Experience Auckland

Enjoy Auckland The Kiwi Way

Staying at Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park places you right in the heart of New Zealand’s largest and most exciting city.

Step outside and enjoy all that Auckland has to offer. Discover an array of exhilarating entertainment, including dining at the top of the Sky Tower, cruising on the Waitemata Harbour on a day trip, exploring the scenic Waiheke Island, or trekking the rugged Rangitoto Island. Get back to nature with many nature walks and reserves to explore only a short drive away, or expand your knowledge on the culture of Auckland by visiting the many museums art galleries and cultural destinations right on your doorstep.

On the other hand, maybe you’d like to take your taste buds on an adventure, so you can experience all aspects of Auckland’s multicultural cuisine within walking distance from your hotel. From award-winning dining experiences at Oyster and Chop, to the hidden laneway secrets of downtown Auckland, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s no doubt you’ll work up an appetite as you make your way through all of Auckland’s amazing attractions, beautiful sights, and rich heritage.

Auckland is a big city with a lot of heart, so make the most of our guide, and enjoy Auckland the Kiwi way.

Devonport

This charming seaside village is only a 10-minute ferry ride from the city. Spend the day at one of the many cafes along the main street – many of which are housed in beautiful historical buildings – or check out the small art galleries, boutiques, and parks. If you like, take a walk along the harbourside to North Head and visit the Torpedo Bay Naval Museum, or meander along Cheltenham Beach. You’ll feel like a local here in no time.

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s is New Zealand’s most famous aquarium! It is home to New Zealand’s only sub-Antarctic penguins and offers myriad opportunities to see first-hand some incredible marine life from the Pacific and Southern oceans. For a truly incredible experience, take the plunge on an Animal Adventure! Jump into the shark tank and go snorkelling with 14 massive sharks, or slide on the ice and get up close and personal with the King and Gentoo penguins!

Treasure Island Adventure Golf

Ahoy! Treasure Island Adventure Golf has two 18-hole courses that are pirate-themed for the ultimate mini golf or “adventure golf” experience at Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport. Treasure Island was upgraded with new greens and features in late 2015, so you’ll have a great entertaining adventure as you putt through caves, past waterfalls, through tombstones, and all-around shark-infested waters! It’s affordable, suitable for all ages, wheelchair and buggy-friendly, and you can bring your own food to eat in their reserved area. Treasure Island is also ideal for birthday parties, corporate functions, teams and groups, hen’s and stag do’s and very family-friendly.

Virtual Reality Studio

Presenting New Zealand’s first virtual reality public experiences. Enter a world beyond the imagination and step into another dimension as they offer you the most premium VR on the planet. Take full advantage of room scale games and experiences owned & operated by Kiwis who care! They offer VR at a world-class level packaged up with small town customer service. Choose a session in the vibrant VR Play arcade or the more private VR Plus lounge!

Viaduct Harbour

From Westhaven Marina all the way along to Princes Wharf stretches the most exciting part of Auckland’s waterfront. From the hotel, we suggest you walk across the park and down Beaumont Street. To your left, you’ll see the start of Westhaven Marina, which stretches all along Westhaven Drive and has a lovely walking track to view the boats. If you walk all the way to the end of Beaumont Street, however, you’ll reach Silo Park. Silo Park is a great place to bring the family, as there are always events on during the weekend! But it doesn’t end there – stretching to the right all along the waterfront, you’ll find the delicious waterfront eateries of Wynyard Quarter. Past that and across the beautiful bascule bridge, there are even more eateries and bars to be explored, in what is known as the official Viaduct Harbour.

The Viaduct Harbour will be hosting the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada, with races taking place between the 6th to the 21st of March, 2021!

Waiheke Island

For an unforgettable day trip, catch the ferry across to Waiheke Island. There, you’ll find stunning beaches, exquisite dining, winery tours and sculpture parks to explore, and many more amazing attractions. You’ll definitely have to plan your day in advance, as there is so much to see and do on Waiheke. There are buses to all over the island that you can catch from the ferry terminal, and tours you can book in advance.

Parnell Village

Parnell is Auckland’s oldest suburb, so it’s no wonder that Parnell Village is brimming with heritage. The shops along Parnell Rise range from beautiful designer clothing boutiques to art galleries and craft stores, not to mention all the delicious restaurants and cafes. From there, it’s a short walk to the stunning Parnell Rose Gardens, or a stroll through the Auckland Domain.

Boh Runga

With a flagship store situated in the middle of Ponsonby Road (a short 19-minute walk from the hotel), Boh Runga is one of New Zealand’s most iconic jewellery designers. Her designs are contemporary and elegant while taking inspiration from traditional kiwi icons. The perfect gifts from your stay in New Zealand can be found at Boh Runga, and her store is a beautiful destination for celebrating local design.

Smith and Caughey

A department store like no other, Smith and Caughey has been an iconic institution in Auckland for many years. You can find anything here, from jewellery, to designer clothing, to a huge collection of fragrances, and all the best makeup counters. This is a shopping destination not to be missed.

Trelise Cooper

The Britomart precinct is the coolest shopping precinct in town; a laneway style layout that runs over the top of the Britomart train station sets the scene. One of the first stores you’ll come across when you reach it will be the stunning Trelise Cooper Flagship Store. Trelise is one of New Zealand’s most established fashion designers, and her collections never fail to impress. From lush florals and bright patterns to a bit of bling, Trelise Cooper has it all.

Adrian Hailwood

Adrian Hailwood is one of New Zealand’s greatest fashion designers. His flagship store at 516 Karangahape Road is not to be missed. His clothing incorporates innovative prints with wearable minimalist style, he designs everything from clothing and accessories to shoes. His store is an amazing celebration of his style.

Victoria Park Market

Step right outside your hotel and discover the sweetest little shopping village. Not only is Victoria Park Market home to a wonderful collection of stores, studios, galleries, workspaces and eateries, it also has an incredibly rich heritage. The original brick buildings that make up a huge part of VPM were originally constructed in 1905, and the land it sits on was originally part of the headland of Freemans Bay. The rooftop of Victoria Park Market is an amazing place to go at night for dinner, with places such as La Zeppa offering outdoor dining, Melbourne rooftop style.

K’ Road

A short walk uptown from Victoria Park lies the cultural strip of K’ Road (short for Karangahape Road if you’re looking at street signs). This street is a vintage haven if you’re into thrift-shopping or antiques. It has also more recently become a foodie’s haven – so there is plenty to eat on your shopping breaks. Highlights of the street include Paper Bag Princess – where you could rummage among all the vintage items for hours on end – and Vixen Vintage, which has a stunning curated collection of groovy clothing from the mid 20th century. Stop for lunch at Coco’s Cantina for a plate of meatballs, or Tart Bakery in St Kevin’s Arcade for a cream filled donut and mince and cheese pie you won’t be able to believe are completely vegan.

Amano

Situated behind the Britomart precinct along Auckland’s beautiful waterfront, this rustic Italian cafe and restaurant is not to be missed. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pastry treat from their lush bakery, or sitting down for a three-course meal (with cocktails, of course) Amano never disappoints. As soon as you step into the beautiful Heritage building the scale and décor exude heart and soul. Everything Amano produces – pasta, seafood, meats, and more – is sustainably sourced and fresh, making it all the more delicious.

Snickel Lane

This hidden gem of downtown Auckland is a social dining joy. With plenty of international cuisines – from Polynesian Poké bar ‘Ika Bowl’ to Spanish Tapas Bar ‘Madriz’, as well as options for all dietary requirements – Snickel Lane has a lot to offer. The popular Snickel Lane burger joint ‘Lord of the Fries’ is entirely vegetarian and vegan, and they make good juicy burgers that must be tried to be believed. – Find this arcade tucked away between Fort Lane and Commerce Street, open for lunch all the way through till dinner, and perfect for an on-the-go eat or a good sit down and catch-up.

Elliot Stables

Situated on the corner of Wellesley St and Elliot St and underneath the heritage Elliot Hotel, Elliot Stables is a beautiful and atmospheric place to eat. With cobblestone floors and brick walls, it really does feel like you’ve stepped into an old village pub -fortunately, the food is much more exciting than pub food. Elliot Stables is home to over twelve different eateries with seating that spans between them in a free-flowing dining space. You can choose from a range of international cuisines and come together in the central seating area to share delicious food from across the globe.

Satya Chai Lounge

This may just be the best-kept secret in Auckland, and it’s definitely one not to miss. Situated in Auckland’s cultural heart – Karangahape Road (or K’ Road for short) – the only way you’ll find this place from the street is if you look for a door made out of burlap sacks. Once you enter through them, you’ll find the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the menu is a large selection of Indian street food sharing plates, which are all absolutely delicious.

Oyster and Chop

This Viaduct restaurant is top-notch. Whether you’re after a juicy steak or a long oyster-filled lunch this is a wonderful spot. Oyster and Chop has only the highest quality meats and produce, with dry aged beef and New Zealand’s best Bluff Oysters. Meals are artfully crafted so that each bite is absolutely perfect. An award-winning establishment – they’re the current holders of the Beef and Lamb Excellence award.

Duck Island Ice Cream

Recently opened on Ponsonby Road and just a short walk up Franklin Road from your base at Swiss-Belsuites, this Kiwi ice cream shop is the ultimate dessert experience. The brand has been around for years butup until this year, Duck Island could only be found in the town of Hamilton, about two hours out of Auckland. Ask around, and you’re bound to find that it has not been unusual for Aucklanders and tourists alike to make the intrepid journey south to the Waikato, just for a scoop of this delicious dessert. The combination of both light flavours and crazy sweet options, along with their extensive dairy-free range constantly on rotation, easily makes Duck Island the best dessert you’ll find in this city.

City Works Depot

Just up Wellesley Street from your hotel, the City Works Depot is a great place to grab a bite to eat. It really has everything, showcasing some of the best street food and brunch spots Auckland has to offer. For the health conscious, Food Truck Garage has its flagship restaurant in City Works. Starting out as a food truck that focused on fast food made good, they have taken Auckland by storm. Another favourite in the area is Al Brown’s very own bagelry ‘Best Ugly Bagels’ offering authentic Montreal bagels with a huge range of toppings, complete with a gluten-free option.

Headquarters

This place easily holds the best views on Auckland’s viaduct. It is run by a group of enthusiastic staff whose aim is to bring you humble yet delicious food every time. You’ll never have to worry about finding a table as this place is huge, and with the recent extension of it’s Moet deck you can even choose from a beanbag seating arrangement, or a garden lounge vibe for the long lunchers. Almost every hour is happy hour at Headquarters, they always have great deals on their excellent wines, beers or cocktails.

iVillage

You’ll find iVillage at Victoria Park Market just a step outside your door. This place has some of Auckland’s best Indian food and it is not a spot to be missed during your stay in the city. You can order off their menu for lunch or dinner, or make a reservation for their highly recommended tasting set menu, allowing you to trial a whole range of their delicious Indian delicacies. For groups of eight or more, the set menu is essential.

La Zeppa

A picturesque rooftop bar just a stone’s throw away from Swiss Bel-Suites (quite literally, but please don’t try to throw any). This place is always filled with the local yo-pros having afternoon drinks, and can be a great venue to go and listen to live music at night. The best time to go is on a Friday afternoon for their sunset sessions – one of Auckland’s best happy hours with $9 SOHO Frose (Frozen Rose) from 4 – 7pm.

Queens Rise

Just over the hill is the heart of Auckland City: Queen Street, where you’ll find all the shopping you need and more. A hidden gem of a food court near the bottom end of Queen St is Queen’s Rise. There you’ll find every cuisine you can imagine: from fried chicken with a natty wine pairing at the trendy Lowbrow, to authentic Italian pizzas at Dantes or adorable, animal shaped Chinese dim-sum at Panda. There is a delicious option for everyone.

The Jefferson

Whether you’re a Whiskey connoisseur or new to the world of Whiskey, the Jefferson is a whiskey bar for everyone to enjoy. A great place to spend a night out, this place has Auckland’s finest whiskey selection on offer, it’ll definitely take you more than one visit to make it through the 600 whiskey’s on their shelves. Experience a whiskey tasting experience like no other, with a range of different experiences tailored to your needs.

Allpress Espresso

Nestled on Drake Street, just in behind Victoria Park Market, lies Allpress Espresso’s Auckland roastery. Everybody who’s anybody in New Zealand knows that Allpress is one of the best coffee roasters in the country, and their roaster definitely reflects this by proving excellent coffee every day. Come in for a bite to eat with a highly caffeinated drink to start your day.

Rude Boy

Just down the Road on Sale Street, you’ll find one of the most beautiful brunch places in Auckland. Rude Boy is a café and deli filled with stunningly crafted, delicious meals. Sit down and order a work of art off the all-day ‘deli style’ menu, or order from the extensive cabinet for an on-the-go bite to eat. This is the perfect place if you’re into posting your food on Instagram because not only are the dishes absolutely fabulous, but the café itself is a wonderful sight with natural light and a beautiful mural along the back wall.

Odette’s

For more of a lavish brunch experience, venture up the road a short walk away from your hotel to Odette’s. Found in the City Works Depot, this eatery offers delicious dishes built around local produce and seasonal dining. The menu is ever changing but has a Mediterranean/African influence and is always fresh and delicious. Bask in the sun of the outdoor seating area or sit in the cosy space indoors.

MOTAT

The Museum Of Transport And Technology, locally known as MOTAT, retraces the history of Technology and Transportation in New Zealand. Its extensive collection of early technology is a treat for tech geeks! The museum curators like to have a very “hands-on” approach, and almost every exhibition can be played with.

Maritime Museum

New Zealand is a country that lives for the water. It is no surprise that sailing is a huge part of its history. Located on the Auckland Viaduct, the Maritime Museum will take you on a journey through time. It starts with a reproduction of a typical rocking cabin where early immigrants spent months making their way through the oceans to settle in New Zealand, and finishes with high-speed sailboats that race yearly across the globe. The Maritime Museum also offers the cheapest cruise in the Auckland Harbour.

Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland has a rich heritage and history, and if you’re keen to learn about it, or just want to take the kids to experience the exhibitions, Auckland War Memorial Museum is the place to go. Situated at the top of the Auckland Domain, the building itself is an excellent attraction, with columns spanning across the front portico, and a frieze which depicts scenes from New Zealand soldiers in WWII. Go inside and look up to experience an amazing stained-glass ceiling.

Waitakere Ranges

The Waitakere Ranges is home to some of the most stunning bush walks, waterfalls, beaches and natural environment Auckland has to offer. This one’s a bit of a journey away, but we can sort you out with a tour guide or taxi to get you there no problem. Some highlights of the Waitakere’s include Birdie’s Bush Walk – a 2-hour loop track leading to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. You won’t want to forget your togs, as it’s a hotactivity, and it’s so nice to cool off after. Bethells Beach and Piha are also great spots to lay in the sun for a day while you experience New Zealand’s best black sand beaches.