AUCKLAND ICON

Peter Gordon found fame in London as the king of fusion cuisine. Back in Aotearoa after 31 years away, the chef of Maori descent and his partner Alastair Carruthers set up ‘food embassy’ Homeland.

TAMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND is the largest city in the country, on the most beautiful harbour, inhabited by Maori, Pasifika, Pakeha, Chinese and many other cultures. Our hospitality and arts scenes are as innovative and wide-ranging as any major global city. The weather is fabulous, life is cruisy, and we love visitors.

When you arrive, head to the top of Maungawhau (Mount Eden), where you’ll get to see many of the 53 volcanic cones and 15 islands in the Hauraki Gulf. It’s a great way to get a sense of the city – which is vast.

We’re surrounded by water, so I’d suggest you search out our fabulous kingfish, hapuku or snapper.

Our best restaurants will also likely feature paua (black abalone), kina (sea urchin) and crayfish.

I live in Wynyard Quarter in central Auckland and would love to give a shout out to walkable locals: Hello Beasty (a modern Asian-fusion restaurant on Viaduct Harbour – try the homemade tofu), Ahi (elegant New Zealand produce in a gorgeous room facing Waitemata Harbour), Mr Morris in Britomart (anything with paua is a must-have from the talented Michael Meredith), The Poni Room in Commercial Bay (for oysters, clams and sashimi deliciousness, as well as a rosé-focused wine list) and, in Wynyard Quarter, Thai Street (which does a fabulous crispy pork hock with spiced apple salad) and Besos Latinos, for the best margaritas in Auckland.

While you’re visiting, I recommend a walk along Karangahape Road (K’ Road) in the CBD for art, food and queer culture. Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki for an insight into New Zealand culture. Eat dumplings on Dominion Road, and watch a show at the Auckland Theatre Company or at Q Theatre.

Swim at the steps next to the Park Hyatt Auckland, drive west to our beaches at Piha and Muriwai or soak in the sun at Takapuna on the North Shore.

You can buy the best produce at Avondale Sunday Market, Grey Lynn Farmers Market and Otara Markets. And take the 35-minute ferry to Waiheke Island – eat at one of the vineyard restaurants and, obviously, drink some wine and buy some more to take back home.