The centre of Auckland is undoubtedly the best place to grab something quick during the day with dozens of places geared up to cope with the lunchtime press of office workers and bank staff. Among the most popular are the food halls , seating plazas surrounded by numerous vendors, often tucked away in the basements of the shopping arcades which spur off Queen Street. For a broad choice and a bustling atmosphere, check out the ones under the BNZ Tower at 125 Queen St; Centre at 280 Queen St, the Atrium on Elliot Street, or the Downtown Shopping Centre at the foot of Queen Street. There's a stronger Asian influence in the spartan and spotless Food Alley, 9 Albert St, with Indonesian, Thai, Chinese and Indian offerings; and all manner of stuff at Victoria Park Market in Freeman's Bay. K' Road is less influenced by the daytime crowds and its selection of quirky places can be lively at any hour.

In the evening, parts of the city can feel pretty dead, but if you know where to look - High Street and Lorne Street are both good hunting grounds - there are plenty of places to eat. Nowhere are the restaurants so densely packed as around the America's Cup Village - essentially Viaduct Basin and Princes Wharf - where virtually all the waterside spots are occupied. The restaurants are out to impress just as much as the clientele, though this isn't reflected in the prices which are a dollar or two above the city average.