Despite the fact that it’s called the French Cafe, this has been at or near the top of the heap of contemporary NZ cuisine for a very long time: https://www.thefrenchcafe.co.nz
very focused on using the best NZ ingredients with clean, precise technique.
Was in Auckland in Nov '17 and ate at Cassia. Very imaginative southern Indian fare, recommended if you like that kind of cuisine. https://www.cassiarestaurant.co.nz/