Auckland was the first stop on my trip to New Zealand. Some people have told me that there's not much to do and see there but they turned out to be wrong. I have really enjoyed its relaxed vibe combined with all the advantages of being in a big city and spent some time exploring its coffee culture.
In this post I'm going to focus on best viewpoints and coffee. I will share more of my NZ adventures in the next post.
Best view points
Auckland is very hilly due to its 48 volcanoes so comfortable shoes are required but you will be awarded with amazing views. Mount Eden, the highest of Auckland volcanoes, is first in the list.
The view below was taken from Sky Tower that offers 360-degree views of the city.
One Tree Hill is another volcano and a great viewpoint, a bit further from the city centre than Mount Eden. Its highest point is topped with a monument, and the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell who gifted the park to the city.
Cafes and coffee shops
New Zealand has a really impressive coffee culture. There is an ongoing debate of the origination of flat white coffee between New Zealand and Australia so it made total sense for me to focus on flat white.
Queenies is pretty inside and out.
Winona Forever is another place I absolutely loved! Everything is so well thought through - beautifully presented food, interior and even lots of cute props if you are after taking photos. Sadly I was 10 minutes late to order food as the kitchen closes at 2:30 pm so I had to go with a dessert and borrowed someone else's french toast for a photo.
Mojo coffee was recommended to me by a local and the coffee was one of the strongest which I liked.
Espresso workshop Britomart is another nice coffee shop. In Auckland coffee shops are on almost every corner and I wish I had more time to try them all.
As for restaurants I didn't take any pictures but have enjoyed Ortolana and Amano.
I was a guest of New Zealand Tourism Board. All views are my own.