When travel envy is keeping you glued to your Instagram feed, it’s easy to forget just how much there is to discover in your own backyard. Luckily, Auckland is the city that keeps on giving—with a plethora of fine diners, stepped-up wine bars and chilled-out cafes popping up across the city.
Need a hand navigating your local eats? We’ve teamed up with BNZ to ask local chef Kia Kanuta to share his holy grail locations. Made possible with the Flexi Debit Visa, an easy-to-use everyday banking card that provides you convenient access to your accounts and money so you can get on with the enjoyable things in life.
Morning Break In Birkdale
On Verrans corner you’ll find The Tearooms Cafe & Eatery, a sun-soaked cafe that’s fast becoming a morning staple in the community. Once Birkdale’s local town hall, the space is kitted out with stained glass windows and intricate eaves—a homage to their 19th century roots.
Supporting local spaces is an everyday thing for Kia. You can’t beat finding a spot that remembers your name and watches your kids grow up. Catch him on his morning stroll to The Tearooms where an espresso to start and a latte to finish is tradition. Math hack: BNZ’s Flexi Debit Visa has no annual card fee so go ahead, grab that sweet treat. The vegan Snickers bar is a must.
Carbo Load On K Road
We’re heading over the bridge to cult favourite Lim Chhour Food Court. Inside this unassuming space is Swordsman Chinese Cuisine where you’ll find a menu of affordable, no-frills, authentic dishes. Chef Ben’s intensely flavourful affair is right at home on a strip as vibrant as K Road.
Have a catch-up with mates or need to grab a quick lunch? You’ll want to remember number 33, this is the Sichuan noodles and Kia’s go-to dish that perfectly balances taste, texture and bang for your buck. You’re in a safe space, if the spice isn’t for you, burgers or even sushi are just a few stalls over.
At the checkout and frantically patting every pocket for your wallet? Until you’re reunited with your card, you can place a temporary block on your Flexi Debit Visa straight from the app while still being able to use mobile payments. Remember to keep an eye out for unfamiliar transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity on your account, notify BNZ immediately.
Indigenous Indulgence In Grey Lynn
A mean feed has never been hard to find at Ada Restaurant but this year they entered a new era—elevated kai with a side of invention that champions local, Māori ingredients. Inspired by Head Chef Kia Kanuta’s own childhood, taste his craftsmanship projected onto every plate.
Peer into the kitchen and see that seafood doesn’t just sing, it is orchestral on this menu. The Ika Mata is Kia’s delicate and silky take on raw fish, a staple at any celebration or gathering in Māori culture. The dish he’s most proud of and one you’ll struggle to share is the squid ink spaghetti in Pāua cream with cockles and nduja oil.
Prep your palate for a smorgasbord of experiences—new flavours, new ingredients, new locations all together. Venture out and discover your Aotearoa. The BNZ Flexi Debit Visa card makes spending on what you want convenient. Find out more about its features and benefits here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with BNZ. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
BNZ Standard T&Cs apply. Mobile payments available only on a compatible device and operating system. Accepted anywhere you can make contactless payments. If your card is lost or stolen, please notify BNZ immediately.
Images: Urban List.