Eat, Drink, Explore: Auckland

Eat

Hāngī is a traditional New Zealand Māori method of cooking where food, such as fish or sweet potato, is cooked in a pit oven dug underground, called an umu. Today, hāngī is still practiced for large groups on special occasions, where pork, lamb, potato, pumpkin, and cabbage are wrapped in mutton cloth, aluminum foil, or wire baskets before being placed in the umu. The food is left underground for three to four hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are infused with smoky, earthy flavors. Good food is central to the spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality) in traditional Māori culture, so sharing a feast from the centuries-old hāngī process should be experienced at least once during your time in New Zealand.

Drink

An iconic soft drink from New Zealand, Lemon & Paeroa (L&P) is a delicious lemony fizz made in Paeroa, New Zealand. Concocted from lemon and carbonated mineral water, this refreshing beverage boasts a distinct taste, which is both tangy and sweet, with a hint of natural lemon flavor and a fizzy effervescence. Since it was first created in 1907, New Zealanders have enjoyed L&P for generations, to the point that locals have a nostalgic appeal for the drink. L&P can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants across the country and is most popularly enjoyed on hot summer days due to its thirst-quenching effect. While in New Zealand, sample an L&P to discover firsthand why this beloved beverage is a culturally significant staple.

Explore

Are you a fan of the Lord of the Rings franchise? Less than two hours from Auckland, Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours is a must-visit destination. This significant location was used for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy, giving you the special opportunity to experience the real Middle-earth™ movie set for yourself. In the heart of New Zealand's Waikato region, you'll step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, journey past the colorful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, and arrive at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit's home. A fully guided tour takes around three hours from start to finish, so budget your free time accordingly to enjoy this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience!