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Visit Auckland ’ s beaches On the west coast of Auckland lies a string of vast , windswept black-sand beaches . Head to Piha to watch surfers careen through frothing waves , or Muriwai to see an impressive gannet colony . |
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images : mr morris ; Scott O ’ Connor ; Alexia Santamaria |
FOOD
Auckland ’ s cultural diversity is most visible in its food scene . It ’ s as easy to find hand-pulled noodles or Peking duck as it is Andalusian-style pork pinchitos .
In recent years , Maori cuisine has grown in popularity , as have dishes with Pacific culinary influences . Modern New Zealand restaurants such as Ahi , Onslow and Mr Morris have menus that read like highlight reels of the best of the nation ’ s bounty of seafood and produce — wild shot deer from the South Island , green-lipped mussels from the Marlborough Sounds , paua ( sea snails ) from the Chatham Islands , and kumara ( a type of sweet potato ) harvested from fields just a few hours south of Auckland .
At Homeland , chef Peter Gordon ’ s ‘ food embassy for Aotearoa and the Pacific ’, the menu features dishes cooked in the traditional Maori hanga , or earth oven , style . Meanwhile , the restaurant ’ s cooking school offers the chance to learn how to make classic New Zealand food at home . Check their programme for upcoming classes .
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Ada , a restaurant in the central Grey Lynn neighbourhood , also serves hanga meat and vegetables , as well as other Maori foods like fried bread and manuka-smoked tarakihi ( a type of fish ).
One of the city ’ s newest openings is Metita in the SkyCity precinct . Named after chef Michael Meredith ’ s mother , in honour of her cooking , the restaurant features dishes inspired by Meredith ’ s upbringing in Samoa — the likes of fried pork hock and fireroasted tua tua ( clams ).
DRINK
Head to Ponsonby Road , one of Auckland ’ s hippest drinking and dining streets , lined with classy cocktail joints and wine bars . Deadshot is a favourite among locals , famous for having no menu — drinks are made according to the patrons ’ whims . Beau is a must-visit wine bar , with a menu featuring wines from around New Zealand . Try pinot noir from Martinborough or Central Otago , or zesty sauvignon blanc from Marlborough .
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Shop on Ponsonby and Karangahape Roads Both Ponsonby Road and the adjacent Karangahape Road ( often called simply ‘ K Road ’) are hubs of local designers . Find locally made gifts and souvenirs at Crushes or the Poi Room , fragrances inspired by Maori myths at perfumery Curio Noir , and fashion from New Zealand designers like Kate Sylvester and Juliette Hogan .
Dine in the Sky Tower The views from the top of this Auckland landmark are superb . To really take it all in , go for dinner at Orbit 360 Dining — the restaurant rotates once an hour , providing sweeping panoramas of the city .
Visit Matakana An hour north of Auckland , Matakana Village hosts an artisanal farmers ’ market every Saturday , which makes for a fabulous day out when combined with a visit to one of the stunning nearby beaches such as Omaha or Tawharanui .
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spring 2024 • 77 |