A taste of local

enjoy Local Delights in East Auckland

We are one of the most culturally diverse regions in New Zealand and the food that can be enjoyed here reflects that diversity.  We can access fresh produce grown locally, as well as other items produced in the area like buffalo mozzarella, olive oil, wine and beautiful fresh oysters.  

Howick Village has a Saturday morning market, with an array of baked and fresh food and  flowers, organic produce, cheeses, art works, pickles and plenty more.   Classic Crafts have their market one Saturday a month, where you can see handspun woollen garments, smocking, jewellery, and children’s books written by local authors.  The Majestic Tea Bar, Daisy Chang, The Apothecary, The Good Home, Basalt, The Corner, Rombus and the Indian Kitchen are all close by and offer different food experiences.  Uxbridge Arts and Culture have exhibitions of local art works as well as live shows by local artists.  Te Tuhi, our contemporary art facility in Pakuranga, hosts exhibitions, and Green Gables, an art gallery displays a wide array of paintings done by local artists, is in Howick.  Howick’s Mountain Country and NZ Knit factory and shop produces and sells high quality merino and possum knitwear for a special gift

Visit Hawthorn Dene Historic Country Café in Botany, the unique vegan experience at the Fo Guang Shan Water Drop Teahouse (within the confines of the inspiring Buddhist Temple) or dog friend Ormiston Café.

The Clevedon Farmers Market is on Sundays.  This large market is very popular and has plenty of food and produce to purchase, as well as stalls where you can enjoy a bite. 

Night food markets are popular, on a Wednesday at Botany Town Centre and a Saturday night at Pakuranga on Reeves Road.  Also locally at Pakuranga Plaza is the Porterhouse Grill.  Grangers is well located at the Half Moon Bay Marina where you can enjoy a cold drink or meal while watching the yachts, and is handy for the city ferry.  Gorkha Nepalese Restaurant offers something a little different, situated on Eastern Beach, and gives a whole new taste of local.  Bucklands Beach has Bucks Bistro and Zabr’one  to satisfy all tastes and with incredible water views.

If you are heading out towards East Tamaki 9 Bowls provides an interesting take of traditional Asian food, and The Brook as well as Fisher House.  Botany Town Centre offers great shopping and eating, with Good Bros well appointed and centrally located. Whitford’s The Stables, is well situated in the centre of the village.  Visit Whitford Merchants for a wide array of local and international food and drink – great for a special occasion or a gift.  Enjoy an hour or so at Pine Harbour’s Pepperjacks, visit Rydges Formosa Golf Resort for stunning views and a meal in their dining room, or a more casual pub experience at The Franklin in Beachlands.   Beachlands also has its own chocolatier, Brookwood Chocolates, but phone first to check they are open.

Driving to Clevedon is very scenic with productive farmland and exclusive residences along the way. In Clevedon Village visit Clevedon Creatives, an artists collective gallery and shop where you can purchase a fantastic gift.   Hallertau Brewery is also in Clevedon, and here you can enjoy a meal while sampling their craft beers.  Looking for a a stunning indoor plant for your home then pop into Prickly Pots – this delightful shop has a great range of plants and accessories.  Heading towards Hunua is Vin Alto.  Brookby Barn in nearby Brookby is a treat to visit, with farm animals for the kids, a lovely cafe and giftshop.