Kris Mosch, Senior Concierge here at The Grand by SkyCity, shares his top tips for visiting Auckland.

What little-known spots in and around Auckland are worth a visit?
I would hop on a quick ferry ride to Devonport, It's a charming spot just across the harbour from downtown Auckland. Not only does it have several delightful places for coffee, but a trek up Mt. Victoria is a must. From the top, you'll be treated to stunning views of Rangitoto Island (Auckland’s youngest volcano) and beyond. Feeling romantic? This is the perfect place to watch the sunset behind Auckland city before you head back to explore the vibrant nightlife.

What is your favourite thing to do in Auckland?
I absolutely love exploring different places around Auckland and finding a cosy spot to sit and watch the world go by. It’s a great way to soak in the city’s vibe and its diverse population. Central Auckland has some fantastic spots for this: try the Viaduct or Wynyard Quarter, both bustling with restaurants, bars, and eateries. Another gem is Mission Bay, where the promenade is lined with eateries, and on sunny days, Selwyn Reserve buzzes with families and various activities.

Where can I get the best coffee?
While I'm not much of a coffee drinker, I do have a sweet tooth! For a dessert haven, head to Miann in the Britomart precinct. This place is a dessert lover’s paradise, featuring a Hot Chocolate menu with bespoke blends. They even have their exclusive Valrhona hot chocolate. Whether you indulge in-store or take some goodies home, your tastebuds will be in for a treat.

Describe the perfect day in Auckland for a first-time visitor?
To make the most of your day in Auckland, start with a morning trip to Piha on the West Coast, about a 45-minute drive through the scenic Waitakere Ranges. Stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre for info and breath-taking views. Once at Piha, enjoy a stroll along the black sand beach with the sound of the surf, while there I would recommend taking a short hike to Kitekite Falls. On your way back, head to Kumeu, Auckland’s oldest winegrowing area, and stop at the historic Riverhead Pub for lunch. Returning to the city over the Harbour Bridge, you can opt for some retail therapy or a visit to the Auckland Museum to explore the Māori collection. In the late afternoon, hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting and dinner at one of the exquisite wineries. Enjoy the sunset over the water as you sail back to the sparkling city lights.

Which location within a 2-hour drive from The Grand is worth the trip?
A bit of a longer drive, but totally worth it, is Coromandel Township, about 2.5 hours from Auckland. The journey south takes you through picturesque farmland towards Thames, and from there, the coastal road offers scenic views, holiday settlements and views of mussel farms in the Firth of Thames. Coromandel Township, a quaint old gold town, feels like a step back in time. Don’t miss the Driving Creek Railway, a hand-made railway that zigzags up the hill to the Eyefull Tower, where you’ll be rewarded with breath taking views on a clear day back towards Auckland.

Which restaurants are popular at the moment?
One of my other favourite restaurants in the SkyCity precinct is MASU by Nic Watt were the full flavours of Japan come to live in the form of a Robata restaurant offering dishes from Sushi to skewers prepared over an open charcoal grill. Whenever I go, I tend to order from the small dish menu as you get to experience a variety of dishes which you can share with your companions and go on a journey of flavour discoveries together and choose your favourites (mine is the soft shelled crab) for next time as you are sure to return.

If you are wanting to go a little away from the precinct but still within the central city, why not try Onslow by Josh Emett just a short taxi ride (avoid walking up the steep hill) from the hotel but still within the CBD. Onslow offers a refined dining experience (not fine dining) with a focus on the very best from local farmers in a sophisticated and warm ambiance. If available, I would ask for a window table with its view back towards the Sky Tower but regardless of where you sit the team at Onslow will take care of you with impeccable service and knowledge.