Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
When you think of a destination, you often think of a landmark. But ask any Aucklander, and they’ll tell you the true heart of the city isn’t found at the top of the Sky Tower, it’s found on a plate.
The 2024 Iconic Auckland Eats list has officially been released, and it is a delicious love letter to the Tāmaki Makaurau food scene. Produced by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), this year’s list was whittled down from over 2,400 public nominations, proving that food is the ultimate connector for locals and visitors alike.
While many travelers from North America may not spend too much time in major cities while in New Zealand, Auckland is a very great option for spending a few nights to gather your legs upon arrival or relaxing before departure. Combined with some time on Waiheke Island (a quick 40 min ferry ride across the Tāmaki Straight) we can also include a number of fun activities in your itinerary that include city sights as well as more active outdoor excursions.
If not familiar, what makes this list of delicious plates so unique is that it isn’t decided by a small panel of critics. It’s driven entirely by the public. Our long time friend and TAU Director of Destination, Annie Dundas, says “These are the dishes people come back to because they carry memory and meaning – where whānau gather, friendships form, and visitors are welcomed.”
For travelers looking to go beyond the tourist traps, this list is a goldmine and exactly the type of information we stay on top off for our clients. As Dundas puts it: “When travelers are seeking out local cuisine to understand a place, this list offers an authentic snapshot of the dishes Aucklanders genuinely love.”
In a city with a rapidly evolving food scene, consistency is king. This year, only two dishes achieved the legendary status of appearing on the Top 100 for all six years the list has existed:
2. The Raspberry Lamington from Sugar at Chelsea Bay: A nostalgic, pink-hued masterpiece that proves some classics simply cannot be improved upon.
We feel the 2024 list shows that Aucklanders are not only loyal but adventurous. It’s New Zealand through and through! An impressive 79 dishes were new to the Top 100 this year. Interestingly, 31 of those new additions came from restaurants that have featured before which suggests that once the Kiwis find a chef they trust, they are happy to follow them wherever their culinary creativity leads.
If interested to spend some time in Auckland and looking for a food tour make sure these multi-year winners are on your itinerary:
“40% of customers that come into the building have a crayfish eclair,” says renowned chef Josh Emett, owner of Onslow. Considering this premier restaurant in Auckland serves any number of incredible dishes, almost half of those dining order the eclairs to start is a pretty impressive number! The eclairs are baked daily and provide a twist as they are a savory version of the French classic. Served warm, the fresh crayfish mix (NZ lobster) is steamed and served with chives and other spices that provides a beautiful background kick.
Food is more than just fuel. It’s how the New Zealdners share Auckland with the world. the culinary scene in recent years has exploded! Whether it’s a high-end steak or a humble lamington, these 100 dishes represent the diverse cultures, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality that make New Zealand’s biggest city a world-class food destination.
Heading to Auckland soon?
Keep this list handy and eat like a local. We would be happy to include suggestions in your itinerary.
To see the full list of the 100 Iconic Auckland Eats, head over to the official Auckland NZ website and start planning your next meal!link: https://www.aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats
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