The Insider’s Guide to Auckland

As a major gateway into New Zealand, Auckland can get skipped over when you’re on the way somewhere else. But you’re missing out. Nicknamed the Big Little City, New Zealand’s largest city has the cosy, community feel of a small town even though it stretches over 1000 square kms. Summer is the most popular time for Expedia Travellers (December and January), followed by the September and March school holidays, but Auckland is popular year round with couples and families. Keep an eye out for packages and deals at Expedia’s Auckland Holidays.

Here are my insider tips for a few fun days in Auckland:

Brunch

Brunch is a local institution in Auckland. If you’re staying downtown head to the Viaduct where there’s plenty of options. If, like me, you’re a connoisseur of creamy mushrooms, head straight to the Mecca Viaduct Basin Café. The Portobello mushrooms are served with tiny spicy sautéed potatoes and chorizo. Their classic eggs Bene come with bacon, ham, salmon or spinach and have a cult following.

Hit the shops

Most of Expedia’s customers stay right in the city centre and the CBD is a shopper’s heaven. Queen Street’s most loved department store is Smith & Caughey’s. It’s Auckland’s equivalent to David Jones or Myer. Lose yourself and a few pennies here, then cross the road to High Street where New Zealand’s fashion designers and international labels hang out.

Ponsonby Road

At 2km long, you need to know where to begin when you’re exploring this street. Start at the new Ponsonby Central, think Melbourne’s Prahran Markets, on the corner of Richmond Road for a bite to eat and you’ll find New Zealand designers and high street retailers all within cooee.