New Auckland eatery aims to offer authentic experience

A new hotel restaurant in midtown Auckland is aiming to reflect "the flavours, landscapes and ingredients of Aotearoa".

Radisson RED Auckland has just opened 33 South with a stated aim to showcase local flavours, creativity and hospitality of Aotearoa to the heart of midtown in Auckland.

Located in the lobby level, 33 South is described as a contemporary restaurant inspired by New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, rich produce, and vibrant food culture.

With a menu drawing on seasonal ingredients sourced from across the country, it can cater for casual breakfast catch-ups, working lunches, after-work drinks, celebrations and dinners.

The restaurant is led by Fijian-born chef Mo Arun (below), whose three decades of culinary experience across New Zealand and the Pacific have shaped the food choices.



Items showcased include Southland wild venison and Canterbury pork, as well as sustainably sourced seafood and native herbs including horopito and kawakawa.

An extensive selection of New Zealand wines is promised, along with creative cocktails with a distinctly Kiwi twist, crafted using premium New Zealand spirits from Scapegrace, Cardrona Distillery and Pōkeno Whisky, alongside ingredients such as mānuka honey, feijoa, kiwifruit and locally sourced botanicals.

“We wanted to create a menu that celebrates the exceptional local ingredients we have across Aotearoa and combine them with the influences from across the Pacific to create dishes that are bold, seasonal and full of character. It’s a celebration of Aotearoa’s food story,” said Arun.

You can visit the website HERE or book a table HERE

 

New-build hotel for Auckland CBD

If you like your hotels “playful and dynamic” the Radisson group is to introduce its Radisson RED brand to Auckland, New Zealand, next year. 

Located in the heart of Queen Street, the purpose-built 322-key Radisson RED Auckland will “offer a modern lifestyle experience to its guests and add an eclectic ambiance to Auckland”. 

There is fair bit of hype and swagger about the release, which says: “Radisson RED offers stylish spaces with standout designs where guests can feel inspired, engaged and connected to the heart of the destination. The new launch draws inspiration from Aotea's surrounding arts and entertainment venues, creating social spaces designed for guests to unwind and relax in the informal and inviting hotel environment.”

Since the reopening of the country's international borders in August 2022, New Zealand's tourism industry has enjoyed robust growth, with 2.96 million overseas visitor arrivals in the year ending December 2023, up by 1.52 million from the previous year. 

The new property is owned by Stonewood Group, a prominent local developer. 

"We are thrilled to establish our relationship with Stonewood Group and introduce New Zealand's largest leased project with the 322-key Radisson RED Auckland,” said Lachlan Hoswell, regional MD for Radisson. 

“With its distinctive design, vibrant atmosphere, and the versatility to effortlessly transition between work and play, Radisson RED is an ideal match for Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most populous city. Auckland is fast becoming one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations renowned for its multiculturalism and culinary influences, making it an ideal and thriving market to launch the Radisson RED brand." 

Guests will be able to choose from room styles varying from standard rooms to two-bedroom suites, and enjoy access to an all-day dining restaurant, a wellness facility as well as four function rooms for meetings and events.

The hotel will form an integral component of a mixed-use commercial development, incorporating dining establishments including a rooftop restaurant, and retail outlets.