One thing we can be proud of in our city is its diverse culture – and that diversity spreads to food. Having such a big city that sprawls across so many locations you are guaranteed to find something that pleases each dietary need.
With vegetarian and vegan diets coming more and more prominent, the city has adapted and some of the best restaurants in the city are vegetarian, so if you fall into this category, or just want to explore how the other half lives, here’s a guide to what the city has to offer:
Odettes Eatery
Odettes Eatery offers a menu that has it all and is enjoyed by people no matter what their dietary requirements are. Although Odettes is not a café that is targeted at the vegetarian public, they won’t let anyone miss out on a tasty experience. Cauliflower lentil and halloumi, wild mushrooms doused in whipped feta, vanilla crepes and maple granola with peanut yogurt are just a few of their many vegetarian creations. This hotspot is located in the city works depot for those looking to explore the city center.
Little Bird Unbakery
Located in both Ponsonby and Britomart, Little Bird Unbakery was one of the first in Auckland to introduce us to the raw vegan movement with their bird bowls of absolute health, superfood smoothies and of course, their raw cheesecakes and slices. Home of one of the best caramel slices in town, it’s hard to believe that these tasty treats aren’t only free of animal products but also refined sugar! The Unbakery also whip up the richest raw vegan raspberry and cacao brownie, which is so decadent and rich, you won’t believe that it’s made from only natural ingredients.
Lord of the Fries
If you’re looking for a burger but avoid both meat and dairy, look no further than Lord of the Fries. This 100% pure vegan fast food joint doesn’t fool around with food and has created what many of us thought was impossible. Their mock meats make you forget that you’re not actually consuming any animal products—and they don’t just stop at burgers and fries. They serve uploaded up hot dogs, onion rings, nuggets and fried “chicken,” making Lord of the Fries the ultimate cheat meal eatery for the vegetarians of Auckland. With locations in queen street and k’road, this one is an easy find.
Ralphs
Located in Mt. Eden, this offering mixes American inspired diner food with a vegetarian twist. Ralph’s vegetarian sloppy joe with nacho cheese, jalapeños, and lime cream is one that will stay in your minds as it’s just that good. Located in Mt. Eden, Ralphs will quickly become a guilty pleasure for all those who enter.
Sometimes it’s hard to pack in exploring an entire city into one day, and with a city the sprawls as far as Auckland, ours can be especially hard! If your time is limited here in the city of sales and you want to experience the most of what Auckland has to offer, then many would suggest hoping a bus, boat or helicopter and take in a tour! We have done a little research and selected five tours that are well worth your time!
If you want to dedicate a whole day to explore the city at a leisurely pace, taking in all famous hotspots the city has to offer, then look no further than the full day Auckland Scenic Tours. You’ll start the tour off driving across the famous harbour bridge and along the Auckland waterfront (see why we are called the city of sails) as you are taken to your first destination: Devonport! You’ll be able to take photos of the city that are saved for postcards and advertisements as you reach the summits Mt. Victoria and North Head. This tour also takes you through the top shopping hotspots and historic locations such as in central Auckland and the Viaduct before you travel out West with a stop at the breathtaking Muriwai Beach to see the Gannet Colony. You’ll finish your tour, as all good days should, with a trip to a winery or the historic Riverhead Tavern – which is one of the country’s oldest pubs, with the second oldest liquor license.
Maybe you’d just like to get up in the air? For those who want to get a bird’s eye view of the city, this one is for you. You’ll get a look at the beaches of Auckland, the Sky Tower, and you’ll get to soak in the view from one of Auckland’s many (extinct) volcanos. You’ll also be dropped off for some fine dining, and the helicopter waits for you! This truly is a tour for those wanting to show off a bit of money.
Fine Wine Tours
Yes, there is no way we could make a list about tours without appealing to those who like a tasty drop and a good meal! Fine Wine Tours bring over 40 year’s experience with their guides, as they take you on a food adventure that includes a seaside morning coffee at Pt. Chev, tours through to fine food stores, wineries, vineyard, and markets. You’ll be packed to the brim by the end, but don’t worry, you’ll also be gifted a goodie bag of authentic New Zealand foodie items so you can keep reliving the magic for days to come!
If you feel like eating while burning off some of the food at the same time, then why not take a walking food tour? Eat Auckland offers walking tours of different varieties which include a walk along a lane of authentic Chinese eateries in Balmoral, or a tour for dumplings in the heart of the CBD or experience the fine dining of Ponsonby! This company has a walk for all taste buds!
Being so close to ferry terminals makes it easy for you to explore what Auckland has on offer, including some of its most iconic and beautiful little villages, and in just ten minutes you’ll find yourself in one of Auckland’s cutest little villages: Devonport. This quaint little seaside town is postcard pretty, but it’s not all looks, this village has a lot to offer with its epic bars, cafes and restaurants – and we have made just a small selection of things for you to explore to get you excited about exploring:
North Head Tunnels
Feel like getting some exercise in while having a little history lesson? Devonport is home to Head to North Head and explore the dark tunnels that are placed on a long extinct volcano. The tunnels were created as early as the 1800s and soon developed across many different world wars as a way to be one of the country’s first defenses against coastal invasion. As a result, some cannons and shooting sights and prisoner barracks remain prime for exploration.
Vic Theatre
This seaside theatre sells itself as one of oldest theatre in the Southern hemisphere, this theatre has been around for a long time and has managed to maintain its heritage by sticking to its vintage look, which in turn makes for quite a unique and romantic date night. Don’t worry, despite the vintage look, the theatre still features all the modern furnishings: Big screens, comfortable seats and choc-top ice creams!
Devonport Chocolates
Calling all chocolate lovers! We have the one and only reason you’ll want to visit Devonport: boutique quality handmade chocolates and truffles that both look amazing and taste just as good! This store has everything to make your inner child spring outside from crazy flavors to chocolate figurines, these chocolates are the perfect reward after a day’s exploring, or to just full that empty space in your heart!
Devon on the Warf
Speaking of food, ask any local and they’ll send you to this Turkish-inspired restaurant that is located right by the water with stunning views of the Auckland Harbour and beyond. You can either start or end your day here (or both if you love it as much as we do!). The décor mixes homely wooden tables and chairs with a geometric-tiled floor and bright light and greenery. The bar features a selection of beers, wines and cocktails as well breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that are equally creative as they are delicious.
Shopping In Devonport
Devonport is a heaven for those loving a good vintage find and book Cosi Fan Tutte is where you can find vintage pieces that are completely unique, and both Bookmark Secondhand books and Paradox books feature such a wide selection of reads, you’ll accidentally be in there for hours!
One of the core benefits of staying with us at Aarangi motel is how close in proximity we are to the beautiful Kohimarama Beach, now don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful beach with calm waters and native trees sprawling alongside the water, but it’s also home to something a little more exciting: water sports. If you are keen to try something new, explore the bay, or just want to get out in the water in a new and exciting way, there are a handful of activities ripe for the picking!
Stand Up and Paddle with Chris is the bays go-to man if you want to learn to paddle board or just hire one for the day, Paddleboarding has had a huge comeback from the late nineties to become a go to activity on the water, it’s relatively easy to pick up and the calm waters of Kohimarama make for perfect paddle boarding conditions. Paddleboarding is a great way to explore the bay and enjoy a tranquil and peaceful experience out on the water.
Now if you want to dip your toes in a variety of activities look no further than Fergs Kayaks. As the name suggests their primary business on the water is Kayak tours, and they are famous for this for a good reason, the half-day tours around Rangitoto around sunset are unforgettable and go where no other means can take you, but if half a day seems like too much, there are three hour scenic tours around North head as well. Beyond kayaking adventures, Fergs also offers paddleboard hire and lessons, rollerblade/bike rentals and Kayak rentals.
Now if you’re thinking that Kayaking and paddle boarding are a little too slow for you, don’t worry, for a little bit of speed on the water look no further than Auckland Jet Ski Hire! This company offers a bevy of activity, from guided tours from stunning Maraetai, the Hauraki Gulf islands, and Waiheke Island or go at it on your own by hiring a Jet Ski to get out and explore with! Maritime NZ approved for safety, the jet skis can be hired with a sea biscuit, wakeboard, knee board or water skis!
So no matter your skill, interest, or type of thrill, there is an activity for you to dive into to explore and make the most of the wonderful Kohimarama!
