Welcome to The Detour: Your food and travel guide to the best flavours, hidden haunts, insider tips and unforgettable new experiences that reward those who wander off course.

I’d never been to Auckland.

In fact, I’d never been to New Zealanddespite the short hop across the Tasman from Sydney. Like so many Australians, my imagination had always been captured by the South Island: mirror-still lakes, rugged peaks and road trips.

I was not prepared for Auckland to be the first New Zealand city to steal my heart.

to و the و been – تفاصيل مهمة

The City of Sails has it all: waterfront espresso bars, volcanic lookout points, island wineries, hidden oyster shacks and late-night brasseries.

It feels both local and effortlessly cosmopolitan… and perhaps that balance is its magic. It’s much like Sydney. It even has its own Wynyard, Harbour Bridge, and giant tower (SkyCity) in the heart of town.

It’s no surprise that Qantas chose Auckland as the destination for the first international flight out of Adelaide in 12 years.

The new route will operate four times a week until May 2026, opening a new pathway for South Australians heading east – including those bound for New York, who can now make it in just 21 hours.

and و in و the – تفاصيل مهمة

South Australia’s Tourism Minister, Zoe Bettison MP, called the launch a milestone for the state. New Zealand is now South Australia’s fourth-largest tourism market and it’s growing rapidly, up 42 percent in the last year alone.

the و is و and – تفاصيل مهمة

I was onboard that inaugural flight, and within minutes of touching down the hype made perfect sense.

Auckland is a destination that works year-round. Its mild climate makes every season appealing: long beach days in summer, winery wanders in autumn, winter festivals and spring hikes.

The dining scene is reason enough to visit (it’s one of four New Zealand cities being considered by Michelin Guide inspectors right now) and while I barely scratched the surface, three spots rose to the top:

Gilt brasserie

is و in و and – تفاصيل مهمة

Tucked inside the heritage Chancery Chambers building, Gilt is chef Josh Emett’s ode to European classics done properly. Standouts include the grilled tiger prawns soaked in nduja butter and braised beef cheeks so soft they barely need a fork. It’s polished but warm – the kind of place where locals linger well past last orders.

Daphnes Bar Taverna

Mediterranean in spirit, refined in execution. Opened by husband-and-wife duo Joost and Clare van den Berg after travels in Greece, it’s a place of shared plates, fire and roaring laughter. Get the focaccia with burnt butter, the wood-fired fish with buttermilk and pine nuts, and the lamb with buffalo yoghurt. Truly yum.

Shucker Brothers

This is a tiny seafood bar by the ferry wharf that punches far above its size. I was tipped off by a local on Waiheke Island ( on that later) and I’m glad I listened. The oysters are some of the freshest I’ve had anywhere – briny, sweet, perfect. As were the scallops – I still think about them.

A day north: Matakana and Brick Bay

the و I و a – تفاصيل مهمة

An hour north of Auckland is Matakana Village, home to a much-loved Saturday market that draws loyal locals and in-the-know travellers.

I visited with Ceillhe Sperath, owner of TIME Unlimitedwhose celebrity-beloved team has the rare mix of deep regional knowledge and an ability to read exactly what kind of trip you’re in the mood for.

The markets are a sensory delight: small-batch hot sauceshandmade dark chocolate from Honest Chocolatboutique olive oils, fresh produce from nearby farms, linen, pottery, florals. It’s the type of place where you promise yourself you’ll browse, then walk out with three (or seven) bags.

A short drive away is the breathtaking Brick Bay estate where wine tasting and a long lunch at The Glass House are followed by a meander along a sculpture trail in the native forest. It’s grounding and delicious.

the و of و a – تفاصيل مهمة

A world away: Waiheke Island

the و of و and – تفاصيل مهمة

Then there’s Waiheke Island – just 45 minutes by ferry from Auckland city and somehow an entirely different universe – perhaps it’s to do with the fact it has its very own micro-climate.

As you arrive you’re met with vineyard hillsides sloping towards the sea, olive groves and sapphire beaches brimming with sea and birdlife.

With the guidance of AnandaI was able to see far in six hours than I would have alone:

EcoZip Adventuresfor a sweeping (and seriously fun) aerial view of the island, gliding through treetops onthreegiant flying foxes before a shaded rainforest walk beneath the thousand-year-old canopies.

the و with و and – تفاصيل مهمة

Allpress Olive Groveswhere I tasted estate-grown olive oil so flavour-packed and pure I snapped up several bottles (and the best herb spread I’ve ever tasted!).

the و and و with – تفاصيل مهمة

Tantalus Estatemy standout, where wine-fuelled long lunches spill into the late afternoon and dishes are plated like artworks (do not skip the Ora King salmon).

Whiskey Waterfor playful tastings, fresh garden air, and a reminder that you don’t need to love whiskey to enjoy a great distillery.

If you only have one free day in Auckland, spend it here. If you can stretch to two or three, do it. The accommodation options are gorgeous.

PSA: Adelaide’s new lounge is setting the standard

Before departure from Adelaide, I visited the new Qantas Business Lounge at the airport.

the و I و a – تفاصيل مهمة

I don’t usually include lounge reviews here, but this one earns it. It’s quite frankly the most beautiful I’ve seen.

It’s contemporary, calm, slick, thoughtfully designed and genuinely comfortable.

Market Kitchen serves food with personality instead of stereotypical airport neutrality and there are proper charging points, warm lighting, lush bathrooms and a stacked, moody bar.

It sets the standard for what airport lounges should feel like – considered, local and quietly luxurious.

and و airport و It’s – تفاصيل مهمة

All in all I landed in Auckland with no expectations and left totally converted with plans to return pronto.

If it’s been hovering on your travel list, move it to the top.