Cliff(y) Goes Dining

The vegetarian option turned out to be better! After spending four nights in Auckland, it was time to head back to Melbourne. Having already had the Business Class experience on our inbound flight, we flew in Economy Class on the return journey, flying abord a narrow-body Airbus 320 that included one full meal service that we partook in as a late lunch.

Meatless KFC: Korean Fried Cauliflower! Having had enjoyable modern Asian dishes at Chin Chin in Melbourne, Australia. I was keen to find a similar dining experience in Auckland, New Zealand. Eventually, my travel buddy and I stumbled upon Hello Beasty, which serves contemporary dishes that take culinary cues primarily from East Asia.

Such a hearty chicken and beef burger for lunch! Te Puia is one of Rotorua's must-visit attractions, renowned for its spectacular geothermal landscapes and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Before exploring everything the site had to offer, my travel buddy and I stopped for a quick lunch at Hiakai Café, a casual open-air courtyard eatery located within Te Puia itself.

Savouring seasonal flavours in the heart of Cornwall Park~ Located within the picturesque Cornwall Park is a café that offers the perfect excuse to slow down amid one of Auckland's most beloved green spaces.  Before exploring the park and eventually tackling the hike up One Tree Hill , my travel buddy and I decided to stop by for a quick lunch to fuel up.

Auckland's oldest continuously operating steakhouse! It's no secret that I love beef, so I definitely had to check out a legendary Auckland restaurant that's been around since 1963. Stepping inside the restaurant with more than six decades of history felt like taking a trip back in time. The warm timber furnishings, vintage décor and cosy lighting certainly give the restaurant an old-school charm.

Not so sensational, but good enough! Tucked away on Mount Street in the heart of the university precinct of Auckland, Sensational Chicken has built a loyal following among students and locals alike seeking an affordable and filling meal. With such a name, my expectations naturally ran high. While the menu also features burgers and the likes, my travel buddy and I only tried their fried chicken and waffle fries.

The most I’ve ever spent on McDonald’s anywhere in the world! It feels like it wasn't too long ago when I was watching the FIFA World Cup series, yet the tournament has already rolled around again in 2026. After catching a glimpse of one of the matches in downtown Vaduz, my travel buddy and I walked to Liechtenstein's only McDonald's outlet to satisfy our curiosity about the menu, and of course, how much a meal would cost us.

An oyster bar worth shell-ebrating at the historic Ferry Terminal! Occupying a cosy spot along the bustling waterfront of Auckland, The Shucker Brothers is a compact eatery that's quietly built a strong reputation among seafood lovers. My travel buddy and I sat outside on a wooden table, soaking up the afternoon sunshine as the gentle hum of the harbour created an effortlessly relaxing backdrop for lunch.

Those juicy  sautéed mushrooms put me in a 'fungi' good mood! Located right in the heart of the Central Business District, President Hotel Auckland (3*) was my hotel of choice for my inaugural trip to the city, and New Zealand as a whole. The breakfast spread offered at the hotel might be very limited, but having a selection of hot items to start the day certainly made the stay feel worthwhile.

"A Taste of Aotearoa" above the clouds! After experiencing Australia for the first time, it was time for a trans-Tasman hop from Melbourne to Auckland, New Zealand . For Business Class passengers, Air New Zealand is proud to offer contemporary cuisine with the spirit of manaakitanga , the Maori tradition of hospitality, using indigenous ingredients where possible.