The temperatures are starting to cool down but we are still experiencing beautiful sunny days.
The beautiful crisp autumn air is perfect for adventure in Auckland at this time of the year. The Big Foody’s top picks are:
BRICK BAY one of the most exquisite places for relaxed dining, beautiful wine, delicious fresh and local food in their glass house cantilevered over a peaceful pond. The service is impeccable, the wine beautiful and the surroundings just magical. Not only the food and wine is worth the visit, but the Sculpture trail and gardens positioned in their grounds is a an opportunity not to be missed. Enjoy the 2km walk around the trail admiring the contemporary artworks (which are also for sale) by leading New Zealand artists and then finish the day off with delicious platters, cheeseboards and some sweet treats with a glass of their own Brick Bay wine or locally roasted coffee.
CLEVEDON FARMERS MARKET is the perfect place to spend a relaxed Sunday morning. Run every Sunday (except for Easter and Christmas) between 8:30am and 1pm at the Clevedon Showgrounds it will tempt you with the best seasonal and local offerings of fruit & vegies, freshly baked pastries and bread, great espresso coffee, meat, fish, cheese’s, sauces, eggs, confectionary, wine, fresh flowers and the list goes on. And even better yet, every Sunday is slightly different!
You can sample the freshest produce and then fill your baskets or bags with what your taste buds so desire, you will surely come away with a colourful and interesting assortment of goodies to enjoy.
But be sure to be there early, as the best of the best will sell out by mid morning!
Running since 2005, the Clevedon Farmers Market now offers at least 50 stalls to its Sunday morning visitors with an array of top quality and fresh produce from local producers and growers.
Top Tip: Take your goodies with you on a picnic in the beautiful Hunua Ranges (see below)
TAKAPUNA is where you will find a laid back atmosphere, white sandy beach, a fresh water volcanic lake and a whole heap of seaside cafe’s serving anything from gourmet international fare to your traditional kiwiana fish and chips! You will find yourself immersed in a haven of restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs with the triangle of Hurstmere Road, Anzac Street and Lake Rd.
The shopping is not bad either with high end specialist stores featuring anything from designer footwear to swimwear to New Zealand wines.
Lake Pupuke is a volcanic fresh water lake that is popular for non-motorised water sports and has many adjacent parks to picnic at. It also features the Pump House where you can watch a show, feed the black swans or enjoy the cafe.
Other top tips from us here at the Big Foody Food tours to enjoy in Takapuna include, paddle boarding or kayaking either on Takapuna Beach or Lake Pupuke, enjoying a walk along Takapuna Beach or visiting the Takapuna Sunday Market.
TASTEBUD TOUR Now is the time to book yourself a Big Foody Food Tour. It’s Feijoa season and beautiful autumn produce is bountiful. You’ll taste some of New Zealand’s top cheese’s and your tastebuds will have a field day with amazing flavours. The Tastebud tour is a driven tour, so simply sit back and enjoy the ride, while stopping off for some sensational tastings! A highlight of this tour is seeing behind-the-scenes of the Auckland Fish market, we visit anywhere from speciality shops where the chefs shop, chocolatiers, cafes, farmers markets, artisan producers and much much more. Our experienced, passionate and fun guides love to show off our vibrant sights and sound of the city and Auckland region and if there is anything specific that you want to see or taste, make sure that you ask our guide for advice, they are always more than happy to help.
You will also get an introduction to Auckland’s history, architecture, culture and quirky stories and characters.
Book a tour now
HUNUA RANGES are beautiful at this time of the year. As the temperatures are dropping, now is the time to explore this beautiful native forest and explore the streams, waterfalls, wildlife and vista views less than an hours drive south of Auckland and perfect to combine with a trip to the Clevendon Farmers Market! With perfect picnic spots and great walking tracks, the Hunua ranges will keep you captivated on a sunny Autumn day.
The Hunua ranges is the largest native forest in the Auckland region and is cared for by the Auckland regional council.
The Hunting Lodge
The north west wine region is beautiful at this time of the year. The leaves on trees are turning gorgeous colours of reds, oranges and yellows and starting to fall. Our neighbours at The Hunting Lodge will welcome you into their home for relaxed wining and dining.
Their award winning chef, Des Harris will tempt you with his mediterranean inspired deli style cafe focused on seasonal, locally sourced, high quality ingredients that are carefully matched to complement their wines.
Grab yourself a picnic blanket and basket and enjoy the vineyard surroundings. The kids are welcome too, especially with their kids area or settle down inside for a cosy meal.
