Intel from Auckland, New Zealand: Indagare Ambassador Jim Klaus

Indagare Ambassador Jim Klaus shares favorite finds and travel intel from his recent trip to Auckland, New Zealand:

We chose Auckland for our after-Christmas getaway for the hiking, the biking and the weather. Overall, I thought that Auckland was a bit underrated. The hotels and restaurants were very fine, and the two museums we went to were excellent. There are also some beautiful city parks that are nice to explore. We did not experience much culture shock despite being on the other side of the world—If you blinked, you might think you were in Portland or San Diego.

The Park Hyatt is two blocks from the Sofitel but is slightly better located, as it is farther out on the pier surrounded by the marina and the sailing boats. The rooms have better views than the Sofitel, and the restaurant and lounge are better located, so you can sit outside with gorgeous views of the marina and the city skyline.

Two excellent restaurants we loved: Ahi and Mr. Morris. Both had very fine locally sourced tasting menus and chic, lively interiors. The chef at Ahi has a television show called "New Zealand Food Story” that you can find on the entertainment systems on Air New Zealand flights. He’s a cross between Anthony Bourdain and Bear Grylls, and the show is well produced and a joy to watch, showing him as he meets the producers of the ingredients for his restaurant. The show really emphasizes the strong farming history of New Zealand, from lambs to eels to wallaby. We recognized many of the chefs in the kitchen from the show!

The museums in Auckland are definitely worth a visit. The Auckland Art Gallery and the Auckland War Memorial were worth an hour or two each (the latter is more focused on the history of New Zealand, and also serves as a war memorial to the fallen in WWI and WWII). I think that Julian Robertson’s recent gift of 19th- and 20th-century art will only improve the Art Gallery’s reputation.

For sports fans or those with young travelers, the All Blacks Rugby Experience at the Sky Tower was much better than expected. It's a fun multimedia guided tour that teaches about the sport and the history of the team. It's great for a rainy morning, as it takes a couple of hours.

Favorite travel memory from this trip?

Just enjoying the beautiful weather at breakfast with the view of the boats and the skyline. Also, sitting at the counter at Ahi, watching the chefs work and discussing the dishes with them.

What was the weather like? What should you wear?

The weather was lovely—with highs in the 70s (Fahrenheit), maybe getting to the low 80s at the highest. At night, it was probably in the 60s, and you might need a sweater or light jacket. It's a casual city, so sport coats or dresses were not mandatory.

What were you happy to have in your carry on?

Bring clothing for changes in the weather—Auckland is not like Australia, and the weather changed from minute to minute! Even though it was summer, it felt more like spring in New York City.

What inspired you most on this trip?

Learning about the farming culture of New Zealand and how it influences the restaurant menus in Auckland and around the country. You will never think about lamb the same way again!

Where to next?

A visit to New York City and the new outpost of The Ranch in the Hudson Valley.