When the Māori discovered Auckland 800 years ago, they named it Tāmaki Makaurau, a place desired by many. This reflects the city’s beautiful harbour, white and black-sand beaches, idyllic gulf islands, stunning volcanic vistas bordered by a mountain range with cascading waterfalls and lush native bush. No wonder the English and Irish settlers arrived in droves from the 1840s onward.
Auckland rates highly as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Its stunning natural environment is home to world-class universities, major arts, cultural and sporting events, museums, theatres, galleries, and history-rich urban villages. Auckland is the world’s biggest Polynesian city with around 200 different ethnicities. Not only do Aucklanders celebrate Māori New Year in June but also Diwali, Chinese New Year, and other culturally rich festivals all year round.
The country has three official languages; English, Māori, and Signing (hearing impaired).
While some regard Auckland as a gateway city, it’s a gem of a destination and visitors often regret not spending longer. Use it as a base to visit Waiheke Island, for its vineyards and beaches or the city’s wild west coast beaches and hiking tracks. One hour north is the Matakana region with its sculpture trails, regional parks, and stunning coastline. The Auckland dining scene is superb blending ultra-fresh produce, seafood and game with Pacific Rim flavours. Check out Ponsonby and Parnell too – hip inner-fringe suburbs with cool bars and designer fashion.
Tourism information offices are called iSITES. Grab a copy of the free Auckland A-Z Guide when you land at Auckland airport.
Climate
Auckland’s climate is temperate all year round with a cold winter’s day (July) averaging 12 degrees C. It doesn’t snow but it does rain… a lot! So pack a jacket and umbrella. Sandwiched between two oceans, the Tasman and Pacific, it literally is four seasons in one day. The summer burn time is 15 minutes so slip on a hat, slop on the sunscreen, and slap on a teeshirt to prevent sunburn.
Local business etiquette and customs
The dress code is smart casual for work and eating out. Work life balance is important to New Zealanders, and weekends are preserved for leisure, sports, eating out and home renovating in line with the Kiwi ‘can-do’ attitude!. Business hours are generally 8.30am – 5.30pm.
Locals love it when you say ‘Kia ora’ which is Hello in Maori (pronounced ‘Kee-ora’). Aucklanders are pretty relaxed, well-mannered and friendly.
New Zealanders generally shake hands but don’t be surprised if someone leans in for a hug on farewell. They also smile at people (strangers!) on the street and offer directions to those looking lost. Saying thanks to the bus driver is good manners! Tipping is not expected and locals only tip for very good service.
New Zealand is powered by women! Currently, it has a female Prime Minister, Governor General and Supreme Court Justice. It was the first country to give women the vote (1892), to decriminalise the sex worker industry and a leader in legalising same-sex marriage, so the feminist and LBGQTI culture is alive and well.
Travel and transport
Bin the banana! NZ has very strict bio-security laws to protect its agriculture so anyone carrying fresh fruit/fish/honey/meat etc across its borders will be fined. Declare anything you’re unsure about. Else you’ll cop a NZ$400 fine at the airport, no exceptions.
Catch the Skybus in from the airport – book online (NZ$18 one way) or on board. Uber services Auckland airport too. It’s a good 30-minute off-peak drive into the city.
The city buses take cash – just tell the bus driver where you’re heading and they’ll give you change. If here for a few days or longer, buy a HOP card, the public transport concession card. Cheaper bus, train and inner-harbour ferry fares.
Want a woman cab driver? Book this new service here https://www.driveher.co.nz/
Dining
Auckland is a foodie paradise. Head to Sky City on Federal St with its 15 restaurants – check out the menus at local favourites Depot, Gusto or head up Sky Tower to the Sugar Club. The buzzing Viaduct Harbour is home to Soul Bar, Headquarters and rooftop bars, St Alice and Dr Rudi. Britomart (downtown) has Ostro, Amano and Ebisu – all superb restaurants.
Many restaurants are closed Sunday and Monday nights apart from the central city hotels or Sky City complex.
For a good flat white coffee check out Espresso Workshop, Chuffed or the Mojo chain (all in the city).
Check out Auckland’s:
Best beef and lamb restaurants http://www.auckywalky.co.nz/blog/2018-12-05-170302
Best hidden bars http://www.auckywalky.co.nz/blog/archive/2018/01
Top 10 Restaurants on Trip Advisor http://www.auckywalky.co.nz/blog/archive/2018/01
The best Saturday Farmers market is La Cigalle in Parnell, a 10 minute Uber ride from the city. Downtown’s Britomart also hosts a market (albeit smaller) too.
Women’s network and events
This group is active https://www.aucklandexecutiveclub.org.nz/
Beauty and fitness
Staying in the city centre? Check out East Day Spa, Les Mills Gym for a workout or Forme Spa. Chuan Spa at the Cordis Hotel is also very good. Stretch your legs with a stroll down to the waterfront taking in North Wharf and views across to the Harbour Bridge. Auckland is a very walkable (but hilly) city so bring your trainers and get walking!
Safety and emergency services
The emergency number in New Zealand is 111. Auckland is generally pretty safe and local women use Uber and public transport to get around. Watch your drinks barside and keep your valuables close by. Drink spiking happens here too.
