Auckland, New Zealand: travel guide
New Zealand's largest city, built on an isthmus dotted with volcanic cones and framed by two harbours. Gateway airport, vibrant food and Polynesian culture, and ferries to Waiheke and Rangitoto islands.
- Country
- New Zealand
- Currency
- NZD
- Time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
- Nearest airport
- AKL
Top places to visit in Auckland
Sky Tower
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry NZD 47
At 328 m the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, with 360-degree observation decks, a glass floor and the SkyJump for the brave.
Waiheke Island
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 8 h
A 40-minute ferry from downtown, this island of golden bays, olive groves and boutique vineyards is Auckland's favourite day escape.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Museum · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h
A grand neoclassical museum in the Auckland Domain with one of the world's finest Maori and Pacific collections and a daily cultural performance.
Auckland Zoo
Wildlife · 4.5 rating · about 3 h
A conservation-focused zoo in Western Springs, home to a Te Wao Nui native zone with kiwi, tuatara and NZ wildlife.
Auckland Domain
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 1 h
Auckland's oldest park, set in an ancient volcanic crater with wintergardens, sports fields and native bush walks around the museum.
Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium
Wildlife · 4.3 rating · about 2 h
An underwater aquarium in former stormwater tanks featuring a walk-through shark tunnel and a sub-Antarctic penguin colony.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
New Zealand's largest art institution, blending a heritage building with an award-winning kauri-canopy atrium; strong NZ and Maori art holdings.
Mission Bay Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
A popular white-sand crescent along Tamaki Drive with an art-deco fountain, cafes and views to Rangitoto.
Devonport & Mount Victoria
Viewpoint · 4.8 rating · about 2 h
A genteel Victorian seaside suburb across the harbour, with cafes, a naval museum and a short climb up Mount Victoria for the best city skyline.
One Tree Hill & Cornwall Park
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h
A landmark volcanic cone (Maungakiekie) crowned by an obelisk, surrounded by grazing sheep and the leafy expanse of Cornwall Park.
Mount Eden (Maungawhau)
Viewpoint · 4.8 rating · about 1 h
The highest natural point in the city, a dormant volcanic cone with a deep grassy crater and sweeping 360-degree views across the isthmus.
Rangitoto Island
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 5 h
Auckland's youngest and largest volcano, a symmetrical cone reached by ferry with a lava-field summit hike and views back to the city.
Things to do
- Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb & Bungy Adventure · 1.5 h · from NZD 165 per person
- Waiheke Island Wine Tour Food · 6 h · from NZD 189 per person
- Sky Tower SkyWalk Adventure · 1.5 h · from NZD 155 per person
- Hauraki Gulf Whale & Dolphin Safari Nature · 4.5 h · from NZD 175 per person
- America's Cup Sailing Experience Water Sports · 2 h · from NZD 170 per person
- Auckland City & Coast Half-Day Tour Cultural · 4 h · from NZD 89 per person
Day trips and tours
- Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Tour 11 h · from NZD 375
- Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Wine Day 8 h · from NZD 155
Where to stay in Auckland
- Auckland CBD & Waterfront about NZD 250 per night
The buzzing downtown core by the ferry terminal and Viaduct, walkable to Sky Tower, dining and harbour cruises.
- Ponsonby about NZD 230 per night
A trendy inner-city village of Victorian villas, boutique shops and one of Auckland's best restaurant strips.
- Devonport about NZD 210 per night
A charming Victorian seaside village a short ferry across the harbour, quiet with the best city skyline views.
Hotels
- Cordis Auckland 5-star · NZD 320 to NZD 560 per night
- Hotel DeBrett 4.5-star · NZD 300 to NZD 460 per night
- SO/ Auckland 5-star · NZD 350 to NZD 600 per night
- CityLife Auckland 4.5-star · NZD 200 to NZD 350 per night
- Grand Mercure Auckland 4.5-star · NZD 220 to NZD 360 per night
- YHA Auckland City 3-star · NZD 45 to NZD 160 per night
Where to eat
- Depot Eatery New Zealand, Seafood · about NZD 55 per person
- Amano Italian · about NZD 70 per person
- The Grove Modern New Zealand · about NZD 150 per person
- Cassia Indian, Modern Indian · about NZD 65 per person
- Federal Delicatessen American, Deli · about NZD 32 per person
- Ortolana Modern European · about NZD 60 per person
- Coco's Cantina Italian · about NZD 55 per person
- Best Ugly Bagels Bagels, Cafe · about NZD 18 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Car Rental Self main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Ferry main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Ride Hail main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
Safety and scams to avoid
Vehicle break-ins at scenic car parks
Piha, west-coast beaches and remote trailheads
Thieves target rental cars parked at isolated lookouts and trailheads, smashing windows to grab bags left in view.
How to avoid it: Never leave valuables in the car; take everything with you or leave the car visibly empty.