Coast Breakfast explores the food, culture and skyline highlights
Hong Kong is a city of contrasts, where towering skyscrapers fade into quaint fishing villages. A vibrant fusion of East-meets-West, this dynamic destination promises it all, from world-class shopping and street-food markets to culture, cuisine and nightlife.
The flight from Auckland is just a smidge over 11 hours, making it closer than many global holiday hotspots – but further than the Pacific Islands and Australia. So should Kiwis be heading to Asia’s World City?
The Coast Breakfast Crew says a resounding yes. Toni Street, Jase Reeves and Sam Wallace headed off on their Big Spender Adventure with the winner to see if Hong Kong is worth the hype.
From the bustling streets in Central to the laid-back fishing villages of Sai Kung, the crew quickly fell in love with how wildly different Hong Kong can feel from one neighbourhood to the next.
Sail the skyline
A must-do experience is the Aqua Luna harbour cruise, where you step aboard the iconic red-sail junk boat and take in panoramic views of the city from Victoria Harbour. The Coast Breakfast team joined the Harbour Discovery Tour, Hong Kong’s only “hop-on, hop-off” cruise.
“Getting out on the harbour really allows you to soak up the scale of the city with one of the highest concentrations of high-rises in the world,” said Wallace. “And definitely get out on the junk boats at night, when the buildings come alive with a light show. Sit back, have a beer or two and soak up the phenomenal sight.”
With convenient hourly circuits, you can disembark and reboard at your leisure, allowing you to explore the waterfront at your own pace. Other cruise experiences are available too, so you can pick whatever suits your style.
Eat, pray, love
Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise with its affordable Michelin-star dining and iconic Cantonese cuisine. Our crew was spoiled for choice, experiencing Bakehouse’s famous sourdough egg tarts, some of Sai Kung’s best seafood at Chuen Kee, and Ladies Street Sik Faan Co. for dai pai dong-style eats.
“My favourite spot was undoubtedly the Michelin-starred Man Wah‚” said Street. “The view over the harbour and the giant Christmas tree was breathtaking. The service was some of the best I’ve ever experienced and the Peking duck was unbelievably delicious.”
“The dim sum at Lin Heung Lau was like nothing I’ve tried,” said Wallace. “I also ate as much street food as I could – fish balls, octopus skewers, pig intestine, which was crunchy like pork crackling. I had a giant oyster in a chilli vinaigrette and finished the night with Sichuan pepper chicken and frog legs. I didn’t hold back, and I certainly didn’t regret it.”
Stay in style
Our crew stayed at the design-led Hotel Alexandra, known for its blend of contemporary charm and Victorian elegance – the jaw-dropping lobby alone is quite the statement. Located on the North Point waterfront, the hotel is a stone’s throw from MTR Fortress Hill Station and Causeway Bay shopping district, while the rooms offer views of the cityscape or Victoria Harbour.
“It was grand, it was golden and it was brilliant,” said Reeves. “It reminded me of a palace with its huge chandeliers hanging above the lobby and lining the hallways. The grand ballrooms were also decked in gold and the doors were all so ornate. It was stunning, and the staff were amazing.”
Shop the city
Whether you prefer markets or malls, there’s something for every kind of shopper. The Coast Breakfast team headed to K11 Musea, a 1.2-million-square-foot masterpiece of contemporary art, high-end stores, skyline views, conceptual cafes and even a rooftop park.
“It is undoubtedly the most beautiful mall I’ve ever been to,” said Street. “Even before we started shopping it was great to be there and soak in its beauty – it was like being in an art museum.”
They also checked out Citygate Outlets, Hong Kong’s leading outlet mall with over 150 premium brands, and Temple Street Night Market, a bustling hub for late-night dining and trinket shopping – perfect for souvenirs. Sai Kung also shouldn’t be overlooked with its boutique and artisan shops.
Hong Kong heights
One of Hong Kong’s most iconic attractions is the Big Buddha, a 34m bronze sculpture commanding the mountainous Ngong Ping area on Lantau Island. To get there, the crew took the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which boasts picturesque views over forested peaks. At the summit, the Coast team explored Po Lin Monastery and wandered through Ngong Ping Village, taking in the shops and the calm atmosphere around the plateau.
Wallace called the entire experience “the absolute highlight of the trip”, while Reeves said the serenity around Po Lin Monastery was his “favourite thing” about Hong Kong. “The Big Buddha was amazing – even getting there was amazing,” said Reeves. “Then the monastery blew me away. The temples were stunning, the statues phenomenal, and the whole place felt incredibly peaceful.”
House of Travel has created a bespoke tour package so you can recreate their journey. Enquire here about booking your Hong Kong Adventure Itinerary.