Auckland, New Zealand

I booked a trip to Auckland very last minute and I am so happy that I did. 

After arriving at the Sydney Airport and finding out our flight was canceled, booking a new one right then and finally landing in Auckland, I was starving! We checked into our hotel and walked around to find this super crowded Italian restaurant, Coco's Cantina. It was for sure one of the most popular local spots in Auckland and it was insanely delicious. 

Auckland is made up of a lot of islands that you get to by ferry and so on our first morning we walked around the city a little bit and ate at a locals recommendation, Odettes. 

It was so charming and the food was the perfect way to start the day. I would describe it as your typical Australian brunch. 

Our first ferry ride took us to Waiheke Island, which is known for wine. We took an all-day wine tour that consisted of a bus driving us to different wineries around the island (very stressful). This island itself was gorgeous, but also the wine was not bad especially after the nice buzz of the first few wineries. 

Driving throughout the island, it was breathtaking to see the beauty of somewhere I had never been. New Zealand for sure met my expectations. 

Each winery was unique, but this last one stuck close to my heart because it is one of the most desirable wedding venues in the country. If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for a beautiful wedding, however, this was unique because most brides make the venue down payment before their man puts a ring on it (LOL, priorities).

After the ferry ride back we went to White & Wong for dinner, which was another huge recommendation by locals that was delicious!

 The next day we walked along Wynyard Quarter where there are a wharf and beautiful yachts. We got a delicious pizza and drinks from one of the many restaurants lining the water. 

Our next ferry ride took us to Devonport which is one of the most charming places I have ever, ever seen! It was the definition of a small coastal town with the nicest people. 

 First, we got breakie at this adorable cafe on the main road. I know I overuse this word, but it was so so so CHARMING! It felt like I was at my grandmother's house enjoying a homecooked meal. In fact, I bought their cookbook as a souvenir because I never want to forget Corelli's.  

 We took a minivan tour of the island that took us to the top of Mount Victoria. Unlike LA, Auckland was so green! I am not a huge nature girl so the combination of city and greenery was just up my ally. The views from the top were beautiful, especially of the sky line. 

 We continued walking around the neighborhoods of Devonport and continued to find charming features that made is such a unique town. This included the renown Devonport Chocolate shop that I stocked up on! I may or may not have spent a lot, but I do not regret one calorie. 

I spent that night at a really cool bar called the Glass Goose where the ceiling was transparent, so we had a view of the Sky Tower above us. It was a popular spot that had a great vibe and a more relaxed going out vibe as apposed to what we were used to in Sydney.

To see how I ended my trip in Auckland, click here.