Hidden gems · Auckland

Hidden gems in Auckland

Skip the tourist circuit. These Auckland spots are the ones locals actually send their out-of-town friends to.

Editor's pickPopular local pick

Top spots in Auckland

  • Waiheke Island

    Outdoors

    Hauraki Gulf

    40-min ferry — vineyards, oysters, secret swim coves at Palm Beach.

Where to eat

  • Amano

    $$$

    European · Britomart

    All-day from in-house pastry to wood-fired evenings — buzzy room.

  • Cazador

    $$$

    Wild game · Sandringham

    Game-and-foraging menu, charcuterie cabinet, husband-and-wife chefs.

  • Hugo's

    $$$

    Bistro · City

    Bistro classics in a Britomart laneway, killer wine by the glass.

  • Saan

    $$

    Northern Thai · Ponsonby

    Loud, spicy, fun — chili pork tartare and som tum.

Frequently asked

  • Locals' under-the-radar picks include Waiheke Island, Sky Tower, Mt Eden (Maungawhau). These are the places that don't show up on the first page of mainstream travel guides.

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