Yahoo Lifestyle 
A gourmet guide to Auckland
According Australian Bureau of Statistics data analysed by finder.com.au, more than 300,000 Australian ski bunnies are predicted to visit New Zealand this upcoming winter season – a 5.7 per cent increase on last year.
The first stop for most will be Auckland. But rather than heading straight to the ski fields, those in the know will be spending a little time exploring this great city first.
Auckland’s dining scene has always been pretty great, but recent years have seen it reach the next level. Sure, Kiwis may be slightly obsessed with artisanal breads and single origin coffee, but when the result tastes this good, its easy to see why.
RELATED: This bizarre street in New Zealand is now a tourist attraction
RELATED: Discovering James Cameron’s New Zealand
From sleek waterfront cafes and back street speakeasies to mouth-watering fusion restaurants and coffee bars that are up there with the best of Melbourne, Auckland has more than a few tricks up it’s sleeve. If you’re planning to make a trip across the ditch this winter, these are the gourmet hotspots you won't want to miss.
1. BRITOMART
This former industrial area has had quite the extreme makeover, with it’s 19th century warehouses now converted into hip bar, cafes and restaurants.
Café Hanoi
Enjoy flavoursome Vietnamese-style tapas dishes surrounded by edgy, rustic décor with semi-stripped walls, mismatched furniture and shining paper lanterns.
Orleans
Great music, delicious food and wicked cocktails - this Southern American inspired eatery dishes up traditional Creole cuisine with a cool, modern twist.
2. VIADUCT HARBOUR
Popular at any time of the day or night, Viaduct Harbour is a buzzing waterfront dining and entertainment precinct situated at the heart of downtown Auckland.
Oyster & Chop
Succulent steaks and mouth-watering oysters are only the beginning at this chic waterfront restaurant. Opened in October 2015, it’s fast become a local favourite.
The Culpeper
Advocates of the low n slow approach to BBQ, The Culpeper also has a damn fine selection of craft beers, cocktails and other delicious tipples to boot.
3. PONSONBY
Mekong Baby
If you love southeast Asian food, you’ll love Mekong Baby. Exposed brick walls, subtle pendant lighting and retro prints all add to the modern Vietnamese feel.
Miss Moonshines
One taste of the slow cooked, wood smoked meats at Miss Moonshines and you’ll be hooked for life. Come here to feast on street-style food served hot off the grill.
Mexico
Lovers of Mexican food (and tequila) will be in heaven at this trendy inner city. From beef cheek tacos to trevally ceviche, everything on the menu is to die for.
4. KINGSLAND
An eclectic mix of old and new, Kingsland is great at any time of the day or night. A two for one, it offers great dining plus a street art scene worth exploring.
Farang
Sweet, sour, salty, hot – head to Farang to enjoy authentic Thai food that bursts with the true flavours of Thailand. The menu is small, but it’s top-notch.
Mondays Whole Foods Eatery
Tucked in a laneway and covered in vines, Mondays serves deliciously nourishing food from their all day menu, plus a selection of gluten and sugar free cakes.
5. CITY WORKS DEPOT
A hip, inner city redevelopment home to trendy cafes and craft beer bars.
Best Ugly Bagels
Montreal style bagels with delicious toppings from pastrami with habanero mustard and Swiss cheese to banana with maple mascarpone and chocolate fudge sauce.
Food Truck Garage
The food truck makes delicious, healthy alternatives to classic ‘fast food’. Spicy prawn tacos and basil chicken burgers are just two of the must-try dishes.
When You Go
Jetstar and Virgin Australia both offer daily services from the east cost of Australia to Auckland. The flight takes around 3 hours. Auckland CBD is around 20 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic – which can be pretty challenging at times.
How to get around: Hertz Car Rentals are conveniently located right outside the international arrivals gate at Auckland Airport. For a bit of extra fun, pre-order a Mystery Car.
Want more Travel news? Follow Be Travel on Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest and Instagram.
