The arts, local cuisine, warm evenings socialising, endless shopping. Discover all this and more on a city getaway.
One day. Two islands. Thirteen eateries.
Join us on a kiwi-style degustation tour from the tropical tip of the North Island to the ocean-sprayed base of the South Island in a single (impossible) day.
Our morning begins with coffee from the Container Café, Pukenui. A double shot fuels us to Nectar Café, Whangarei, where a sweet organic treat awaits. This tides us over until breakfast at Odette’s Eatery, Auckland, which hits the spot for local produce and refreshing décor.
Somehow hungry again, we call into The Shack, Raglan, and pick up coffee grounds for the garden while there. An Art Deco tour through historic Napier ends with high tea at Mangapapa, Havelock.
Lunchtime sees us arrive at Apaché, Wellington, where Vietnamese hawker food subtly embraces French influence.
Feeling the Tasman summer heat, we stop by the Mapua Country Store for a tub of locally grown, milked, and churned Appleby Farms ice cream. As the sweet tooth kicks in, we head straight to The Lifeboat caravan, Greymouth, for homemade Dutch stroopwafels and authentic hot chocolate.
Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters, Christchurch, quenches our caffeine cravings. As the day nears an end, we drop by Dark Sky Diner, Tekapo, for an entrée and a lake view. Queenstown serves our main course via the world famous Fergburger, which is best eaten whilst enjoying views of the Remarkables mountain range. To wrap up our degustation tour, we visit Temptations, Invercargill, for a cold stone ice cream dessert.
La Cigale French Market, Auckland
Be inspired by the food markets found in France and visit La Cigale for locally grown produce and artisanal goods from both local and international producers.
The Giants House, Akaroa
Perched on a hill in the historic French township of Akaroa is the Giants House. A unique mosaic sculpture garden created by owner and artist Josie Martin. In 2018 this delightful garden was named a Garden of International Significance by the
New Zealand Gardens Trust.
Civic Theatre, Invercargill
Invercargill’s Edwardian style 100-year-old landmark plays host to several musical and theatrical performances throughout summer.
Kuirau Park, Rotorua
Follow the safety fences at Kuirau Park to experience Rotorua’s steaming, bubbling, and hissing geothermic experience free of charge.
