The Heart Of The City's Guidebook

The Heart Of The City
The Heart Of The City
The Heart Of The City's Guidebook

Sightseeing

With over 30 bars and restaurants to choose from in one waterfront destination, The Viaduct is a superb place to dine or relax and watch the world go by. Watch superyachts and admire boats as you stroll along the water's edge. Open from breakfast till late, the precinct has well located parking facilities for your car or boat and hosts regular events to add to the vibrant environment that Viaduct Harbour is renowned for.
223 locals recommend
Viaduct Basin
223 locals recommend
With over 30 bars and restaurants to choose from in one waterfront destination, The Viaduct is a superb place to dine or relax and watch the world go by. Watch superyachts and admire boats as you stroll along the water's edge. Open from breakfast till late, the precinct has well located parking facilities for your car or boat and hosts regular events to add to the vibrant environment that Viaduct Harbour is renowned for.
Immediately to the west of Auckland’s Viaduct is Wynyard Quarter, a 36 hectare area undergoing an exciting 25-year urban transformation.  There’s lots to see and plenty to do –take in the view from the gantry in Silo Park, shoot some hoops at the Playspace, dip your toes in the water at Karanga Plaza, admire the Wind Tree sculpture and marvel at the super yachts, watch fish being unloaded, then enjoy the freshest seafood or a cup of coffee at the water’s edge at one of the cafes or restaurants along North Wharf. There is a regular programme of events and activities going on in the Wynyard Quarter, from the summer programme of movies and cinema in Silo Park to free kids Workshops on the Wharf.
220 locals recommend
Wynyard Quarter
220 locals recommend
Immediately to the west of Auckland’s Viaduct is Wynyard Quarter, a 36 hectare area undergoing an exciting 25-year urban transformation.  There’s lots to see and plenty to do –take in the view from the gantry in Silo Park, shoot some hoops at the Playspace, dip your toes in the water at Karanga Plaza, admire the Wind Tree sculpture and marvel at the super yachts, watch fish being unloaded, then enjoy the freshest seafood or a cup of coffee at the water’s edge at one of the cafes or restaurants along North Wharf. There is a regular programme of events and activities going on in the Wynyard Quarter, from the summer programme of movies and cinema in Silo Park to free kids Workshops on the Wharf. 
Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
407 locals recommend
Waiheke Island
25 Karaka Rd
407 locals recommend
Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
Devonport is a relaxed bayside village with upscale cafes and seafood restaurants, as well as classic Kiwi pubs and fish and chips shops. Small boutiques and art dealerships line Victoria Road, while Devonport and Cheltenham beaches draw crowds. The volcanic cone of North Head has harbour views and underground army tunnels. Hikers also climb Mount Victoria, passing reservoir vents decorated as mushrooms.
224 locals recommend
Devonport
224 locals recommend
Devonport is a relaxed bayside village with upscale cafes and seafood restaurants, as well as classic Kiwi pubs and fish and chips shops. Small boutiques and art dealerships line Victoria Road, while Devonport and Cheltenham beaches draw crowds. The volcanic cone of North Head has harbour views and underground army tunnels. Hikers also climb Mount Victoria, passing reservoir vents decorated as mushrooms.
Parnell is known for its upscale boutiques, galleries and dining options, with French bistros and posh chocolate cafes on Parnell Road. Footpaths and bike trails lead across the parklands of Auckland Domain. Within the park, the Auckland War Memorial Museum focuses on volcanoes and Maori history, and the Domain Wintergardens house exotic plants. Parnell Baths is a bayside complex with a huge salt water pool.
59 locals recommend
Parnell
59 locals recommend
 Parnell is known for its upscale boutiques, galleries and dining options, with French bistros and posh chocolate cafes on Parnell Road. Footpaths and bike trails lead across the parklands of Auckland Domain. Within the park, the Auckland War Memorial Museum focuses on volcanoes and Maori history, and the Domain Wintergardens house exotic plants. Parnell Baths is a bayside complex with a huge salt water pool.
Ponsonby is known for shopping and dining, with stylish boutiques, independent bookshops and trendy cafes along Ponsonby Road. The foodie scene ranges from gourmet taco trucks and burger stands in the market-like space of Ponsonby Central to upscale gastropubs and seafood bistros. Small galleries showcase Kiwi crafts and edgy modern art, while buzzing bars specialize in craft beers and cocktails.
114 locals recommend
Ponsonby
114 locals recommend
Ponsonby is known for shopping and dining, with stylish boutiques, independent bookshops and trendy cafes along Ponsonby Road. The foodie scene ranges from gourmet taco trucks and burger stands in the market-like space of Ponsonby Central to upscale gastropubs and seafood bistros. Small galleries showcase Kiwi crafts and edgy modern art, while buzzing bars specialize in craft beers and cocktails.
Every shop, café and restaurant is different, but there’s a strong sense of community in K’ Road, a favourite gathering place for artists, students, musicians and writers. High fashion sits comfortably next to retro, vintage and streetwear stores. Unique design shops offer everything from imported handmade jewellery to locally made home furnishings, and music stores sell enviable vinyl collections and instruments. Among all this are some of the most unique cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs in the city. There are plenty of places to just sit back with a perfect coffee, and when it comes to dining, Auckland’s multicultural diversity is reflected in the cuisine on offer: Middle Eastern, Asian, European Fusion, Indian, Mexican and even Portugese. K’ Road’s nightlife is perhaps Auckland’s most colourful; the strip is home to cabaret-style restaurants, karaoke bars, gay clubs and local pubs offering live music.
14 locals recommend
Karangahape Road
Karangahape Road
14 locals recommend
Every shop, café and restaurant is different, but there’s a strong sense of community in K’ Road, a favourite gathering place for artists, students, musicians and writers. High fashion sits comfortably next to retro, vintage and streetwear stores. Unique design shops offer everything from imported handmade jewellery to locally made home furnishings, and music stores sell enviable vinyl collections and instruments. Among all this are some of the most unique cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs in the city. There are plenty of places to just sit back with a perfect coffee, and when it comes to dining, Auckland’s multicultural diversity is reflected in the cuisine on offer: Middle Eastern, Asian, European Fusion, Indian, Mexican and even Portugese. K’ Road’s nightlife is perhaps Auckland’s most colourful; the strip is home to cabaret-style restaurants, karaoke bars, gay clubs and local pubs offering live music.
Piha is a scenic black-sand surf beach on the rugged coast west of Auckland. There are several walks through native forest in the surrounding hills. A laid-back seaside village 45 minutes west of Auckland city, Piha is popular with local kiwis - especially in summertime. The dramatic beach, which is marked at each end by rugged cliffs, is a popular surfing location. The water has strong and often dangerous currents. However, in summer, surf lifesavers patrol an area clearly flagged for swimmers.  You can take surfing lessons or try abseiling down the Piha canyon. Bring a picnic or visit the beachside surf club for a bite to eat.
145 locals recommend
Piha
145 locals recommend
Piha is a scenic black-sand surf beach on the rugged coast west of Auckland. There are several walks through native forest in the surrounding hills. A laid-back seaside village 45 minutes west of Auckland city, Piha is popular with local kiwis - especially in summertime. The dramatic beach, which is marked at each end by rugged cliffs, is a popular surfing location. The water has strong and often dangerous currents. However, in summer, surf lifesavers patrol an area clearly flagged for swimmers.  You can take surfing lessons or try abseiling down the Piha canyon. Bring a picnic or visit the beachside surf club for a bite to eat.
Meet Auckland’s youngest volcano and its picturesque neighbour. Don’t leave Auckland without a trip to Rangitoto Island, just a 25-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. The 360-degree views from the summit are incredible, but be warned: your photos will never do them justice. Take the one-hour Summit Track through rugged lava fields and forest, and stop off to explore the lava tunnels and caves on the way – bring a torch. If you’d rather not make the climb or you’ve got little ones in tow, join a guided tour on the 4WD road train to the top. Rangitoto’s dramatic landscapes contrast to the gently rolling pastures of neighbouring Motutapu Island. Venture across the causeway that links the two and explore Motutapu’s World War II bunkers, tunnels and gun emplacements. For a glimpse into the history and cultural significance of these two islands, experience Te Haerenga, a guided, interactive tour of Rangitoto and Motutapu with Ngai Tai tribal guides.
280 locals recommend
Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve
280 locals recommend
Meet Auckland’s youngest volcano and its picturesque neighbour. Don’t leave Auckland without a trip to Rangitoto Island, just a 25-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. The 360-degree views from the summit are incredible, but be warned: your photos will never do them justice. Take the one-hour Summit Track through rugged lava fields and forest, and stop off to explore the lava tunnels and caves on the way – bring a torch. If you’d rather not make the climb or you’ve got little ones in tow, join a guided tour on the 4WD road train to the top. Rangitoto’s dramatic landscapes contrast to the gently rolling pastures of neighbouring Motutapu Island. Venture across the causeway that links the two and explore Motutapu’s World War II bunkers, tunnels and gun emplacements. For a glimpse into the history and cultural significance of these two islands, experience Te Haerenga, a guided, interactive tour of Rangitoto and Motutapu with Ngai Tai tribal guides.
At 196 metres, Maungawhau - Mt Eden is the highest volcano in Auckland and one of our most culturally and archaeologically significant sites. In ancient times, the mountain was occupied by Māori, whose ancestors remain buried here.  The summit served as a fortified hill, providing a valuable vantage point for defence.  The slope of the mountain was modified to form flat terraces for housing and food storage pits. Māori named this mountain for the whau tree, a light and buoyant wood which they used to make floats for fishing lines, nets and marker buoys. Views from from the summit give a 360 degree view of Auckland, stretching as far as the eye can see.  This walk takes you from the lower carpark up to the summit, passing many midden pits and terraces on your way.  Once at the top, check out the views of the Waitemata harbour, the CBD, west towards the Waitakere Ranges, and south towards the Manukau harbour.
140 locals recommend
Mount Eden Summit
250 Mount Eden Rd
140 locals recommend
At 196 metres, Maungawhau - Mt Eden is the highest volcano in Auckland and one of our most culturally and archaeologically significant sites. In ancient times, the mountain was occupied by Māori, whose ancestors remain buried here.  The summit served as a fortified hill, providing a valuable vantage point for defence.  The slope of the mountain was modified to form flat terraces for housing and food storage pits. Māori named this mountain for the whau tree, a light and buoyant wood which they used to make floats for fishing lines, nets and marker buoys. Views from from the summit give a 360 degree view of Auckland, stretching as far as the eye can see.  This walk takes you from the lower carpark up to the summit, passing many midden pits and terraces on your way.  Once at the top, check out the views of the Waitemata harbour, the CBD, west towards the Waitakere Ranges, and south towards the Manukau harbour.

Food scene

Level 1/12 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 (Located just 120 meters walk around the corner from CityLife Auckland's Queen St enterence) Culprit serves nostalgic kiwi cuisine with a modern global edge. Offering chefs choice menus that hero local suppliers. Owner & Chef Kyle Street creates playful dishes that are innovative and big on flavour, often with a nod to his New Zealand upbringing
Culprit.
12 Wyndham St
Level 1/12 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 (Located just 120 meters walk around the corner from CityLife Auckland's Queen St enterence) Culprit serves nostalgic kiwi cuisine with a modern global edge. Offering chefs choice menus that hero local suppliers. Owner & Chef Kyle Street creates playful dishes that are innovative and big on flavour, often with a nod to his New Zealand upbringing
SOUL knows going out these days is much more than just good food and drinks. it’s about experiences you won’t forget and memories you make with your friends and family. that’s why SOUL has established itself as a destination for good times in over two decades of operation. SOUL’s fresh and unpretentious food and irresistible hand-crafted cocktails deliver elegance and fun in equal measures. boasting spectacular sunset views looking out over auckland’s thriving viaduct harbour, SOUL’s fabulous dj’s play the perfect soundtrack to end your week and take you dancing into the wee small hours of the weekend. Location: Viaduct Harbour - Corner of Lower Hobson Street and, Customs Street West, Auckland City, Auckland 1143
68 locals recommend
Soul Bar & Bistro
Customs Street West
68 locals recommend
SOUL knows going out these days is much more than just good food and drinks. it’s about experiences you won’t forget and memories you make with your friends and family. that’s why SOUL has established itself as a destination for good times in over two decades of operation. SOUL’s fresh and unpretentious food and irresistible hand-crafted cocktails deliver elegance and fun in equal measures. boasting spectacular sunset views looking out over auckland’s thriving viaduct harbour, SOUL’s fabulous dj’s play the perfect soundtrack to end your week and take you dancing into the wee small hours of the weekend. Location: Viaduct Harbour - Corner of Lower Hobson Street and, Customs Street West, Auckland City, Auckland 1143
HAPPY HOUR 3 - 6PM DAILY CHEFS SELECTION OF ROCK OYSTERS $2.00 EACH *Available in the Oyster Bar only - subject to availability - minimum order of 6 We're proud to have the best oyster bar and terrace in Auckland. Featuring a wide variety of local oysters, freshly shucked, prepared or cooked, and served, in our bright and breezy oyster bar. Happy Hour, each day between 3 and 6pm is the place to be in central Auckland for our famous $2 oysters, great drinks specials and stunning views across the Viaduct Harbour. Our Oyster Happy Hour is available exclusively in our Oyster Bar and Terrace area between 3-6pm daily with our chef selecting an oyster variety daily to feature. We do not take bookings for the Happy Hour and therefore advise arriving early as space is limited. During peak periods there is a 45 minute time limit on tables so that everyone can enjoy. Location: Viaduct Harbour - Market Place, Viaduct, Auckland 1010
11 locals recommend
Oyster and Chop
Market Place
11 locals recommend
HAPPY HOUR 3 - 6PM DAILY CHEFS SELECTION OF ROCK OYSTERS $2.00 EACH *Available in the Oyster Bar only - subject to availability - minimum order of 6 We're proud to have the best oyster bar and terrace in Auckland. Featuring a wide variety of local oysters, freshly shucked, prepared or cooked, and served, in our bright and breezy oyster bar. Happy Hour, each day between 3 and 6pm is the place to be in central Auckland for our famous $2 oysters, great drinks specials and stunning views across the Viaduct Harbour. Our Oyster Happy Hour is available exclusively in our Oyster Bar and Terrace area between 3-6pm daily with our chef selecting an oyster variety daily to feature. We do not take bookings for the Happy Hour and therefore advise arriving early as space is limited. During peak periods there is a 45 minute time limit on tables so that everyone can enjoy. Location: Viaduct Harbour - Market Place, Viaduct, Auckland 1010