Auckland - New Zealand's Capital of Cuisine

Indulge in some of the world's best food and wine in Auckland.

Auckland offers visitors a palatable feast, especially in autumn when the grapes are plump, seafood is vibrant, fruit trees are ripe and the local farmers' markets are rich with fresh produce.

Viaduct Basin, Chancery and the inner city suburbs of Ponsonby and Parnell offer world-class restaurants, but there's more to experiencing Auckland's food and wine than simply sitting down to eat and drink. How about cooking lessons at the Auckland fish market? Visiting vineyards in wider Auckland? And don't forget to stop and enjoy the live music over a drink - in the historic Britomart precinct.

Add to this a host of new and lively cafes, wine bars, pop-up restaurants, food and wine tours (hosted by local experts) and a stellar line-up of chefs opening restaurants in the city, and it is easy to see why Auckland is fast becoming the capital of kiwi cuisine.

Here is a snapshot of what's on offer in Auckland this autumn:

Restaurants & Chefs:

The Next Crew – Pop-Up
The pop up trend extends to restaurants with concepts like the Next Crew in Auckland – three upcoming chefs who have teamed up to stage themed dinners for limited groups in changing locations. The global trend is seen as a great way to showcase chef talent and the country’s food and wine – a concept transported across the Tasman to Melbourne recently.

For more information: www.thenextcrewart.co.nz

Mark Southon, Foodstore

Auckland based chef Mark Southon is the head chef of the popular Viaduct Harbour restaurant The Foodstore – which is New Zealand's first unique live food entertainment experience. With the country's only true "open" and "interactive" kitchen you will get up close and personal with New Zealand's best chefs as they create their culinary magic. Mark is also a member of Next Crew, and he hosts his own cooking show on FoodTV.

Sean Connolly, The Grill

Awarded Chef of the Year by the Sydney Morning Herald, Sean Connolly is certainly making his mark on the New Zealand cuisine scene. He has recently opened high-end restaurant, The Grill, in Auckland which he describes as 'a celebration of great food and good company.'

Al Brown, The Depot

Chef, TV host and food writer Al Brown has helped put kiwi cuisine on the map. As a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Ambassador Al's philosophy is to share unique experiences through the storytelling of food, people and their landscapes. Al's new restaurant the Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar is now open in Auckland.

Stuart Rogan, Botswana Butchery

Opened on22 March this year, Botswana Butchery offers fun dining in a premium atmosphere. The restaurant is located in Auckland’s historic Ferry Building and has been designed to complement the architecture and magnificent harbourside location of the Quay Street building. Stuart Rogan has created menus that feature something for everyone.

Auckland region: Vineyards & Wine

As well as the impressive food on offer, the Auckland region produces rich, ripe merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah, as well as smooth, fruity chardonnay and pinot gris. Visit Waiheke Island, Matakana and/or Kumeu wineries which all offer exceptional local drops and are conveniently within easy reach from central Auckland.

Glass House at Brick Bay Wines, Matakana

Overlooking a picturesque lake, Glass House at Brick Bay Wines offers one of Matakana’s most memorable wine and food experiences. Share a platter of breads, cheeses and other gourmet delights while you sample excellent red and white wines produced on-site. A gentle stroll along a two-kilometre sculpture trail completes the experience.

Villa Maria, Auckland

Just minutes from Auckland International Airport, Villa Maria invites visitors to enjoy a glass of Villa Maria wine on the terrace overlooking the Ihumatao vineyard, Share platters and other tasty meals are available.

Wine tasting and tours operate daily.

Farmers Markets

City Farmers Markets at Britomart

The City Farmers’ Market operates in the centre of Auckland’s Britomart precinct and brings a bounty of regional produce to town for Aucklanders every week. Fresh, seasonal, quality fruit and vegetables, eggs, meat, olives and olive oils, condiments, coffee, artisan breads and much more — direct from local growers, farmers and makers.

The market operates all year long on Saturdays between 8.30am & 12.30pm in the heart of the Britomart precinct on Te Ara Tāhuhu Walking Street.

Food Events

Taste of Auckland

The 4th Taste Festival in New Zealand takes place from 15 - 18 November 2012. Taste of Auckland is a chance to share incredible food, wine and entertainment with friends in a beautiful environment. This is every foodie's ultimate pop-up village, where New Zealand’s most talented chefs play host. There is always a leading wine maker or sommelier on hand to keep your glass topped up.

Early Bird tickets go on sale in July.

For a more comprehensive list of where to go in New Zealand, visit www.newzealand.com