A curated escape by the Auckland Society of Discovery

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is, in many ways, the perfect backdrop for a Wes Anderson–style escape: colourful neighbourhoods, whimsical contrasts, and stories stitched together like carefully framed vignettes.
 

Arrival with a story

Matilda begins at Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel, where Māori design and storytelling flow from the lobby to the details of each room. The architecture nods to the Tainui waka’s arrival at Manukau Harbour centuries ago, with niho taniwha motifs woven into timber, stone and fabric.

At Kuriri Café & Eatery, she enjoys the perfect coffee, before dinner at Te Kāhu, the hotel’s main restaurant and bar. Later, in her room, she uncorks a glass of Ironclad from Man O’ War - Auckland’s first whispered story in wine.
 

 

Harbour city, modern edge

Checking into M Social on Auckland’s waterfront, Matilda is met by sweeping harbour views and a robot butler named H.A.R.I. Commercial Bay is just around the corner, where New Zealand brands shine: Superette curates contemporary style, Storm pairs edge with elegance, I Love Ugly evolved from zine to streetwear icon, Elle & Riley elevates cashmere, and Flo & Frankie layers fashion and homeware with purpose.

In Britomart, Theodore browses heritage-infused Kiri Nathan designs, journals from Wonder Journal, and sculptural leather from Deadly Ponies. At Amano, Italian flavours meet New Zealand produce in one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.
 

Art, history and living culture

Theodore lingers at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki among The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity, while the building’s award-winning architecture frames light and kauri with grace. Coincidently both he and Matilda visited Auckland Museum, where taonga Māori and Pacific collections speak of voyaging and identity.

Outside, the Cenotaph and Court of Honour memorials stand as solemn reminders, framed by the museum’s neoclassical façade atop Pukekawa, Auckland Domain’s historic hill.
 

 

Dining, day and night

At Origine in Commercial Bay, Matilda ordered oysters and duck liver parfait with Waiheke wine. By chance, Theodore was seated next to her, turning a solo supper into conversation. At Depot Eatery, the fish sliders live up to their Iconic Auckland Eats status, while the SkyCity precinct hums with bars, theatres and restaurants late into the night.

An Auckland itinerary is never complete without sampling flavours that reflect the city’s diversity.
 

Waiheke interlude

The next day, Waiheke Island calls. Fullers360 ferries make the crossing seamless.

They join Waiheke Wine Tours, guided through vineyards with expert insight. At Mudbrick, seared scallops, Pure South sirloin and Robin’s Velvet 2024 wine are enjoyed among potager gardens, with the Hauraki Gulf spread below like a painted stage.
 

Evening perspectives

As night falls, the Sky Tower offers a map in lights: volcanic cones in formation, the Hauraki Gulf scattered with islands, the Harbour Bridge arching across the harbour.

From above, Auckland feels golden, precise, and quietly romantic. Perfectly cinematic, it is the kind of scene that frames an Auckland short break in memory long after you’ve left.
 

Your chance to win

Inspired? You could experience your own Auckland short break. The prize includes return flights for two from Australia, one night at the Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel, two nights at M Social Auckland, and Auckland Transport Hop cards pre-loaded with credit.

Auckland, as Matilda and Theodore discovered, is never just one story. It’s a city of many, curated escapes, unexpected footnotes, and more to come each time you return.