Sponsored by Sofitel Auckland
New Zealand is a magnificent place to visit! It is true what they say about it - it's pristine, sharp and chic. You are constantly stimulated by the water and the sheer elegance of the bustling city. Paul and I were lucky to get away this time for 4 nights. Visiting our dear friends and living it up a little at the Sofitel Auckland on Viaduct harbour.
If your going to stay anywhere in Auckland, stay at the Sofitel on the Viaduct harbour. We chose the Sofitel as I had stayed in Sydney a few weeks back and I wanted Paul to experience the luxury by the water. It was heaven! Bonjour and smiles all round, not to mention my fave a cheese platter to welcome us with. There is something about seeing the water in the morning and staring at - it made us feel calm and at ease.
Seeing the wineries on Waiheke Island is an absolute MUST, it takes about an hour (by ferry) to get to the island. It leaves every 30 mins.
We were supposed to visit three wineries but we just fell in love with the beautiful setting at Mubrick winery and stayed there all day and you can see why.
We were lucky our dear friends Maddie and Paddy (now locals) drove us to the West Coast to Piha beach where I saw black sand for the first time. Boy it was pretty, we saw a tonne of surfers there enjoying the waves. You have to have fish and chips by the water
Food choices that will tantalise your taste buds
For entree we shared oysters kilpatrick with bacon and shallots. They were huge and so creamy! The main was a standout and I will never forget it! We had roasted Hapuku, crayfish ravioli with a truffle dressing and chickweed with extra truffle which was to die for! I have never had truffle on fish before and I pleasantly surprised!
Address: 16-18 Corner of Lower Hobson Street and Customs Street West
Cafe Hanoi (really funky Vietnamese street food style)
Cafe Hanoi (really funky Vietnamese street food style)
Address: Excelsior building, Crn Galway and & Commerce St.
Ponsonby Central (you can choose whatever tickles your fancy, from Italian to Japanese - there are so many choices. It like our own hamlet but bigger and nicer).
Address: 136/146 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby.
The Sugar Club (has the best view of Auckland! their cocktails were amazing too!)
If you want any tips when you plan your next trip to Auckland, I know a girl (Maddie, now a local) I'm sure she will be able to help. Drop me a line, happy to help! X