Discover the best of Auckland, New Zealand with luxurious accommodation and exquisite culinary experiences.
Auckland in New Zealand is a feast for the senses. Imagine a city where urban sophistication meets stunning natural beauty, where world-class dining is paired with breathtaking harbor views, and where every corner reveals a new luxury to be savored.
Welcome to Auckland, a vibrant metropolis that serves as New Zealand’s gateway to the world. In just 48 hours in Auckland, immerse yourself in the finest accommodation and indulge in gourmet dining experiences that promise to tantalise your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
Begin your journey with a stay at the opulent Park Hyatt, where modern elegance and impeccable service set the stage for an unforgettable visit.
Lounge in The Living Room, sipping on Louis Roederer champagne as you gaze over the sparkling harbour. For a boutique stay experience, Fable offers a stylish retreat that feels like stepping into a fashion editor’s dream set amongst some fo the world’s biggest fashion stores including Louis Vuitton, Dior and Christian Laboutin.
Each moment during 48 hours in Auckland New Zealand is crafted to perfection, from the plush accommodation to the meticulously curated culinary delights awaiting you at every turn.Forty Eight Hours was not enough – I will be back soon.
Fable: A stay at the very modern, elegant and award-winning boutique hotel Fable is like immersing yourself in the world of leading fashion labels, and the layout includes a stylish front bar/restaurant/sitting area where you can wine and dine at any hour of the day and even sit and do some work.
Rooms are stylishly British, decorated in pale blue, timber and white, and modelled on London style hotel rooms with pastel interiors, elegant wallpaper, striking light flooded bathrooms and windows overlooking the CBD.
This hotel is about enjoying luxurious accommodation and exceptional service in a stylish setting. The overall feel is elegant, relaxed and stylish.
Park Hyatt: The Park Hyatt is one of New Zealand’s finest and most modern five star hotels. Featuring a spacious day lounge called The Living Room overlooking the sparkling harbor, it offers Louis Roederer by the glass and a warm welcome from Aunty May, a beloved staff member.
There are bites all day and interiors are pastel and relaxing with some sensational art work adorning the walls.
Guests can enjoy an exceptional fitness center with pleasant district views, a hydrotherapy room, and a 25m pool. The rooms are large and modern, with massive bathrooms, hue egg baths, and all rooms and the spa is stocked with luxe Le Labo products.
In truth you could spend 48 hours in Auckland within the confines of this five star hotel, and feel totally fulfilled on every level, it is so luxurious, indulgent and fabulous.
The spa is as gentle and calming as you would hope from Park Hyatt, offering sublime treatments to calm the mind and the soul.
Insider secret: The hotel has a resident dog, Beau, who became a permanent resident after failing the seeing-eye dog test.
Island Experiences
A visit to Waiheke Island is an essential part of any premium 48-hour experience in Auckland, providing a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence in New Zealand.
Waiheke Island is a world away with its stunning landscapes, luxurious lifestyle, and unique experiences. A short ferry ride from downtown Auckland brought me to this beautiful island, renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, world-class wineries, and scenic trails.
Upon arrival, I was immediately taken by the in the island’s breathtaking beauty. The beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach, and Onetangi gently slope into the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, making them perfect spots for swimming, kayaking, or enjoying a picturesque picnic in warmer months.
Waiheke’s walking trails offered an array of scenic walks along cliff tops, down to secluded beaches, and through cool enclaves of native forest.
The Stony Batter walkway, located at the eastern end of the island, leads to intriguing World War II gun emplacements and underground tunnels, providing both a historical and adventurous element to any visit.
I couldn’t miss the island’s vibrant wine culture, so I visited renowned vineyards such as Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant and Cable Bay Vineyards. I enjoyed premium wine tastings at Stonyridge with stunning views, making for a perfect indulgence in Waiheke’s luxurious offerings.
Two choices of wine flights are available, both extraordinary, and they will bring selections to you whilst you’re having lunch. The views are extraordinary and picture-perfect
Getting around Waiheke was straightforward. I caught a regular ferry from Auckland, and once on the island, I used taxis. Mountain bikes are available for a more personalised exploration experience. You can also bring your own vehicle or bike on the car ferry..
Dining
The Grove: This is Auckland’s showstopper, offering 8-10 course out of the ball park degustations with matching wines. The food is mouth-wateringly delicious, and the presentation is pure art. Service is warm, friendly and informative.
Huge Himalayan rock salt, horse clam shells, pretty sea shells, and dry ice are all part of the theatrical presentation, making this a flawless night out. Continually rated as one of the world’s best dining experiences – book well in advance
Baduzzi: This buzzy, frothy, fun establishment is packed with young, vibrant staff who fill the open kitchen and the floor, creating some of the freshest and tastiest Italian food in New Zealand.
Everything is made on-site, including the pasta, using the best local produce. One visit is never enough. There are so many delicious menu options to choose from, and the cocktails are excellent, as well as the wines.
Kinji: Set in the striking Hotel Britomart, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in New York while sitting in the glamorous but glistening industrial-style interiors at Kinji.
The menu focuses on seafood, as does the extraordinary light fitting reflective of schools of fish, perfect for Instagram.
Menu highlights include a raw bar, local oysters, hot smoked Kahawai with horseradish cream and cucumber, and a spicy seafood pasta with chili. Wines are interesting and diverse, with the gorgeous champagne by the glass being NV Louis Roederer Collection 244 Brut.
1 Comment
This is a great story. Auckland is such an underestimated city, with so much too offer. And I love a good story about spending 24 to 48 hours in a city and what you can see and enjoy in such a short time. Thank you.