An expert expat’s guide to Auckland, home to the world’s biggest Snakes & Ladders
The expat
Nick Sautner moved to Auckland from Australia seven years ago with his wife, Eliza, two young daughters, Anastasia and Amelia, and their schnauzer, Heidi. “Eliza and I had both spent time in Perth before moving here, so it was important to us that our family grow up in a seaside town,” says Nick. As the incoming CEO of New Zealand’s national stadium, Eden Park, he was keen to avoid a long commute, so the family chose the suburb of St Heliers as their new home.
Eden Park stadium, Auckland.Credit: Alamy
See
Auckland is such a vibrant city. We love going to Auckland Zoo, Auckland Art Gallery/ Toi o Tāmaki and, of course, Eden Park stadium. It’s no longer just a rugby and cricket venue – over the past year Eden Park has hosted five concerts including band SIX60 (local Kiwi favourites) and Ed Sheeran, we’ve delivered Te Matatini Maori performing arts festival and we’re about to host our third Women’s World Cup event.
Auckland will be the host city for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and as New Zealand’s host stadium, Eden Park will host nine international matches, fifa.com. If you’re visiting on non-event days, take a Sky Sport Rooftop tour, stay at our Staydium Glamping or a venue tour. The world’s largest Snakes & Ladders is currently being installed, featuring 20 kids’ slides. My girls can’t wait to give them a try, edenpark.co.nz
Nick Sautner - moved to Auckland with his family seven years ago.
Do
The Coast to Coast Walkway starts at Downtown Auckland, then makes its way to the Domain, where you must stop to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum; the building itself is incredible and holds so much history, aucklandmuseum.com. Head across the fringes of Newmarket for a spot of shopping or lunch, then onto Maungawhau/Mount Eden, one of Auckland’s famous dormant volcanic cones, where you can visit the summit for 360 degree views of the city and Waitemata Harbour. Keep following the path to beautiful Cornwall Park, then on to summit Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill. Finally, the walk will take you through Royal Oak and towards the Manukau Harbour – you’ve officially walked from one coast of Auckland to the other, aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Eat
I’m a creature of habit and once I find a spot I love, I’m loyal to that place forever. For a work lunch meeting, Kingsland Social’s relaxed atmosphere and amazing fried chicken burgers keep me coming back. The restaurant’s owners, Phil and Marine, are the most genuine people too – always keen for a chat, and they always remember my order. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth (usually) but for the odd afternoon pick-me-up, I have been known to call past Bluebell’s. Their cupcakes, macaroons and sweet treats are heavenly; my must-eat is the vanilla cupcake, kingsland.social, bluebellscakery.com
Drink
I’m a non-drinker, so you’ll find me in a cafe where my usual order, no matter what the time of the day, is a large cappuccino. St Heliers Bay Bistro has beach views that make you feel like you’re on vacation, stheliersbaybistro.co.nz
Avoid
Auckland traffic. Where possible, try not to get stuck going from one end of Auckland to the other at peak times. On a more serious note, Aotearoa New Zealand is a nation steeped in Maori culture and history, so it’s important to show respect for culture, nature and communities while you’re visiting.
Thrive
With so much nature to be enjoyed, staying well in Auckland is really as simple as stepping out your front door. Small acts like a swim at the beach, a picnic on a local peak or a walk in the park can do wonders for your physical and mental health. My other tip for staying well is staying connected. Auckland has thriving communities, and it always brings me such joy to meet some of the wonderful people who live, work and play in our beautiful city.
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