8 Must-See Auckland Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Presided over by the Sky Tower, Auckland’s Central Business District is where most travelers spend the majority of their time. The sights are close enough to explore on foot, but you could also take a bike tour or zip around in an electric tuk-tuk.

Once you’ve walked the “Golden Mile” of Queen Street, stopping to browse the shops and visit Auckland Art Gallery along the way, head up to the waterfront to stroll along the wharf. Viaduct Harbour is the place to be in the evening hours, with its many bars and restaurants, while the neighboring Wynward Quarter is home to Auckland Fish Market and Silo Park.

Just west of the CBD, well-heeled Ponsonby is all about boutique-browsing, gallery-hopping, and brunch dates. Ponsonby Road is the main thoroughfare, lined with shops, art galleries, and bookstores, as well as some of the city’s most stylish bars and restaurants.

One way to explore the area is an electric bike tour of Auckland’s neighborhoods, stopping to visit the market stalls and street food stands of Ponsonby Central, admire the striking Edwardian houses, and cycle around Western Park.

With its pretty 19th-century villas, tree-lined streets, and old-fashioned storefronts, Parnell feels like a Victorian village right in the middle of the city. This affluent neighborhood is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off tours of Auckland, so jump off to browse the designer shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or time your visit for the popular Saturday farmers market.

Don’t miss a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, set amid the parklands of the Auckland Domain, and the Parnell Rose Garden, which looks out over the harbor and Judges Bay.

Ride the ferry across Waitemata Harbour to the North Shore, where the bayside village of Devonport affords magnificent views of Auckland’s city skyline. With its Victorian villas and lush coastline, Devonport feels a world away from the busy CBD, and you could easily spend all afternoon strolling around the residential lanes and shopping along Victoria Road before treating yourself to some fish and chips by the seashore.

The coastal neighborhood is ideal for exploring, whether you head to the beach, take a Segway tour around the North Head Historic Reserve, or hike to the summit of Mount Victoria, a dormant volcano.

About a 15-minute drive east of Auckland CBD—better yet, rent a bike and cycle along the coast—Mission Bay tempts travelers with its long sandy beach and oceanfront promenade.

Gaze out across Auckland Harbour and spot landmarks such as the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island as you stroll along The Promenade; take your pick from a wide variety of sea-view restaurants and cafés, then head down to the beach to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

West of Ponsonby, Grey Lynn is one of Auckland’s most diverse and bohemian neighborhoods, brimming with brunch spots, brewpubs, and artisan shops. Hang out with the locals along Richmond Road, visit the weekend markets, or relax at Grey Lynn Park.

If you’re looking for fun things to do, the MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) and Auckland Zoo are just a short walk away.

Ten minutes north of Devonport, along the North Shore, Takapuna is the beach destination of choice for in-the-know Aucklanders. Come on a sunny summer afternoon to cool off with a swim, sip a cocktail by the beachside, and relax on the sand with a view across to Rangitoto Island.

Takapuna is also known for its Sunday markets, the many shops and restaurants along Hurstmere Road, and Lake Pupuke, a popular spot for kayaking and windsurfing.

Sports fans will likely have Kingsland on their itinerary already—this is where you’ll find Eden Park stadium, home to New Zealand’s legendary All Blacks rugby team and the Australian cricket team.

Just south of Grey Lynn, this up-and-coming neighborhood is also home to the Arch Hill Scenic Reserve and boasts a lively restaurant and nightlife scene, with plenty of brewpubs, wine bars, and live music venues dotted around New North Road.