Fringed by rolling farmland, dense rain forests, peaceful bays, surf beaches, and volcanic peaks, Auckland is a natural beauty. Must-see attractions such as the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Auckland Museum bring the City of Sails’ culture and history to the fore, while creative menus in hip areas like Ponsonby and Karangahape Road ("K Road" to the locals) lure diners with seasonal produce and craft cocktails. Waiheke Island, popular for its wine and only a quick ferry ride from Auckland CBD, is one of the top things to do—for Aucklanders, visiting kiwis, and international travelers alike.
Auckland is at its busiest during the sunny summer months (December-February), when the city hosts a number of seasonal festivities, including Christmas in the Park and the Boxing Day Races. Alternatively, spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) bring cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices on tours and accommodation. Time your trip to coincide with the Auckland Arts Festival in March or the Taste of Auckland foodie festival in November.
Downtown Auckland is easy to get around on foot or by bike, but to explore further, you’ll need to make use of the city’s extensive public transportation system. Pick up a rechargeable AT HOP pass to gain access to Auckland’s trains, buses, and ferries, which link all the central attractions and neighborhoods, as well as the North Shore, South Auckland, and Waiheke Island.
The 10-mile (16-kilometer) Coast to Coast Walk is one of Auckland’s most rewarding day hikes, passing through the urban landscape, volcanoes, and heritage sites. Plan to spend at least four hours making the full journey. The walk gives you bragging rights of walking across the width of New Zealand—from the Tasman Sea to the Hauraki Gulf—all in one day. Public bus routes take tired hikers back to Auckland from Manukau.
Attractions 59 | Tours 457 | Reviews 16,852 |
Emma is an Auckland-based writer. You’ll find her working her way through the Metro Top 50 eateries, road-tripping around the North Island, or at Piha with her wife and dog.
get your bearings with a stroll around Britomart, the waterfront, and Wynyard Quarter.
starts with a walk up Maungawhau / Mt. Eden (followed by cheesecake from Frasers and bookshopping at Time Out), involves a trip to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, and ends with dinner and drinks on K’ Road.
wine tasting on Waiheke—plan to hit Mudbrick and Cable Bay, and book for lunch at Casita Miro (pro tip: order the croquettes).
go to K’ Road, the city’s former red-light district and Ponsonby’s grittier cousin, where you’ll find vintage stores, art galleries, ridiculously good restaurants, LGBTQ bars, live music, and every kind of Aucklander.
most people would say to head up Mt. Victoria in Devonport, but try the Westhaven Marina boardwalk for a different perspective.
is spending only one night in Auckland before flying to the South Island. You could easily fill a week—or at least a weekend—seeing the sights and checking out the city’s food scene.
Auckland is famous as the largest city in New Zealand, even though it’s not the capital. The Sky Tower is a prominent feature on the skyline and a popular tourist attraction. Other famous sights include One Tree Hill, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain, Rangitoto Island, and Waiheke Island.
...MoreYes. There’s a lot to do in Auckland. Enjoy views from Sky Tower or bungee jump from it; hike volcanic Rangitoto Island; take a Waiheke Island wine tour; sail on the Hauraki Gulf; surf the west coast's black sand beaches or chill out in the sun on white sand ones.
...MoreSpend one day in Auckland exploring the CBD area and waterfront. Visit the War Memorial Museum, stroll through the Domain, and stop for lunch in upmarket Parnell. In good weather, chill at Mission Bay Beach and enjoy the views of Rangitoto. Dine and drink at the Viaduct Harbour at night.
...MoreWith three days in Auckland, spend day one in the central city, checking out the museums, art galleries, Sky Tower area, and waterfront. On days two and three get out of the city, heading to the Waitakere Ranges, Piha Beach, Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island, or the North Shore.
...MoreFree activities in Auckland include spending time at the public parks and gardens, chilling at the beaches, hiking, and walking around interesting neighborhoods, including the CBD and waterfront. In summer, free concerts and festivals in public spaces provide entertainment for all.
...MoreAuckland locals like to make the most of nature and the great outdoors surrounding the city by swimming at the beaches, sailing, cycling, hiking in regional parks and along coastal tracks, and chilling out in city parks. Weekend markets are a popular place to shop for food.
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