The Best Food Art And Culture In Auckland

Surrounded by volcanoes, islands and forests, this metropolitan city in the North Island of New Zealand is known for its nature and outdoors. But it also has a wealth of food, art and culture on offer. With a different food market open every night and free films in the park every weekend, you will never need to go indoors. Here’s our pick of the best.

1. Silo Park

Park

A true inner-city oasis, Silo Park is a friendly community hub for Auckland residents. Home to the Silo Bar, this waterfront park is a wonderful green space that’s open to the public every day, as well as regularly holding events over the year. Within Silo Park sits one of Auckland’s favourite cinemas. The outdoor cinema has a regular programme of new releases and old films, and you’ll also find food trucks and local DJs, who play late into the evening at weekends. The cinema is free and visitors can arrive from 5pm to get a drink and bite before the film starts.

2. La Cigale French Market

Bistro, Cafe, Market, French

La Cigale French Market in Auckland, New Zealand

A cafe, bistro, shop and market all in one, La Cigale French Market is a weekend must-visit for any foodie. Open every Saturday from 8am to 1.30pm, and Sunday from 9am to 1.30pm, the market takes its inspiration from France. Here you will find everything from andouillettes to escargots, as well as some classy champagne. A feature is the long communal tables that run between the stalls, where you can take a seat to enjoy a pain au chocolat and coffee, or red wine and cheese plate, depending on the time of day.

4. Auckland Night Market

Market

Based over seven different locations in the city, Auckland’s night markets have become extremely popular evening events for locals. Free to enter, they offer a range of world cuisines that change from month to month, as well as regular on-stage music performances, local buskers, magicians and dance troupes. The Auckland Night Market currently has locations running throughout the week in Sylvia Park, Mt Wellington, Botany Town Centre under Hoyts, Henderson under Kmart, Papatoetoe under Kmart, Birkenhead and Pakuranga under the Warehouse. Arrive early to avoid queues.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.