ngaruawahia, ride a boat through the Glowworm Grotto, see the Karapito Dam and drive under the Fitzgerald Glade

Explore the Bay of Islands on a full day trip from Auckland and discover the historic sites of Waitangi and Russell. You’ll visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, ferry from Paihia to Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement and sea port, and take an informative tour with a local guide. Before returning to Auckland, enjoy free time to check out Russell’s bustling shops, cafes and museums at your leisure.

Take in the magnificent lava fields and natural beauty of Rangitoto, the volcanic island that is one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy a short ferry ride to the island then board your 4-wheel drive (4WD) tram to a spot near the island’s summit, where a short walk to the top rewards you with magnificent views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.

Waiheke Island is the ultimate island retreat, just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Known as the 'island of wine' for its many wineries and vineyards, a wine tasting tour is a must. Enjoy a day trip and explore the beaches, restaurants and other activities on the island.

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Only a short distance from Auckland. There are many tour operators that run from the city, and a plethora of tour options and events.

History, heritage and culture are brought to life at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Founded in 1888, it remains New Zealand’s largest visual arts experience. The permanent collection contains a large number of works by New Zealand, Maori and Pacific artists, both historic and contemporary.

Mount Eden is the highest volcano in Auckland city at 196 meters high. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Auckland and its harbours from the summit. One significant feature is a large, well-preserved crater, some 50 meters deep, contained within the summit cone.

The aptly named IT destination with seven rooms dedicated to refined iterations of everything from massages, facials, and body treatments to more dedicated rituals like a Fragonia and Bergamot Scalp Treatment, Rainforest Foot Ritual and the pièce-de-resistance: the Native Clay and Hot Oil full-body massage, complete with a ring of native Australian clay.

99 Halsey Street, Auckland

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Auckland city, walk your way into this candle-lit oasis, and into an experience that feels far from anything in Auckland. Winner in the World Spa Awards as New Zealand's Best Hotel Spa 2023, at East Day Spa you can get into a plush robe, sip on divine detox tea, and slide into a state of bliss at the healing hands of East’s talented team.

Skycity Grand Hotel, 123 Albert Street, Auckland

Start your journey enjoying the live wall—complete with a waterfall and Aotearoa’s iconic greenery—in the serene relaxation space, before indulging in some of the most luxurious massages, facials and body treatments any Auckland spa has to offer. The Sofitel is known for its chic French touches, so expect a treatment menu of cult-favourite Sothys Paris as well as Biologique Recherche treatments brands alongside local Nellie Tier.

21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland

Flickering candlelight, exotic flora and fauna and opulent oriental décor make for the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy Chuan’s contemporary Asian-inspired treatments. Massages, facials, body wraps and scrubs are all on offer here, as well as sumptuous multi-treatment packages. With a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, saunas, a herbal steam room and an ice experience, it’d be utterly rude not to stay and indulge a little longer.

83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland

For simply the best facial experience in the city, you can't go past Skinography. If you battle with acne, fine lines or just general stress and malaise, you'll want to pop behind this unassuming door in Herne Bay. kinology is also really well known as being one of the first spots in the city to specialise in the buccal facial made famous by Meghan Markle.

23A Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland