Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau. A City I once called home

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau. New Zealand’s largest city and the gateway for most travellers. But beyond the postcards and travel brochures, what’s it really like? I know, because I lived there for 20 years. I’ve seen the city grow, from quiet suburbs to high-rise skylines, from local favourites to trending hotspots. You know? I still love the place!

Having spent two decades calling Auckland home, I know the places Google Maps won’t tell you about  – the backstreets with the best dumplings, the coastal walks that only locals frequent, and the neighbourhoods where the real culture lives. From Mission Bay to Muriwai, from the North Shore to the Waitākere Ranges, this guide goes beyond the basics to show you what makes Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau, truly special.