Rugby league great Ruben Wiki is an Aucklander to the core.
Raised in Otara, he played a then-world record 55 Tests for the Kiwis and a total of 311 NRL games for the Canberra Raiders and the Vodafone Warriors ( a record for a New Zealander in the competition).
He talks about his Auckland ahead of the 'Codes of Auckland' rugby league-rugby union double header at Eden Park on Saturday, March 21, when the Vodafone Warriors host Canberra in their first home game of the new NRL season while the Blues face the Brumbies in their Super Rugby encounter.
I know I’m in Auckland when I … see the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge has been an iconic landmark of Auckland’s skyline since 1959. Not only is it a quick and easy way to the beautiful beaches in the north, it is now a playground for tourists, too, offering bungy jumps and bridge walks. Also, Vector Lights on the Harbour Bridge is a fabulous light show that can’t be missed.
The best thing I've discovered in Auckland is... my wife.
When I want to show Auckland off to my friends from out of town I ... take them to SkyCity.
SkyCity offers world class entertainment complex in the heart of Auckland, with 20 bars and restaurants, 2 hotels, a casino, a theatre and the iconic Sky Tower.
When friends visit, where do you take them for dinner? To Lone Star, Botany.
For more than 30 years, Lone Star has provided New Zealander's with a taste of the old American West - along with some Kiwi classics too. With 26 restaurants across the country, it's easy to experience one of New Zealand's most well-known restaurant brands.
My local is ... Love Asia, Botany.
My most memorable food experience in Auckland was ... going to Chop Chop noodle house.
Chop Chop noodle and whiskey bar serves the very best of Asian street eats, from Japanese Ramen to Korean-style fried chicken and Chinese pork buns.
In my spare time you'll find me ... at my gym Wiki Workz in Otara.
The one thing I hope never changes in Auckland is ... the people. They make our city.
Playing at Eden Park will be ... unreal for the players. It was one of the highlights of my career running out there leading the boys at the Auckland NRL Nines in 2017.
