JUCY Snooze | 48 Hours in Auckland

Yay, you made it! Welcome to the big smoke of the South Pacific. Just here for a stop-off to go and explore the rest of the country? No problemo, we'd obviously love you to stay longer, but we understand your eagerness to get going. We're going to plan the perfect itinerary for your couple day stay.  

Get up after your zzzing after your much needed sleep after your long flight and go down to the Britomart precinct for breakfast. The Store or the Amano bakery are two eateries that are downright delish and scrumdidlyumptious. Or try some foody goodness near O'Connell Street, Al's Deli is your classic American eat, deep fried anything and shakes that are so big, they're a meal in liquid form. There are a number of places to go, so there are no excuses to miss out on the most important meal of the day! Afterward take a nice stroll along the harbour down by Wynyard Quarter/The Viaduct or take a wander up through The Domain park, encompassing the Auckland Museum, which has views spanning the city skyline. Coffee is a must on a morning stroll, well for me anyway, so grab a cuppa from any good coffee spot, this city does good coffee folks so it's doubtful you'll get a bad egg. Mojo, Sierra, Altezano brothers, there are endless suggestions.  

Now that you're awake, lets go exploring! Go to the Skytower, just make sure there aren't clouds lingering to block your view. Spend a good ¾ of an hour up there and when you're done, let's get down to the serious business of shopping. High Street, parallel to Queen Street, is home to some fashionable apparel, with brands like Ben Sherman, Mount Blanc and Magic Hollow (American vintage clothing). Ice cream after shopping? I'm not sure about you, but I like to reward myself with a scoop (or three) and the Kapati Store, located at the bottom of High Street is the best there is in town.  

Go back to your hotel and have some chill time and get ready for the evening. Have some time to yourself and go exploring in Auckland's CBD, walk up to Aotea Square and go where the masses aren't. Got those mid-arvo hungry vibes? The perfect snacks await at Upper Queen Street, where you'll find Poppa's Pretzal's and Torro Churro (who doesn't like that sugary goodness!?) and other snacks can be found at Better Burger, with a couple of stores down in Britomart (by the train station, literally both found within 50m of each other). If you're a chippy fan, recently opened Fry Baby does fries only and that's it. They're damn good though and do them any way, shape and style. Sauce em' up!  

7PM: Good Evening  

Wind down your evening with a nice dinner and a few cheeky nightcaps. There are some great restaurants down at Wynyard Quarter - Jack Tar, Miss Claudy, Baduzzi and Thai Street are all situated close to the waters edge and all represent just how good Auckland's food scene is. Alternatively, The Viaduct, which is just a dip over the pond has some great spots too, with the likes of Giraffe, Soul, Oyster and Chop and Degree bar proving to be a hit with the city dwellers. No reason to go hungry here folks. Afterward, stroll back along the waterfront and soak in the views which are aplenty when in these two areas. Go back to the hotel and plonk yourself on the bed, so that you're ready for another day in paradise.  

Rise and shine. We're going to squeeze in as much as we can today, because you'll soon be leaving us ;( Firstly, go and get some breakfast, you're going to need all that energy. Head on up to posh Parnell or Ponsonby, which are both on the outskirts of the cities edge. They have an awesome brunch and coffee culture, so if you're an eggs benny or bagels lover with an Americano or Flat White to go with, these places won't let you down. When in these areas, go around and explore the many boutique stores and alley-ways, which will be sure to surprise with lots of pop-art and other antique pieces to be found.  

12PM: Midday/ Afternoon  

After exploring the outer suburbs of our beautiful city, we suggest to make the most of your quick visit and jump on the midday ferry across to the world-renowned Waiheke Island. Only a 45 minute boat ride away, this Island of paradise is full of wine, cheese and beaches. It's a perfect day that doesn't need any planning whatsoever. When you arrive, there's cabs waiting there for your convenience, so jump in and head up to Cable Bay, just a 5min ride from the terminal. This place has views spanning the whole Auckland Harbour and you can just see the outline of the Skytower in the distance. Do your oyster eating and a wine tasting here and admire and take photo's of the dramatic landscape. Then head up the road to Mudbrick winery, a Mediterranean-style winery, serving stunning, grammable platters. Lastly, head on over to Oneroa village and if it's a sunny day, go for a dip! Have a coffee in the village then head back down to the ferry. If you're having a ball on this Island (which most people do, the last ferry leaves late into the night, for all you alcohol lovers!)  

Once you're back on the mainland, go and get some tucker... if you're not already full from all the grazing you've done all day! If you catch the 4pm ferry back from Waiheke, It'll stop into the suburb of Devonport, an old village on the North Shore of Auckland. Get off and grab dinner here. There are so many restaurants to choose from and most of them have spectacular views of the city. Corelli's and Manuka Café's are two good suggestions and there are numerous others surrounding. Afterward, head on over to Devonport Chocolates. This boutique chocolatier combines all sorts of wonderous flavors, like Fejoa, Kawakawa and Wasabi into their truffles, making for a weird party in your mouth, but is super delish. Take the ferry back to Auckland City from the Devonport terminal and finish the evening with a tea or coffee, whatever tickles your fancy. Take a last stroll through the bustling city and snap away. Be sure to spend more time here when you next visit, now that you know just how cool our 'City of Sails' is. :)