48 hours in Auckland

For some people, the thought of being stuck in our biggest city for 48 hours would fill them with a sense of despair.

After all, Auckland is just a giant pointy tower, changeable weather with a high chance of rain, and interminable traffic queues, right?

Well, believe it or not, there’s plenty good stuff about the big smoke too. And while we can’t do anything about the Aucklanders, here’s a list of nice things to eat, drink, do and stay that should help save the day (or two) while you’re there.

Day one, give us this day our Daily Bread. One of Auckland’s top spots for caffeine, sourdough and patisserie treats, Daily Bread is worshipped by Aucklanders all over the city, with spots in Ponsonby, Fed Street and Britomart downtown.

If you do happen to be downtown, take a short stroll to the waterfront and hop on a ferry bound for Waiheke. The jewel in Auckland’s hard hat, it’s true when they say it’s so close yet a world away. Visit some epic vineyards with views, hire an electric bike and see the sights, or just sit around at the beach.

Alternatively, you can jump on the ferry bound for Rangitoto. A mountain in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf made pretty much entirely of lava, it’s a couple of hours’ hike to the top through lava fields and the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest.

One more ferry option: a short ride across the harbour this time to Devonport. Take your pick of cafes, shops, walks and delights of all sorts. The short hike up North Head on a belly full of eggs benny is well worth the effort.

A short skip south of the CBD is Newmarket, seemingly designed especially for shopaholics. Simon James has all the best in contemporary design and homeware. There’s everything you can think of in the giant Westfield – not to mention our epic Swanndri store (shop 256, on level 2). Once you finally figure out how to get out of the mall, go and recharge at the delicious Kiwi-Korean Candy Shop Café.

If you’re the kind of person that calls ‘movies’ ‘films’, then you can get your fix of culture by heading back north to the Auckland Domain at War Memorial Museum. Further north again, across Albert Park (have a nosey at the gardens on your way), there’s the Auckland Art Gallery on Kitchener Street.

The joys of being in New Zealand’s biggest city mean there’s something for everyone when it comes to drinks and dinner, too. Down in the CBD there’s Kingi, a classy restaurant offering fresh, delicious, sustainably-sourced seafood and game. Up the hill on K’ road, tucked into St Kevin’s Arcade, is a quirky wee Italian pasta joint by the name of Pici. They also have an attached wine bar called Tappo, serving an excellent range of wines and snacks.

Or over the other side of town, at one end of the bustling strip that is Ponsonby Road, there’s the aptly named Hotel Ponsonby, serving high-brow bistro fare. Next door there’s Annabel’s, an all-day neighbourhood espresso and wine bar. At the other end of Ponsonby Road, you’ll find the fresh and fun new joint called Ockhee, serving modern Korean fare.

Alternatively, we recommend grabbing takeaways of your choice and taking it up one of Auckland’s many mountains (Maungawhau Mt Eden, Takarunga Mt Victoria, Maungakiekie One Tree Hill), in time for sunset across the city. Beautiful.

After that, somewhere to rest your weary head. Hotel Britomart was apparently voted New Zealand’s #1 hotel, and for good reason. Classy, contemporary, and positioned right at the heart of downtown, it’s worth a look at least, if not a night or two.

For something a little more out there, try QT, with fabulous décor, funky vibes and an epic rooftop bar with views of the sea and the city. There’s also Lylo, offering low prices, high comfort, and keeping things super interesting with pod-style rooms. Or, at the other end of the scale, The Convent Hotel in Grey Lynn gives you the chance to stay in a converted nunnery.

So, there you have it. Auckland has a reputation for a lot of things. But as we like to say, don’t judge a book by what a grumpy southerner said about it after having visited once on a crap day during rush hour.