When you think of a weekend away, where do you think of? The big smoke of Auckland isn’t just a stop-off, it’s a destination full to the brim with things to do and places to see and two days won’t be long enough! This two-day trip will showcase a mix of Auckland island-life, the epic food and drink scene, markets and the wild west coast. Fly in on Friday night after work, and fly back Sunday night after a jam-packed couple of days.
Day 1
Ahhh the first day in a new city, how exhilarating! Bright eyed and bushy tailed, today’s adventures will see you discovering one of Auckland’s most picturesque islands, Tiritiri Matangi, and trying some of Auckland best food spots!
If you pop along to the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street and buy your ferry tickets, you'll be on Tiritiri Matangi Island in only 75 minutes! Tiritiri Matangi means “looking to the wind” or “wind tossing about.” The island is protected by the Department of Conservation and is home to many native New Zealand species such as the takahe, kokako, and little blue penguin! If you want to see and experience all the island has to offer, the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi group offer guided walks and will show you the best spots to watch the wildlife and take those Instagram shots! The island is a full day-trip due to the ferry timetable. As Tiritiri Matangi is a protected island, strict rules and regulations are in place to ensure the wildlife sanctuary remains pest-free.
After your day’s adventure at Tiritiri Matangi, it’s about time we satisfy those hunger cravings! With unobstructed views over downtown Auckland and the waterfront, rooftop bar and restaurant, Seven, is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Serving up pan-asian delicacies, including popcorn shrimp, the best fried rice and five types of dumplings, it'll be hard to choose from the menu! If you’re after bar food and sharing plates, head to Dr Rudi’s in the Viaduct and feast your eyes on pizzas by the foot, cheese platters, and classic bar favourites. If you can’t choose, peruse the likes of Miss Clawdy's or the Conservatory in Wynyard Quarter, Cafe Hanoi or Xuxu Dumpling Bar in Britomart, or the newly opened food lane at Queen's Rise on Queen Street.
Day 2
A Sunday morning isn’t complete without a hearty breakfast and a strong coffee! Head along to the La Cigale French Markets in Parnell and wander around the stalls serving up freshly baked croissants, croque-monsieurs, coffees and smoothies! The La Cigale French Markets have been voted Auckland's Best Food Market by Metro Magazine for the last 7 years and it's easy to see why. Auckland locals flock to the Sunday markets and your trip isn't complete without trying their pastries!
After your strong morning cuppa, it’s time to head off! The wild west is not to be missed during your whirlwind trip to Auckland and the Muriwai gannet colony is only a 40 minute drive from downtown Auckland. Located in Muriwai Regional Park, the gannet colony returns from Australia each year in July and October and from the two viewing areas, you’ll witness the birds diving into the ocean at over 145km per hour in the hope of catching some dinner! Woah! With the rolling surf, rugged coastline and black sand, Muriwai Beach is spectacular and it’s easy to spend the afternoon wandering, exploring and watching the brave windsurfers tackle those waves!
If you’re after something sweet to get you through to dinner, pop into Miann on Fort Street or Britomart (just down the road from JUCY Snooze) and choose from their scrumptious tarts, macarons, pavlovas and mini cheesecakes!
Unfortunately, the weekend has gone by in a flash and it’s time for you to head home or onto your next travel destination! If you're having a quick dinner before your flight, head along to Mexico in Britomart for their speedy service! There’s too much to squeeze into just two days, so if you have time add Cornwall Park, Pah Homestead and the North Head Tunnels to your must-do list – you won’t regret it! Auckland has so much to offer and if you didn’t get to see everything you’ll just have to come back and base yourself at JUCY Snooze again!