Auckland’s days are getting longer, the pink rhododendrons are blooming and there’s a spring in our September step as Auckland Walking tour bookings keep us busy. Could it be that Tourism New Zealand’s decision to promote the country as a shoulder season destination is paying dividends? With international visitors preferring the cooler weather to travel?
Bring it on as we’re ready!
Here the Aucky Walky guide team share some of their best Auckland restaurants and coffee spots of late. Check out these wee gems downtown if you’re planning a visit.
Best Auckland Coffee (Guide Liz ) – Head to Stolen Summer on High Street. The peak hour white-collar queue is usually down the street but this hard working crew bang out a piping hot, velvety flat white in the time it takes to peruse your socials.
Best Auckland Lunch Spot (Guide Debbie) – For a special taste of super New Zealand kai, try Kingi’s $35 express lunch menu offering a choice of four mouth-watering dishes. Loved the savoury squid ink tagliatelle with nduja green-lipped mussels.
Grazing platter with a view (Guide Alex) – For the quintessential view of Auckland’s stunning Viaduct Harbour, take a waterfront perch at stylish Parasol and Swing. The charcuterie board is next level with Parma ham, soft cheeses, chutney, pickled onion and homemade crackers.
Perfect pies at Vultures Lane – This heritage pub’s pies are so popular they often run out. Our favourite is the smoked Kahawai fish pie served in flaky pastry with a side of Kumara wedges. You can’t get much more Kiwi than that!
Shhhh New Auckland Restaurant Alert
We’re excited to see the new food offer from hospitality legend Mandy Lusk who has taken over the restaurant management of Hotel De Brett. Mandy, who previously owned popular Vivace downtown has a rebrand and refresh planned for this special character hotel.
Who topped the Cuisine Good Foods Award 2025?
Here are the results for central Auckland restaurants, all well-deserved recipients.
- Three Hats (Supreme) – Ahi
- Two Hats (Excellent) – Onslow, Origine, Baduzzi, Culprit, Cassia, Baduzzi, Hello Beasty, Mr Morris
- One Hat (Very Good) – Advieh, Alma, Bistro Saine, Depot, Esther, Soul Bar, White & Wongs.
We look forward to recommending all these outstanding eateries to our Hello Auckland tour guests.
New Zealand ranks top of the World (again).
That’s according to a reader poll in the UK Telegraph. Once again, New Zealand took out the top gong amongst 20,000 voters as the Best Country on Earth. Reasons included our Great Walks, accessible cycling trails, M?ori and Polynesican culture and our stunning dark sky sanctuaries.
Overall, while some countries are perceived as overcrowded, too expensive, too hot or volatile, New Zealand continues to rank highly for providing a safe and warm welcome.
Aucky Walky at your service It’s our mission to help first time visitors find their feet and discover the best Auckland things to do.
We’re gearing up for an exciting season of sharing our city on foot with visitors. As professional guides, it’s our job to keep abreast of changes so we can provide genuine recommendations on where best to eat, drink and go.
Meet the team here and please join us on one of our top-rated Auckland walking tours soon.
Ka kite ano hoa. See you later friends.