3 minute read
6 WINTER BREAKS IN CENTRAL AUCKLAND
A grand slam destination for dining, shopping and style, the very centre of Auckland is one of Aotearoa's most exciting and diverse places, with plenty to do for every style of traveller.
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1. LUXE-LOVERS
Blink, and another luxuriously chic hotel materialises. Expect meticulous attention to detail at prestigious new-builds such as Park Hyatt Auckland, QT Auckland and The Hotel Britomart (New Zealand's first 5-Green-Star hotel) or for boutique stays, rest your head at Hotel Fitzroy, an elegantly restored Ponsonby villa. Shop up a storm in Commercial Bay’s high-end stores, soar over the region by helicopter, try the newly renovated spa at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour or for the ultimate indulgence, spend an entire day on an ocean retreat. Cruise the Hauraki Gulf while luxuriating in wellness activities like yoga, meditation and water sports thanks to SailFit New Zealand.
Drink on the rooftop at QT Auckland, Central Auckland
QT Auckland
2. FAMILIES
The New Zealand Maritime Museum will enthral, especially if you board the Ted Ashby for a 60-minute harbour sailing. Run wild at Wynyard Quarter Playspace, with its sandy playground just metres from waterfront eateries, including Rushworth for cakes and hot chocolate. Hands-on Weta Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience are both new and centrally based, while KidzKitchen on Beaumont Street hosts holiday cooking lessons that are strictly ‘kids only’. Hopping across the bridge to Birkenhead is also recommended for baking classes at the Chelsea Sugar Factory. When hunger strikes, children's menus at Ebisu (kids’ Japanese bento boxes) Baduzzi on the Viaduct and Food Truck Garage at City Works Depot are all popular.
New Zealand Maritime Museum, Central Auckland
3. COUPLES
Buy your significant other a bunch of flowers from Snickel Lane Florist. This tucked-away laneway also serves quick bites and coffee. Venture to the Viaduct for a harbourside stroll, popping into The Pantry at Park Hyatt for petit gateaux, before sipping on espresso martinis at the new rooftop bar in QT Auckland. Come evening, Saxon + Parole is a modern, NYC-style steakhouse, originally from the Big Apple and now with an outpost in Commercial Bay. Enjoy a whisky tasting at The Jefferson in Britomart and share a sweet treat at nearby Miann Britomart dessert restaurant, then saunter up Queen Street to catch a comedy show at The Classic.
4. GIRLS’ WEEKEND
Start with a bottomless brunch atThe Lula Inn on the waterfront before relaxing into a revitalising spa treatment at Chuan Spa at the Cordis hotel, The Spa at Park Hyatt Auckland or East Day Spa at SkyCity Auckland. Sip on fragrant teas while enjoying a manicure at the Nail Bar at Dry & Tea Britomart and then dress up for ‘High Tea at Sea’, combining bubbles and buttered scones aboard Nautilus, a handsome vintage boat. Can you squeeze in a shopping spree at Commercial Bay’s 86 stores? Of course! Any girl can.
Manicure, Commercial Bay, Central Auckland
Analia Baggiano
5. BOYS' TRIP
Celebrate New Zealand rugbymagnificence at the All Blacks Experience, detailing exactly what it takes to make and shape an All Black. From scrums to sails, and off the back of the 2021 America's Cup, take the helm of a racing vessel on a two-hour sailing experience across Waitematā Harbour, or drop into Holey Moley on Viaduct Harbour. Mixing mini-golf with cocktails, play 27 creative holes in a disco setting. In walking distance there are dozens more restaurants and watering holes, including Saint Alice, a rooftop bar.
6. BUDGET GETAWAY
It doesn’t cost a cent to walk along the bright and bubblyWynyard Quarter, bordered by the Auckland Fish Market. With a variety of seafood eateries, from Polynesian poke bowls to Sanford and Sons, the original New Zealand fishmonger, $20 will buy you lunch, with change left over for gelato from Little ‘Lato. Wander up Queen Street to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. General admission is free for New Zealand residents. Pick up a bargain from second-hand fashion stores, Tatty’s or Recycle Boutique and finish your day with a movie. The Academy arthouse cinema (next door to Central City Library) boasts $5 Wednesday tickets, with full price fees still a steal at $16.
Auckland Fish Market, Central Auckland
