News and Views

Auckland's Best Beef and Lamb

Posted by Website Admin on May 22, 2024

Auckland’s Best Beef and Lamb Restaurants

New Zealand is renowned for its grass-fed farm fare and a question we often get asked is ‘which Auckland restaurants serve up the best beef and lamb?’ The New Zealand Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards 'Gold Plate' recognises the city chefs transforming tender cuts into lip-smacking fine cuisine.

As a taster, imagine eye-fillet steak served with beetroot, shiitake mushrooms, hollandaise and duck fat chips.  Or a rack of lamb accompanied by kumara toast, lamb croquette, mint sauce, and mountain yoghurt.

If you’re a meat lover, look for the restaurants displaying the Beef and Lamb Excellence Award proudly on their wall.  It’s here you can expect tasty, skillfully composed and superbly presented beef and lamb dishes.

Otherwise, check out our list of the best beef and lamb restaurants Auckland has to offer. 

Past Auckland Beef and Lamb Excellence Winners:

Cibo Parnell - Parnell

Soljans Estate Winery - Kumeu

Gilt Brasserie - Central Auckland

Giraffe - Central Auckland

Smokin' Cole BBQ - Central Auckland

Oyster and Chop - Central Auckland

Regatta Bar & Eatery - Takapuna 

Jervois Steakhouse - Herne Bay

Pilkingtons - Central Auckland

Ampersand Eatery - Central Auckland

Bracu - Bombay

Rothko - Matakana

Plume Restaurant - Matakana

Mudbrick - Waiheke Island

Casita Miro - Waiheke Island

Tantalus Estate - Waiheke Island 

Our Taste Auckland walking tour includes recommendations on the top spots to eat, shop and go. So bon appetit and put your best foot forward as our small-group or private walking tours are the best place to start.

Source: Restaurant Hub Dec'19

 

Best things to do Parnell

Posted by Website Admin on May 22, 2024

Best Things to Do Parnell: Eat, Shop,Art 

One of the best things to do in Auckland is to take a leisurely wander through Parnell village, Auckland’s heart of art, style and colonial architecture. Spend a day browsing its gorgeous art galleries, upmarket boutiques and cute back streets lined with Victorian-era cottages. Here’s a roundup of the best Parnell Art Galleries, plus patisserie and pizza spots, gift stores, street art and more!

Parnell for Art Lovers
A walk along Parnell Rise provides a moving art show of top New Zealand painters, potters, artisan jewellers, glassblowers, sculptors and greenstone artists. With seven art galleries in a short stretch, this is where Aucklander’s browse for that special piece of art to complete their new home, or for a coveted piece of custom jewellery. 

The highly regarded Artis curates thought provoking artworks by some of New Zealand’s leading artists while the Black Door Gallery, nestled in a charming historic villa, presents a beautiful and ever-changing selection of statement paintings, sculpture, ceramics, lighting, glass and jewellery. The longstanding Parnell Gallery regularly exhibits contemporary artists in their large and airy space. While a visit to the Alvin Pankhurst Gallery, might find the artist himself hanging his latest piece to feature famous historical Maori carvings in stunning New Zealand landscapes.
Keep an eye out too for landmark sculptures on Parnell Rise, each with a story to tell like the well-known Terry Stringer Mountain Fountain, outside the stunning Holy Trinity Cathedral. Or the large and illuminated revolving plinth outside the Jonathan Grant Galleries, which profiles different outdoor sculptures. 

Best Maori and Pasifika art: Kiwa Art
One of the top Parnell attractions is speciality gallery Kiwa Art. They focus exclusively on indigenous M?ori artists with an emphasis on the lineage and significance behind each piece. Each treasure (or taonga) come with a unique story of its own, which the friendly and knowledgeable owners will readily share. The gallery is refreshed often with new carvings, rare Oceanic pieces, pounamu (greenstone), rare books and even delightful vintage finds. If you’re keen to gift greenstone to a special someone, then head here as the pieces range from downright exquisite to the small and affordable. 

Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Domain Sculpture Walk
Possibly Australasia’s best neo-classical building and one of the most popular Parnell attractions, the Auckland Museum displays colonial and M?ori art plus works from private collections. Along with a large dose of New Zealand history and shaky island geology. Join a guided tour to experience a Maori culture performance by the local iwi/tribe Ngati Whatua, which kicks off with a spine-tingling Haka or challenge. Afterwards, enjoy harbour views from the grassy knoll of a long-dormant volcano and follow the Auckland Domain Sculpture Walk for eight impressive sculptures by leading New Zealand artists, like Fred Graham and Greer Twiss.

Parnell's best restaurants 
Walking and gawking enviously at art can whet up an appetite so luckily the best places to eat in Parnell are nice and handy. Stop and refuel with a glass of wine and lunch at local favourites, Non-Solo Pizza, Di Vino’s or La Porchetta. For a quick bite, grab a homestyle treat from the heaving food counter at Winona Forever or a delicious Parisian- style pastry at Vaniyé, which attracts Aucklanders from far and wide.
  
Parnell’s Best Gift Shop

Leave this spot for last as the credit card could get blasted. The Fantail Shop is the perfect destination for last-minute gift shopping, with its extensive range of ‘Made in NZ’ ceramics, crafts, homewares, fashion and affordable art, all locally sourced from over 140 clever and creative New Zealanders. 

There’s so much to see and do in Auckland besides browsing Parnell. Discover the inner city on our Hello Auckland walking tour where we'll share the best places to see, eat and do. Or check out our free Auckland travel guides to Auckland's best restaurants or rooftop bars. 

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Auckland's Best Rooftop Bars

Posted by Website Admin on May 22, 2024

7 of Auckland's Best Rooftop Bars 

When you think of Auckland attractions, rooftop bars might not be top of mind but this cosmopolitan city has come of age. Discover a stylish selection of hidden and locally-loved viewing decks from which to take in the city from above with this handy guide to Auckland's best rooftop bars. 

The Churchill - Queen St: The discrete player on the block, The Churchill is sitting pretty atop the Four Points By Sheraton. On arrival, you’re presented with stunning 180-degree city views and a killer gin menu of some +170 brands from around the world. The food is great too, offering a variety of tasters and shared plates to impress like smoked Halloumi sliders and the 'can’t go-past' curly fries. Eat, drink and make merry all the while gazing down on Auckland’s Queen Street and and it's bustling beauty.  

Bar Albert - Voco Hotel: No other bar provides more panoramic rooftop views, than this swanky contender perched on the 38th floor of the Voco hotel. They also offer the best loo with a view, take our word for it. Currently the highest hotel rooftop bar in New Zealand, it's the perfect spot for an expertly crafted cocktail or smooth single malt whisky with a stunning backdrop.

The Parasol & Swing Company - Auckland Viaduct
Boasting the best sunset views in the buzzy Viaduct, park yourself on Parasol's sunny deck for a refreshing vino or cocktail and a spot of people watching. The tasty menu boasts burgers, tacos and salads and their legendary jalapeño poppers. 

Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co - Auckland Viaduct
Next door to Parasol, this place is party central when the winning boat comes in. Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co and celebrating the America’s cup go hand-in-hand.  It’s one of the most iconic rooftop bars in New Zealand and injects a whole lot of energy into the downtown Viaduct. Hop on the escalator to Dr Rudi’s and you’ll soon find yourself drinking beer brewed on-site and chowing down on metre-long pizzas. When you tire of the waterfront view, take aim down the bar’s indoor bowling lanes or launch yourself onto the dance floor enjoying live DJs on the weekend.

HI-SO - Customs St
Style, hipster and swank combine at Hi-So on the 16th floor of the SO/Auckland hotel.  Not only do gorgeous panoramic views of Auckland harbour, Rangitoto and the North Shore await, you’ll also find an epic drinks menu. This inner-city gem is considered the place to be seen if you're out to impress and one of Auckland’s best cocktail bars. 

La Zeppa - Victoria St
Get your dose of vitamin D while gazing upon the beautiful Victoria Park in a warm and inviting atmosphere. An industrial NYC design is transported to the City of Auckland with the masterful Sky Tower soaring above. Unwind with live music, Mediterranean tapas and cocktail creations at one of Auckland’s most well-known rooftop bars.

Rooftop At QT - Viaduct Harbour Rd
With an open kitchen, a swanky bar and breathtaking views of Auckland's harbour, this is the insta-worthy spot to be seen. Enjoy mezze snacks from Esther’s Mediterranean-inspired menu six floors below, together with espresso martinis and other killer cocktails. Take a detour on the way up and check out the stunning artwork displayed throughout the floors of the stylish QT Hotel. 

Work up a thirst on our  Hello Auckland walking tour and add a rooftop bar experience to your 'what to do Auckland' list. Check out too our guide to Auckland's best restaurants so every meal is a delight during your stay or for wine lovers, our guide to the best New Zealand wines. We show where the locals go on our top-rated Auckland walking tours so walk with us to find out more. 

All rights reserved @auckywalky 2024

Image credit: Hi-So courtesy of Urban List

Best New Zealand Wines

Posted by Website Admin on May 22, 2024

Discover the Best New Zealand Wines 

The results are in for New Zealand’s best wines from the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand.

An expert team of judges had the formidable (but envious) task of evaluating the 900 entries for the best New Zealand wines 

This team knows its cheeky reds from its crisp whites and dry varietals. And how to keep their wits about them when faced with dozens of top wines to taste and assess. But before we spill the beans on which tipples took away the top gongs, how do judges (and amateur wine lovers for that matter) assess a great wine from a middling one? It mainly comes down to four key components:

1. Give it a sniff:  The first criteria is the wine’s aroma.  Even before you take a sip, give the glass a swirl and take a sniff – does it smell like wine, a little fruity or floral?  If so, it’s passed the first test.  But if it smells like vinegar, then ditch the whole bottle. Life’s too short for bad wine.

2. Is the wine in balance?  The acid, sugar, body and tannin levels. If your wine passes the sniff test, the second clue to knowing if your wine is good is balance. This is where the acidity, tannin, alcohol, or fruit all blend together and nothing stands out.

If the level of acidity is too high (and makes your eyes water) or the sweetness is cloying, the wine is out of whack. If however, you notice a nice freshness to the wine and the fruit flavour is smooth, then the winemaker has nailed the blend.

3. Depth of taste:  Next taste the depth of flavor in the wine by swirling it in your mouth. It should taste like fruit with other layers of flavor.  Perhaps a touch of citrus in a white wine or chocolate notes in a red? Wines with depth are a lot of fun across a meal as the taste of the wine often changes.

4. Finish – the aftertaste:  An easy way to determine a top-flight wine is to consider how long the flavor lasts on your palate. The longer it lingers, the better the wine. If you can still taste the wine after 10 or more seconds, you’ve hit the jackpot!

So if you want to show off your beginner sommelier skills, crack open the bottle and consider the four elements: smell, balance, depth of flavor and finish. Or you can just trust the judges and choose from the following selection of New Zealand’s best wines in 2023.  All top of their grape game and destined for the best Auckland restaurants’ wine lists.

Check out our Taste Auckland food tour if you want to discover the city's exciting food scene (and sample great New Zealand wine). 

Drum roll please for the gold medal winners of The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2023.

Category - Sparkling
Winner: Diamond Heart Waihopai Cuvée 2018
 
Category - Gewürztraminer
Winner: Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Gewürztraminer 2023
 
Category - Riesling
Winner: Mt Maude Reserve East Block Riesling 2023
 
Category - Pinot Gris
Winner: Giesen Estate Pinot Gris 2023
 
Category - Sauvignon Blanc
Winner: Martinborough Vineyard Home Block Sauvignon Blanc 2023
 
Category - Chardonnay
Winner: Isabel Estate Marlborough Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022
 
Category - Other Specified White Varieties & Unspecified or Blended Whites
Winner: Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Albarino 2023
 
Category - Sweet Wines
Winner: Clark Estate Single Vineyard Botrytised Riesling 2022
 
Category - Rosè or Blush
Winner: Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rosé 2023
 
Category - Pinot Noir
Winner: Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 Bull Block Pinot Noir 2021
 
Category - Cabernet and Cabernet predominant blends
Winner: Mudbrick Velvet 2022
 
Category - Merlot and Merlot predominant blends
Winner: Church Road McDonald Series Merlot 2021
 
Category - Fruitfed Supplies Trophy for Champion Syrah
Winner: Tipping Point Opportunist Syrah 2021
 
Category - Other Specified Red Varieties & Unspecified or Blended Reds
Winner: Beach House Cabernet Franc 2021
 
Category - Best Presentation Award
Winner: Jules Taylor On The Quiet Pinot Noir 2021
 
Category Award: Organic Award
Winner: Loop Rd Pinot Noir 2022
 
Category - Export Award
Winner: OTU Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Visit the National Wine Awards website to find out more

 

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Best Restaurants Auckland

Posted by Website Admin on May 22, 2024

Eating out: Best Auckland Restaurants 

Who do Aucklanders turn to for dining inspiration? The annual Metro restaurant guide of course. From newcomers to trusty favourites, the Metro judges - made up of food writers, critics and hospitality experts - chomp their way through Auckland's best restaurants to determine which contenders cut the mustard for the crown of 'best restaurants Auckland'. 

Over the last twenty years, New Zealand chefs have developed a style of cooking often described as Pacific Rim. This combines the best New Zealand ingredients - our juicy lamb, beef, seafood and wild game with pan-Asian and European-influenced flavours. This, combined with an emerging farm (or fish) to the fork ethos, creates a fascinating lineage for contemporary New Zealand food. All with a dollop of supporting local growers, farmers and fishmongers.

So is there such a thing as a truly ‘New Zealandesque’ restaurant ?  We’re pleased to shout “yes!” 

We've rounded up 18 centrally located Auckland restaurants which regularly make the cut in the city's 'top 50 best restaurants Auckland'.  Reservations are essential especially on a Friday or Saturday night.

Bon appeitit!

Flavours of Aotearoa NZ 

  • Ahi - Commercial Bay
  • Culprit - Wyndham  St 
  • Mr Morris - Galway St, Britomart
  • Depot - Sky City
  • Metita - SkyCity
  • Kingi - Britomart

French - European/Fine Dining

  • The Grove - Saint Patrick's Square, Wyndham St
  • Anise, Symonds St
  • SidArt - Ponsonby Rd
  • Origine - Commercial Bay

Pan Asian Fusion

  • Hello Beasty - Viaduct Habour
  • Cafe Hanoi -  Britomart - Vietnamese
  • Kazuya -  Symonds Street, Eden Terrace - European with Japanese Influence.
  • Gochu - Commerical Bay

Italian/Spanish - Mediterranean

  • Alma - Tyler St, Britomart 
  • Amano - Tyler St, Britomart
  • Apero - Karangahape Rd
  • Ortolana - Britomart

The range of cuisines mirrors Auckland' s make up as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Around 200 different nationalities call this cosmopolitan hot spot home. 

Walk with us to discover our 'best places to eat Auckland' list which we update every season.  The best cafes, rooftop bars and central city delis. Or book a private walking tour and join us for lunch!  Discover also the major Auckland attractions you don't want to miss on our top-rated Auckland walking tours.

All rights reserved @auckywalky 2024