Hello from home! Since we are all encouraged to stay home, so I had decided to blog about my Auckland travel itineraries during April 2019. It's been a while I know and I had totally forgotten about this. While I'm looking at my travel photos archive I only realise I haven't shared my days in Auckland with you guys (well, except through Instagram if you're following me there). Today, I would like to share with you guys about things to do in Auckland and what to eat in Auckland as well. Continue reading to find out more.
I know I had blogged about Auckland Travelogue before. However, here are some attractions and restaurant that we never visit on our previous trip. Since our previous trip to New Zealand involves so many places, therefore, we don't really have much time to spend in Auckland.
I know I had blogged about Auckland Travelogue before. However, here are some attractions and restaurant that we never visit on our previous trip. Since our previous trip to New Zealand involves so many places, therefore, we don't really have much time to spend in Auckland.
THINGS TO DO
- Waiheke Island
Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic.
When I'm planning the itinerary for our Auckland trip, I was thinking to visit somewhere near but not just a city. Then, I found a half-day wine tour in Waiheke Island and I'm thinking, why not? We love wine!
It is interesting to visit a vineyard and get a wine tasting although it's not our first time. I also blogged about the Waiheke Island Wine Tour before.
Getting around is easy too. Catch one of the regular ferries that run to Waiheke from downtown Auckland. Once on the island, there are public buses and taxis, or you can hire a mountain bike, motor scooter or car. And if you've already got a car or bike, you can bring it over with you on the car ferry.
- Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is home to 135 different species, over 1400 animals and has the largest diversity of wildlife in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Connect with New Zealand wildlife at Auckland Zoo - the largest collection in New Zealand. Come face-to-face with kiwi, tuatara and many more native treasures.
I know I had covered the Auckland Zoo at my previous post. But this time, me and my mom took a great time to enjoy walking the zoo because there are very few visitors on that day.
During the lion session, we saw a lion walking directly to us in the mirror. He was huge and this is my first to have such close distance with a lion. He's beautiful and he just sits there to allow us to take the photo of him.
Details
Location : Motions Rd, Auckland 1022, New Zealand.
Business hours : Daily (9:30am - 5:00pm) except Christmas
How to access : If taking the bus, the closest stop is 8124 on Great North Road, opposite Motions Road (with a short walk down Motions Road to Auckland Zoo)
- Sky Tower
The Sky Tower has stood tall at 328 meters as an icon of Auckland's skyline for 20 years. It's an exciting hub of adrenaline activities, superb dining and breath-taking views.
At the base of the Sky Tower, the SkyCity Auckland entertainment complex is home to two world-class hotels, Auckland's premier dining precinct with over 20 bars and restaurants, a 700 seat theatre and a world-class Casino. There is a lot to explore at SkyCity Auckland.
Details
Location : Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Business hours : Sunday - Thursday (8:30am - 10:30pm); Friday - Saturday (8:30am - 11:30pm)
- St Patrick's Cathedral
The Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph is a Catholic church in Auckland CBD, situated on the corner of Federal Street and Wyndham St. It is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Auckland and the cathedral of the Bishop of Auckland.
Details
Location : 43 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
- Albert Park
Albert Park is a public park in central Auckland, bounded by Wellesley Street East, Princes Street, Bowen Avenue and Kitchener Street. Albert Park is one of Auckland’s best parks. Its central location in the heart of the city, together with its long history and distinctive character, has earned it a special place in the hearts of Aucklanders and made it an important destination for visitors.
My younger was studied at University of Auckland. Her convocation is one of the reasons we travelled here. Albert Park is very near to her university and we decided to take lots of photos here before her convocation started.
At one corner of the park is the Auckland City Art Gallery and gardens, and on the other side is the original park-keepers cottage which is now a museum of memorabilia. It's the perfect place for a lunchtime stroll and somewhere to eat your lunch on a lovely sunny day.
Details
Location : 33-43 Princes Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
- Albert Street
We all know that Albert Street is going through major construction at the moment with the City Rail Link project, and nevertheless, now is as good a time as any to take a visit to the street that is bustling with epic eateries and spots to grab a cold one.
When my sister went to settle her convo things, I and my mom decided to go for shopping! We bought a lot of things because they are having spring sale and we walked back to our hotel on foot since the street was just nearby our hotel.
It was exhausted but it was all worth it because all the clothes we bought are cheaper than in Malaysia. Not to mention the premium quality.
WHAT TO EAT
- Giapo
Modern parlour featuring handmade ice cream, gelato & sorbet in traditional & adventurous flavours.
Giapo is all about to bring the world to New Zealand to experience a new kind of freedom with ice cream as you’ve never seen before.When I asked food recommendation in Auckland on Instagram, everyone suggested me Giapo, so of course, it's on top of my list! I really love their honey pokey flavour!
Hokey pokey ice cream - a summer staple in the New Zealand food scene. When you imagine a perfect Kiwi summer, you usually think of pohutukawa trees littered across the beach, waves crashing, children laughing and of course, a hokey pokey ice cream dripping down your hand and all the way down your arm. There really is nothing more quintessentially New Zealand. It is Kiwiana - New Zealand culture - wrapped up in one delicious sweet treat.
Details
Location : 12 Gore Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Business hours : Sunday - Thursday (11:00am - 10:30pm); Friday - Saturday (11:00am - 11:00pm)
- Burger Fuel
Burger Fuel is a housemade aïoli, kumara fries and made-to-order gourmet burgers in a car-themed counter-serve chain.
We had ordered a Bacon Backfire ($14.20) which is free-range grilled chicken breast, tasty bacon, melted brie, salad, relish and free-range BurgerFuel Aioli.
Details
Location : 291 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
- Andy's Burgers & Bar
Andy's Burgers & Bar is always my favourite if you had read my previous post about what I had eaten in Auckland.
Last time I had tried their pizza and pasta, and this time, I had ordered a Fish Burger ($16.50). It served with a tempura-battered fish, cucumber, red onion, iceberg lettuce and remoulade. For the drink, I had ordered a raspberry and lemon.
Overall, I think it serves great food, great beer and a decent yarn or twelve.
So if you're going for a drink, fancy a good feed a bit of a celebration or just meeting up with mates, this is a perfect place. Besides, it is located inside the sky tower.
Speak about meeting a friend, I'm so glad that I finally met my high school friend - Jasmine here! She is currently based in Auckland and the last time I met her was more than 10 years ago. It was so sweet of her bringing some gift and hand-written note for me.
Details
Location : Level 2, SkyCity, Corner of Federal and Victoria Streets, Auckland.
Business hours : Sunday - Thursday (11:00am - 10:00pm); Friday - Saturday (11:00am - 11:00pm)
- Ichiban Ramen
Ichiban means Number One in Japanese. Given the name, Ichiban Ramen’s main focus is serving ramen. Ramen noodles come served in a tasty broth, with a sliver of pork and spring onions on top. Ichiban Ramen serves at least nine different kinds of ramen, amongst which are the colourfully named stamina (stamina) ramen, for those whose mojo is lacking in the necessary get-up-and-go, and Jigoku Hell) ramen, the noodles resting in a chilli-laced soup; for those who like it hot.
Details
Location : 17 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
- Aqua S
Aqua S serves their signature sea salt soft serve (the beautiful blue) which tastes like salted caramel and have rotating flavours on offer (changing on the 1st + 16th of every month).
I spot this cute tiffany & blue colour shop when we finished our dinner. I guess every girl need a dessert after finished their main course right? So I decided to give it a try.
Details
Location : 287 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Business hours : Daily (11:00am - 10:00pm)
- The Coffee Club
The Coffee Club is not just a place where people could meet for coffee; it was to provide a relaxed meeting place that is casual yet sophisticated, stylish yet affordable.
They have so many branches here and one of them is just nearby our hotel. So I guess you guys know why we always dine in here.
I love their classic big breakfast and also the egg benedict. It is classic but delicious as well. Since I already include it on my previous post so I won't write more about it this time.
- Pearl Garden Restaurant
Pearl Garden Restaurant is a traditional, family-run restaurant serving Chinese cuisine, including dim sum and wok fare. My sister visited this restaurant before and she thinks the food is not bad, so she decided to revisit with us.
Details
Location : Level 1/1 Teed Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
Business hours : Daily (11:30am - 3:00pm ; 5:30pm - 10:00pm)
- Remedy Coffee
Early in the morning, most of the restaurants were haven't opened yet. We were so lucky to found Remedy Coffee.
Excellent service, excellent food and queer-friendly! Would recommend to all - especially if you are looking for a place to sit and write. Full of books to read and games to play.
I'm pretty sure the owner of this shop is a huge fan of MARVEL because we saw the wallpaper, comics, posters are all about MARVEL.
Details
Location : 1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Business hours : Monday - Friday (6:30am - 3:30pm); Saturday - Sunday (8:30am - 3:00pm)
- Federal Delicatessen
Welcome to ‘The Fed’! Al Brown's take on an old-school NYC Jewish delicatessen. Open early and closed late, drop in and sample deli life at its most authentic. Mull a while over a bottomless cup of Joe or a delicious cocktail and sample some of the classic New York Deli dishes. Fill your kishka - tablecloths are pointless as eating ‘Deli’ is a meal of spills. Remember to keep your fork – there’s pie.
Business hours : Sunday - Monday (7:00am - 10:30pm); Tuesday - Thursday (7:00am - 11:00pm); Friday - Saturday (7:00am - 12:00am)
Details
Location : 86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.Business hours : Sunday - Monday (7:00am - 10:30pm); Tuesday - Thursday (7:00am - 11:00pm); Friday - Saturday (7:00am - 12:00am)
- Denny's
Denny's is another restaurant that nearby our hotel. Their seven New Zealand restaurants found in Auckland, Christchurch and Porirua, all follow the same mission and carry identical menus, so you know exactly what to expect regardless of which restaurant you live closest to.
Details
Location : 51 Hobson Street, Auckland city.
Business hours : 24 hours
That's all for the Auckland post. I wish I have the opportunity to revisit this beautiful city again. Since the COVID-19 issues are so serious. I guess I just stay home for safety. I can't wait to explore this world once the virus has stable. Hopefully, you guys enjoy reading this post. And, don't forget to check out the travel vlog below.
DAYS IN AUCKLAND ON IGTV
( Follow me on Instagram : @shinilola )
- Waiheke Island Wine Tour : https://www.shinilola.com/2019/05/waiheke-island-wine-tour.html
- Auckland : http://bit.ly/AucklandNZTravelogue
- The Hobbiton, Hamilton : http://bit.ly/TheHobbitonNZ
- Rotorua : http://bit.ly/RotoruaNewZealand
- Taupo : http://bit.ly/TaupoNewZealand
- Wellington : http://bit.ly/NewZealandWellington
OMG that ice cream is amazing, i had it once.. i want it again now. Miss auckland.
ReplyDeleteWhich one? Giapo or Aqua S? I'm craving for some honey pokey ice cream now. :)
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