As the founder of luxurious and functional stationary company An Organised Life, Beck Wadworth lives between Auckland and Sydney. This New Zealander is known for stylish tips and tricks on how to organise your life from your wardrobe to workspace, and as a go-to travel connoisseur via her thriving social profile. Naturally, X-Files had to ask Beck all about her current urban hometown - Auckland.
Select your favourite luxury stays in and around Auckland?
Sofitel - located in Auckland Viaduct Harbour, this hotel has the best of everything when visiting Auckland. Views of the water, beautiful rooms and a great location - set walking distance from the city centre but in a quiet, relaxed spot.
Mudbrick Winery and Vineyard - if you want to spend a night or two away from the city while you are in Auckland, Mudbrick on Waiheke Island is the place to go to escape for some R&R.
Amano - Courtesy of Beck Wadworth
What are the top dining locations in Auckland?
Amano - set in the hustle and bustle of the cities Britomart - it’s become a very popular restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a seasonal menu that is sure to tempt your palate (if you don’t book expect wait times of up to an hour for dinner). My go-to is always the Burrata and their pasta dishes.
Annabel's - my favourite wine bar that I love for a Friday night wine and cheese platter with the girls! It’s small but special.
Azabu - the best Japanese - full stop! Perfect for sharing with a group - I love the Eggplant bun.
Rosies - my local that I visit every single morning for a latte and sometimes a cheeky green smoothie or croissant - this spot is incredible for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Set in Parnell the menu changes frequently and I’m always impressed by every dish I try.
Orphans Kitchen - smaller establishments can often hide the greatest treasures, and Orphans Kitchen is one of them. A great spot for breakfast - their crumpet is a winner.
Prego - founded in 1986, Prego is a longtime eatery serving traditional & contemporary Italian dishes in a lively, laid-back atmosphere. An absolute favourite of mine.
Courtesy of Beck Wadworth
What makes Auckland special?
The city of sails has the best of everything - it has the hustle and bustle of the city, the beautiful landscape, the beaches and views and the great food and wine! What more could I want?! I also love that it’s nice and relaxed.
What is your must-do in Auckland?
My favourite thing to do in Auckland is take the ferry over to beautiful Waiheke Island for a day or a weekend. Spend a day in the sun and make the most of all the incredible Wineries Waiheke has to offer. Mudbrick is a favourite for a cheese platter and a view of Auckland city and Tantalus is on my to-do list for my next trip over.
Mudbrick Waiheke Island - Courtesy of Beck Wadworth
The most special vantage points for people-watching and taking in the city?
Mudbrick Waiheke Island - for views of the whole city from a distance while enjoying a glass of wine.
SPQR - an Auckland institution, SPQR is known for its outdoor seating that looks onto Ponsonby Road! Perfect for a cocktail and people watching.
Ostro - founded by iconic NZ Chef Josh Emett, Ostro is an incredible restaurant that is sleek, and modern offering inventive NZ cuisine, cocktails and panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour.
Hello Beasty - new on the scene, Hello Beasty has taken up a spot on the iconic Auckland Waterfront in the viaduct harbour. Serving up contemporary cuisine inspired by regions of Japan, Korea and China - my pick: the KFC Korean fried cauliflower. Great for people watching too.
Courtesy of Beck Wadworth
The best immersive cultural experience?
I also love visiting the Auckland Museum - the building is incredible inside and out.
Your little black book for:
Spa or luxury retreat - The Facialist.
M11 for Hair and Pop Nails for manicure.
Wild Pilates for a tranquil Reformer Pilates experience.
An insider’s hidden gem - Caretaker Cocktail bar is a hidden underground bar in Britomart, put your name down at Amano (there is always a long wait) and head to the Caretaker for a cocktail first.
Kinloch Manor - Courtesy of Beck Wadworth
Can you share an insights about any effortless and neighbouring local trips?
In May, we ventured 3.5 hours south of Auckland for a weekend away at Kinloch Manor. The luxury cabin style villas that look out over their 18 hole golf-course, picturesque trees and of course Lake Taupo. It was the perfect place for some R&R and we fell in love with the place. They were world-class with their hospitality, the location, interiors, food and attention to detail. Highlights included the breathtaking views, cosy suites with fire places and of course the evening aperitifs followed by a multi course estate-to-plate dinner.
Kinloch Manor - Courtesy of Beck Wadworth
How long should one stay in Auckland, and how do you recommend pairing a trip to New Zealand?
I think 2-3 days in Auckland is plenty - enjoy the amazing food in the city, explore and visit Waiheke Island, then get out of the city and fly to the South Island (where I grew up) to experience the raw countryside we are known for here.
My favourite destinations for some R&R in the country:
Marlborough and The Marlborough Sounds (My hometown and wine country!)
Queenstown and Wanaka.
Or if you want to stay in the North Island you could visit The Mt, Hawkes Bay or next level luxury at Kinloch Manor in Taupo.
Now that you are NZ ready, spy our packing list below or see more from @beckwadworth via her personal profile, or spy her newest Instagram addition @MyOrganisedTravels — where she shares recommendations for beautiful destinations around the globe.