Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a fantastic place to explore with vibrant waterfront districts, superb shopping, hip bars and diverse restaurants serving everything from burger sliders to Japanese to the latest culinary trends.
Sprawling across two harbours and a volcanic landscape, everything is within easy reach for a 24-hour stopover or a longer stay. Here are some of our favourite places to eat, sleep and play:
Start your journey
After arriving at Auckland International Airport, you’ll be pleased to be welcomed with Black Label Experience’s fast track customs process after which you can head straight to the central city’s Britomart precinct where you can shake off your jet lag at trendy Ortolana for breakfast.
This chic eatery serves ‘light fresh fare straight from the garden’ and you’ll savour figs and citrus from Kumeu orchards washed down with sparkling water spiked with refreshing rosemary or passionfruit syrups.
Ortolana, Britomart precinct
Go shopping
After breakfast grab some raw, organic food treats from Little Bird Unbakery before buying the latest Kiwi fashion from powerhouse boutiques at Zambesi, WORLD and Trelise Cooper. Don’t forget Black Label Experience has VIP packages for the upcoming New Zealand Fashion Week so get in touch to reserve your limited place today.
WORLD, Britomart precinct
Experience luxury accommodation at its finest
Following a lazy morning discovering the shopping in the area, check in to the new Hotel Britomart, the first 5 star eco hotel in New Zealand. From its exterior of hand-made bricks to its elegantly timber-lined rooms – nothing is left to coincidence here.
The best of downtown waterfront Auckland is outside your doorstep, with walking distance to main attractions such as the Auckland Art Gallery, Sky Tower, and the Aotea Centre.
St Mary’s Residence, boutique accommodation for a 24-hour stopover in Auckland
Explore our city
Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’ so start your afternoon with a luxury cruise on the Waitemata Harbour, or a scenic helicopter flight to Waiheke Island where you’ll be spoiled for choice from the island’s amazing range of over 20 unique vineyards. If you prefer to stay land-locked, head to eclectic Ponsonby Road with its selection of cafeterias, homewares and fashion boutiques – the perfect place to while away the afternoon before heading for a sundowner at Revelry.
Wine tasting on Waiheke Island
Exceptional wining & dining
For dinner, we recommend Beirut or make a reservation at Ostro Bar & Brasserie on the second floor of the Seafarers building where on select dates from July to October you can enjoy fine dining with a dinner menu prepared by top chef Josh Emett accompanied by music from Peter Urlich, Nathan Haines, Hollie Smith or Iva Lamkum.
Cocktail lovers should make a bee line after dinner for Soul Bar at the Viaduct Harbour where the magnificent location for people watching matches the drink mixing, or Bedford Soda & Liquor in Ponsonby for a neighbourhood spin on refreshing drinks. Whiskey connoisseurs can take a detour to The Jefferson where the selection of 600 whiskies will tempt you to stay longer.
Cocktails at Soul Bar at the Viaduct Harbour
Black Label Experience believes that 24 hours in Auckland is never enough, we hope to see you again soon!
Contact us today to book your Auckland experience including luxury private transfers, boutique accommodation, scenic flights and sightseeing and concierge services.