Around the World in Reality: Auckland, New Zealand

We couldn’t fly all the way to Australia without including New Zealand in our adventure. With just a short three-hour flight from Sydney to Auckland, it was an easy addition to our itinerary and we’re so glad we made the trip. While the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, we’re still grateful we didn’t miss out on experiencing this beautiful country.

Day 1 – Thursday, November 28

HIGHLIGHTS: Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers

We arrived late Thursday afternoon and checked into the Airedale Boutique Suites. After settling in, we headed to dinner at Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers, an eclectic spot with a nod to hip-hop culture. We both ordered the Notorious VEG and shared Frosted Skinnies. The food was absolutely delicious, an incredible start to our Auckland adventure!

Day 2 – Friday, November 29

HIGHLIGHTS: Remedy Coffee, Waiheke Island and Thai Food Restaurant

I started my morning at Remedy Coffee with an iced mocha and a tuna toastie. I had expected a breakfast sandwich, but it turned out to be a simple tuna sandwich. Though unexpected, it was still quite good.

We made our way to the pier and took the ferry to Waiheke Island, booking with Island Direct, a local company run by locals. The ferry ride was smooth and offered stunning views of the water.

Once on Waiheke, we had lunch at The Heke, starting with sourdough and onion butter. For our mains, we shared salmon with a tomato salad and carrots, which was delicious but far too much for two people to finish. I paired it with a refreshing Heke Bloom Spritz.

Next, we began our wine tastings:

Postage Stamp Wines: A quaint spot where we were the only visitors. I loved the intimate setting and enjoyed one wine in particular (though I wish I could recall its name!).

Tantalus Estate: This upscale venue offered a more polished vibe. We enjoyed three wines and walked the beautiful grounds afterward.

Soho Family Vineyards: I enjoyed the relaxed, lively atmosphere here. We indulged in a wine tasting and grabbed a bite from the on-site food truck.

With a little time to spare before our bus departed, we wandered down to a small nearby beach to relax and soak in the peaceful vibes. The gentle waves, soft breeze, and quiet atmosphere made it the perfect spot to unwind for a bit.

After exploring the island, we took the ferry back to Auckland. Sitting on the top deck, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, was incredibly relaxing. It was the perfect way to wind down and take in the beautiful weather and scenic views.

For dinner, we wanted to eat nearby and stumbled upon a Thai food restaurant. I had Pad Thai, and Donnell had the Chili Fish. The portions were generous, and the flavors were incredible. It was great food at a very reasonable price.

Day 3 – Saturday, November 30

HIGHLIGHTS: Shucker Brothers, Tasty Christmas Exhibition and Ahi

Saturday morning greeted us with gray skies and a steady drizzle, so we took things slow and enjoyed a leisurely start to the day.

For lunch, we made our way to Shucker Brothers, a cozy spot by the water with a laid-back vibe. I ordered the pâté, which was decent but didn’t quite hit the mark, while Donnell thoroughly enjoyed his fish burger. Still, I really enjoyed sitting at the bar and watching the cooks prepare our meal. I always appreciate the chance to see the action in the kitchen.

Afterward, we explored the Tasty Christmas Exhibition, browsing through various vendors. I found adorable earrings and bought a unique coffee protein shake.

Though the weather was dreary, the Christmas decorations throughout the city brought a festive touch and good cheer.

Dinner was a standout experience at Ahi, where we arrived early and enjoyed drinks at the bar. The bartender was fantastic, engaging, skilled, and an absolute pleasure to chat with. Once seated, we opted for their tasting menu, The New Zealand Food Story. Every dish was phenomenal, and it was undoubtedly our culinary highlight of the trip.

Day 4 – Sunday, December 1

HIGHLIGHTS: Māori Cultural Experience, Depot, Sky Tower and All Blacks Experience

Our day began with the Māori Cultural Experience at the Auckland War Museum. It was a deeply moving and enriching experience. I felt truly honored to witness Māori culture in such an intimate way.

We then explored the museum, taking our time to wander through its many exhibits. The volcano display was especially impressive. Recently, I’ve become fascinated with volcanoes, and this exhibit did not disappoint. The women’s netball exhibit also stood out. I hadn’t heard of the sport before our visit, so it was great to learn about its history and significance. Both exhibits were personal favorites and left a lasting impression.

For lunch, we ate at Depot, starting with a sweet potato or butternut squash dip. I’m still not sure which one, but it was delicious. We shared snapper sliders with pickled lemon mayo and watercress, along with potato skins with pecorino and truffle oil. Both dishes were divine! We ended on a high note with a cookie skillet that Donnell still talks about to this day.

Next, we visited the Sky Tower, thankful for the clear skies. The views were breathtaking, and it was a perfect day to experience this iconic landmark.

Our final activity was the All Blacks Experience, where we learned about New Zealand’s legendary rugby teams, the All Blacks and the Black Ferns. This interactive experience was so well done, and we both had a blast testing our rugby skills. (Spoiler: Donnell was much better at it than I was!)

For dinner, I hoped for some seafood at the hotel’s restaurant, but they were out. Instead, I settled for broccoli and cauliflower au gratin. While the meal was underwhelming, it didn’t take away from the incredible time we had in Auckland.

Final Thoughts

If I had to plan this trip all over again, I would’ve spent more time in New Zealand. Something about the culture truly shined through and enhanced my short time here. Though the weather put a bit of a damper on our travels, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will definitely return.