Auckland & Waiheke Island

Everywhere here you are close to the sea - the centre of Auckland city is a narrow isthmus, and it is our country’s most populated region. So it’s a seaside city - “the city of sails” - but it expands to include so many delightful rural and semi-rural areas. It also has the good fortune to be home to the beautiful island of Waiheke, a short boat trip from the city centre. The region’s diversity is reflected in the beautiful food that you will find in so many different places.

Download our North Island Food Travel Guide app, for a map of all the food treasures we've found in this region and the rest of the island. Like everything we do, it's an independently compiled, valuable resource for food lovers and travellers - whether from New Zealand or overseas.

Apple North Island New Zealand food trail app

Google North Island New Zealand food trail app

Journal

Piha - for west coast beaches, tremendous walks and delicious food

Piha. Lion Rock. Hello old friend. There’s a lot to be said for the glimpse of that rock, the beach and the sea, as you round the corner and reach the coast. That view sure lifts the spirit.

A drive out from Auckland to famous black sand beaches is highly recommended, whatever the season. But for a spring walk on the sand, to blow the cobwebs and clear the head, it’s certainly a tremendous place. And, happily, we can report....

Salt - for a taste of the New Zealand coast

Here in New Zealand, we’re surrounded by the sea. Apparently, we’re never further than 119 kilometres from the ocean. That’s the distance of New Zealand’s furthest point from the sea - in Central Otago. So, with all that beautiful coastal water around us, you’re bound to wonder about the most fundamental of food ingredients…salt, of course.

Salt’s the classic and oldest food seasoner, and food preservative. And we’re very pleased to say there’s a lot of it, from right here in New Zealand too….

Coffee - a New Zealand obsession

A recent off-the-cuff comment - the day doesn't start until you've had your first coffee - got us thinking about New Zealand's coffee culture. In fact, it could really be described as New Zealand's coffee revolution...

Waiheke - a real treasure island

One summer’s morning a trip across the Hauraki Gulf, to the wonderful and internationally acclaimed Waiheke Island, awaited. Boarding the ferry as the sun rose, the promise of some outstanding artisan food ...