Auckland: Travel Guide & Things to Do
Auckland is a vibrant harbor city that has a lot to offer to every visitor. Whether you are a budget backpacker or luxury traveler (or any type of traveler in between), our comprehensive Auckland travel guide will help you plan an exciting trip to the biggest city in New Zealand, including tips on best things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.
If you have just started planning a visit to New Zealand, chances are, that Auckland will be your first stop on your trip to the country of White Cloud. Surrounded by volcanoes and sea, Auckland is a melting pot of cultures, modern architecture, and one of the most desired places to live in the whole world.
The nickname of Auckland is the City of Sails, which is quite fitting because of two harbors with many yachts, boats, and sails.
When it comes to the city's nicknames, there is more to come, it is also known as a Gateway to New Zealand. And we hope that this travel blog post will show you what are the reasons behind these nicknames.
Auckland, with the population exceeding 1.6 million, is the largest city in New Zealand, and while not the capital, it's the most vibrant and populous place you can visit in the country.
So after we made our final decision, that we are going to live in New Zealand for a year, we booked a flight ticket immediately and couldn't wait for the trip of our lifetime. The first city on our New Zealand itinerary? Auckland.
We arrived in Auckland totally exhausted after the 31-hour long flight from Prague and fell asleep immediately after we had checked into the hotel. We didn't do much the first day, only went grocery shopping, and then went back to bed again, as we felt a bit dizzy because of jet lag.
The next day, when we finally felt well-rested and full of excitement, we were ready to explore Auckland properly.
One of the things that we loved about Auckland the most is the city's proximity to beautiful nature. There are many green parks around the city, and we have a soft spot for coastal cities.
On top of that, a short ride by car or ferry will take you from the crowded city to amazing nature, and you will have the first chance to see by yourself what the fuss about New Zealand is all about.
These short trips outside the city will be the first glimpses of the things that are about to come if you are planning on exploring New Zealand more thoroughly, but Auckland itself has a lot to offer too.
Here is the list of the best things to do in Auckland we think you might enjoy.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND
Auckland is a modern and vibrant city that offers many things to do, top attractions to see, events to attend, and places to visit for all travelers. It's also a wonderful city to explore, relax, and simply be in.
Let's read more about the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand.
Extra tip: In case you are in the city only for a couple of hours, or you want to effortlessly see the best Auckland has in its pocket, you can sign up for a guided tour.
Auckland Scenic Half-Day City Sightseeing Tour - Enjoy the Auckland's beauty and discover more about the history and its people with a local guide. This comprehensive sightseeing tour will show popular places around Auckland such as Mt. Eden or Harbour Bridge, and allow you to learn more about the local way of life.
CENTRAL AUCKLAND
CBD alias Auckland Central Bussiness area is the heart of the city and one of the most lively places you can visit in New Zealand.
This urban area boasts with cafes, restaurants, museums, boutique shops, skyscrapers, and on the north side meets the sea at Viaduct Harbour.
Auckland CBD is well-connected with the rest of the city, and if you are staying in one of the residential areas outside the CBD, the easiest way to get there is to take a train to Britomart station, which is located at the north at the bottom of Queen Street near the waterfront.
Trains are coming and going frequently, which makes it very convenient for getting around Auckland, and it's just a stone's throw from the ferry downtown terminal.
And what are the must-visit places in Auckland CBD?
Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Square, Albert Park, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Sky Tower, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Queen Street, Quay Street, The Cloud or the ferry building, just to name a few top attractions.
SKY TOWER
In the heart of Central Auckland, a 328 meters high communications and observation tower stands as the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
This modern-looking tower was built in the 90s and dominates the Auckland skyline. The tower features public facilities such as a cafe, observation deck, or a restaurant. It's also popular among adventure seekers for adrenaline activities such as SkyWalk and SkyJump.
Even though the Auckland tower is pretty awesome only when looking at it, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
SkyWalk Auckland - The views from the 192 meters high Auckland Sky Tower are incredible, but only the open-air SkyWalk along the edge will tell you if you have an adventurous soul.
To push yourself even more over the limit, try SkyJump and enjoy 11-second long freefall. Not for the faint-hearted!
MOUNT EDEN
Mount Eden is a 196 meters high dormant volcano in a same-named suburb in Auckland south of CBD. The Maori name of the mountain is Maungawhau, and the hill got its English name after the first Earl of Auckland, George Eden.
The highest point in the area, Mount Eden offers superb 360 degrees views of Auckland's surroundings, islands, and the city skyline, despite the fact, that it's not very high, as it's more like a hill.
A fairly easy scenic walk will take you to the top via a well-signed trail leading on the edge of the caldera for rewarding views. Some level of fitness is required for the climb, though when walking slowly, anyone can do it.
To visit Mount Eden, you will need at least one or two hours, depending on your pace, especially if you want to take a break up there, eat your snack, admire the views or take some photos. You can appreciate the fully grassed volcanic crater which has been dormant for the past twenty-eight thousand years from the viewing platform.
The cars are not allowed to the top anymore, so the trip to Mt. Eden is now more enjoyable than ever.
Even without cars, this is still Auckland's top attraction, overly popular with tourists and Aucklanders.
EATING OUT
Auckland is home to many great restaurants, and if you are planning what to do in the evening, eating out is always a good idea because options here in Auckland are plentiful.
Food is often a significant part of any culture and will tell you about people more than you would think.
Auckland offers a wide variety of places to eat, from all-day eateries, quick bites, family-owned restaurants, to fine dining.
You will always find the best restaurants in the CBD and around waterfront areas in case you do not know exactly where to go. Although the fine dining experience is quite costly in Auckland, you still can find affordable restaurants offering great value for money.
We didn't know much about New Zealand cuisine before our trip, so we were pleasantly surprised how fresh, healthy and seasonal the meals were (except for fish and chips).
And if you want to find out more about the local cuisine, Auckland is a great place to start, even though you can of course taste here cuisines from all around the world.
WINE
Do you like wine?
We have some great news for you, New Zealand and wine goes hand in hand, and if you ever run out of ideas of what to do while road tripping New Zealand, you can bet that there is always a winery nearby you. New Zealand is home to one of the best wines in the world, and Auckland is no exception.
Eventually, we ended up working in a small vineyard town Martinborough located in the southeast part of the North Island, so we learned a lot about growing wine, and we have to admit, a little bit about tasting too, but back to the point.
Auckland and its surroundings are home to some excellent wineries, and there are plenty of places to go to taste wine.
Of course, you won't find the vineyards in CBD, so you can arrange one of many tours or rent a car and explore them independently.
WATERFRONT
Adjacent to CBD, a former run-down waterfront area is now a place where you will find upscale restaurants, rooftop bars, and modern apartments.
Watching luxury yachts and sailboats passing by while relaxing on the water's edge was something we really enjoyed after our long flight, but later it was a place we never skipped when walking nearby.
There are many benches where you can just sit down, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere.
When in the area, don't forget to cross the pedestrian and cycle bridge from Viaduct Harbour to Wynyard Quarter. It's not a typical bridge, as it opens and closes to allow bigger yachts in and out of the marina.
When the horn sounds, clear off the bridge as it is going to open soon for boats!
In other words, this waterfront area is a must-visit place in Auckland.
CORNWALL PARK
We love visiting city parks as they can lift the stress of traveling off your shoulders in a heartbeat. And Cornwall Park in Auckland can do exactly that.
This green lush oasis is slightly off the city center, so you need to take a car or use public transport to get there, but if you need to escape the crowds and hectic life, this is the place to go in Auckland.
The park is well maintained, large, and there is plenty of space for exercise, to have a picnic, read a book or just relax. You might go there to have a barbecue with your friends, as there are electric BBQs provided.
Climbing to One Tree Hill within the park is worth the effort, as the views of the rolling hills, sheep, and the city are breathtaking!
MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES, EXHIBITIONS
Auckland is famous for many worthwhile museums, art galleries, and exhibitions, but we have one tiny problem with them.
For example, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of the best museums in the country and an iconic building in the city.
It's also a great introduction to New Zealand and Maori history.
The downside of this museum (according to us, travelers on a budget) is the steep entrance fee for international visitors, which is 25 NZD (I mean c'mon guys, it's a history museum!), while New Zealanders have free entry. This might cause some problems such as crowds, noisy school tours everywhere (great for the kids, not for you as a visitor), etc.
You can also visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki and New Zealand Maritime Museum, but it's a very similar story, though you will pay a bit less (20 NZD) this time.
So this left us wondering, are the Auckland museums worth visiting for international travelers?
Especially when you consider, that the Te Papa National Museum in Wellington has free entry for everyone.
We'll leave it to this, and you have to decide yourself, but if you are heading to the capital city of New Zealand, we think there is not much to think about.
Let us know in the comments what you think about admissions to public museums!
DEVONPORT
Are you looking for a (half) day trip, but don't want to wander off too far from Auckland?
We have a perfect tip for you.
Just across the Stanley Bay lies a charming seaside village of Devonport.
The ferry ticket is somewhat inexpensive (return ticket costs 15 NZD) for what you get, as the surroundings of Devonport are spectacular, and offer dramatic vista points of the whole bay and the Auckland area. The history of the village dates back to the mid-14th century, when the Maori settled in the area, and in the 1840s was taken over by European merchants.
And what can you do in Devonport?
Nowadays the village's most popular street is Victoria Road that features many cafes, galleries, fashion stores, and restaurants.
We wouldn't want to miss out on the lookout from Mount Victoria, another volcano you can climb, as the views from the top of the Hauraki Gulf are incredible.
When you make your way to the east side of this suburb, be sure to make a visit to Maungauika - North Head Historic Reserve, to get more astonishing views of the bay and the Rangitoto Island.
Don't forget to explore many beaches that Devonport has to offer, and if you like museums there is the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum.
And the best part is that you can visit most of the places on foot, as the area is very compact.
Or rent bikes in Auckland and take them with you on a ferry.
WAIHEKE ISLAND
A forty-minute ferry ride from Auckland will take you to a completely different world.
Waiheke Island is the perfect getaway from the buzzing streets of New Zealand's biggest city. The island itself is quite large, and to get around, you need to rent a bike or catch a local bus.
And what should you expect from Waiheke Island?
Vineyards, hiking trails, cliffs, beaches, and even World War II underground tunnels and gun emplacements.
You can book a Waiheke Island Fast Ferry Pass in advance.
As it might be overwhelming for you to decide what to do once you get to the island, you might consider booking a Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour that will take you around three vineyards where you will taste some delightful local wine.
The island is very charming and to enjoy the place without a feeling of being rushed, you can stay in one of many beautiful apartments overnight, though the accommodation is pricey on the island, and if you are a budget traveler like we are, you will probably want to return to Auckland in the late afternoon.
WAITAKERE RANGES REGIONAL PARK
Wild, rugged, and only forty minutes ride from Auckland by car, Waitakere Ranges is a regional park that features beautiful coastline, rolling hills, black sand beaches, native lush rainforest, kauri trees, waterfalls, and popular short hikes or even a multiday trek.
It's a beautiful place in North Island, unfortunately, many trails were closed recently to prevent the spread of kauri dieback, so avid hikers cannot trek the challenging multiday Hillary Trail anymore.
Hiking has been reduced extensively, but there are still short hiking trails open to the public where you can enjoy the native bush and umbrella-shaped giant tree ferns.
At the visitors' center, you can learn more about the kauri disease and the government program to save these incredible trees.
If you don't have a rental car, you can take a shuttle bus and spend the whole day on this beautiful beach, plus you will have plenty of time to explore the regional park, do some short hikes or even learn to surf.
Alternatively, take a Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour.
RANGITOTO ISLAND
The most iconic cone-shaped island that dominates the horizon, Rangitoto Island, is easily seen from many elevated areas in Auckland.
To get there, catch a ferry (39 NZD return ticket) that runs from three to five times a day from the Auckland Ferry Terminal.
Yes, the ticket is a little bit pricey for this short ride, but we think it's totally worth it. Don't be fooled by its timid appearance, Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in the area, and the island itself emerged only 660 years ago from the depths of the ocean.
And what to do on Rangitoto Island after you safely reach its shores? The volcanic scenery is simply breathtaking, you can hike to the summit enjoying beautiful vistas, cross lava fields, explore lava cave, or have a picnic on one of many lovely little beaches.
A small travel tip before you go. On weekends, try to catch the first-morning ferry to avoid the crowds. and bring your water bottle with enough water to stay hydrated all day.
The only thing we could live without is the 4WD road train, which makes the Rangitoto Island more accessible, but it doesn't fit in the beautiful scenery.
If you feel adventurous, look into this hassle-free Rangitoto Island kayaking and hiking tour.
HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED FOR VISITING AUCKLAND
We frankly think that two or three days are enough for exploring Auckland, especially if your New Zealand itinerary is packed to the brim.
Take into consideration, that Auckland is most likely far away from your home, and you might need to beat the jet lag. That's why we would have taken the first day slowly, walked around the city center, and then chose one or two day-trips in the area, depending on your schedule.
In two days, you will be able to see most of the top attractions in Auckland, such as Sky Tower, CBD, Mount Eden, and we think you can even squeeze into your itinerary a half-day trip to Devonport.
If you add an extra day, you have time to explore the surroundings and take a day trip to Waikatere Ranges, Rangitoto, or Waiheke Island.
WHERE TO STAY IN AUCKLAND
Auckland is a widespread city, and when looking on the map for the first time, you might feel overwhelmed. No worries, we got you covered.
Let's have a look at which areas are the best for your stay in Auckland.
Surprisingly, it's very easy to choose where to stay in Auckland, as the best bet for the first time visitors is the centrally located CBD area. In Central Business District, and the surrounding neighborhoods you will find the best hotels, restaurants, skyscrapers, museums, attractions, cafes and also the harbor.
It's perfectly fine to stay in one of the adjacent areas, or even the residential areas on the city outskirts, just remember that it takes time to get in and out.
Small rant incoming.
We want to keep it short, but as it's typical for touristy big cities, the budget hostels in the city center are usually poor quality, and way overpriced for what they offer, and we think that if you stay in Auckland one or two nights, it's better to pay a little bit extra and stay in an economy budget hotel.
End of the rant.
We've handpicked the best hotels in Auckland, that we think will cater to all your needs.
All hotels but one are centrally located, which hopefully you will appreciate before hitting the road.
Budget | Econo Lodge City Central - Budget hotel with great location, basic but clean rooms, and friendly staff. The location is very convenient, and many must-visit Auckland places are in the vicinity of the hotel.
Mid-range | M Social Auckland - Trendy design hotel on the iconic Quay street, M Social Auckland is a perfect place to spend a night in Auckland. Rooms are nice, spacious, clean, and feature perfect views of the harbor area. Everything is within a walking distance so you can enjoy New Zealand's top attractions, restaurants or cafes on foot.
Luxury | Stamford Plaza Auckland - Treat yourselves and start your NZ road trip in this luxury hotel in CBD. Stamford Plaza hotel features modern rooms with comfortable beds, beautiful bathrooms, and air-conditioning. The indoor pool, fancy Japanese onsite restaurant, and attentive staff are there to make you feel like home.
Airport | Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel - Excellent location near the Auckland international airport makes this hotel a perfect place to stay for visitors before or after their long flight. The hotel is very modern and chic, the rooms are spacious, clean, and quiet. And the onsite Asian restaurant has delicious food.
HOW TO GET TO AUCKLAND
Auckland has a large international airport, and you can get some reasonable deals from Europe or the US if you have a flexible calendar.
Domestic flights are a very popular way to get around New Zealand, especially for Kiwis traveling from one island to another.
Once again, don't underestimate the jet lag.
As we have already mentioned, our flight took 31 hours (the flight tickets were cheap though), and we were so tired that we didn't do anything on the first day.
If this is your vacation, try to find either direct flights if possible, or with one short layover to reduce travel time.
When driving, State Highway 1 will take you to Auckland.
HOW TO GET AROUND AUCKLAND
The best way to get around Auckland is by public transport. There are numerous transportation options available in the city, including buses, trains, or ferries.
It's easy to travel by public transport throughout the city, fairly affordable, and thanks to this fact we used public transport every day while there.
If time is precious for you, the fastest way to get around Auckland is by taxi, though it will cost you more money.
Getting from Auckland Airport is really simple, and you have many options to choose from.
The cheapest way to get to the CBD from Auckland airport is by public transport, but it will take the longest time, as you have to travel by bus first, and then jump on a train at Papatoe Train Station, but you won't save that much without AT HOP card in the end (you can buy it at the airport though).
The journey from the airport when you combine a bus and a train costs 6.70 NZD when you have the card, or 10.50 NZD when you buy single tickets.
Taxi is usually the fastest option, though it's the most expensive. A better alternative might be Uber, which is slightly cheaper. Taxi and Uber are also great for a larger group of people, who can share the cost of the ride.
You can also arrange private shuttle service or opt for a Skybus for 17 NZD - this service will take you to the center without the necessity to change lines or means of transport.
We opted for the Skybus as we knew that we are going to spend more nights in Auckland and we did not have to hurry, but also we were too tired to take a bus and then a train. Had we been traveling in a group of three or four, or were short on time, we would have taken Uber or taxi.
You will also find plenty of rental companies in Auckland (either at the airport or in the center when a rental company can deliver a car to your hotel), as you will most likely want to rent a car for your trip around New Zealand.
Having a rental car is a huge benefit if you want to travel around the country.
WHEN TO VISIT AUCKLAND
Good news, Auckland is an all-year-round destination.
The best time to visit Auckland is usually in the shoulder seasons because of fewer crowds and lower rates.
From September to November, which is spring and April and May, which is autumn in New Zealand, expect sunny days and pleasant temperatures. As we arrived in Auckland in the middle of October it was the classic rollercoaster of New Zealand weather - sun, wind, warm and cold, nevertheless, the weather was mostly enjoyable.
We spent also several days in Auckland in summer and the weather was more comfortable, especially the morning temperatures, but summer comes with a big disadvantage we are going to mention later on.
The coldest months in Auckland are June, July, and August, and these months are also the rainiest.
Back to the summer, and as you've probably guessed already, good weather means crowds and high prices for accommodation and rental cars.
Winter is the best time to come to Auckland if you want to avoid the crowds, the average temperature between June and August varies between 9-15 degrees of Celsius. There is no snow in Auckland, but it rains a lot.
Temperature-wise, the weather in Auckland is mild throughout the year.
WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING AUCKLAND
If you arrive in Auckland in winter, you are going to need a good rain jacket and windbreaker. As the winters are milder, you are not going to need a winter coat or down jacket, though we would pack some extra fleece layers just in case.
Windbreaker is a piece of cloth we would pack no matter the season, as the spring constant high winds can be annoying.
In summer, you are going to need comfortable shoes, shorts or jeans.
When creating your packing list for Auckland, think of places you want to visit next. You might not need the down jacket in Auckland however, if you are planning to continue your journey to South Island and explore the mountains, you will definitely need one.
And one more thing, always bring a strong sunscreen.
If you arrived in the summer, you might consider bringing swimsuit and beach towel, if you are planning to visit beaches.
IS AUCKLAND SAFE TO VISIT?
We felt very safe in Auckland during the day, and even after dark.
As in every other big city, crime happens from time to time, and you might see quite a lot of people living on the street, but that's something many big cities have unfortunately in common, and the crime rate in Auckland is still relatively low.
Watch out for the drunks and petty crime, and use your common sense while roaming around the city. Basic travelers' safety tips should do the trick, so if you are not sure if it's safe to walk to your hotel after dark, call a taxi, or walk with your friend.
When you park your rental car somewhere and leave for city or nature explorations, don't keep anything valuable inside.
This advice is valid for all places in New Zealand, even small deserted parking lots in South Island, as the car break-ins are common in New Zealand.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
BEST DAY TOURS FROM AUCKLAND
Auckland is a fascinating city and there is plenty of things to do.
If your NZ itinerary allows, you can dive into exploring Auckland surroundings. You are going to need a few extra days for that, but you can visit some of the best places in New Zealand on day trips from Auckland.
And we know that traveling can be quite challenging and time-consuming. Guided and organized tours help you to get the most of your trip while traveling for a short time, or if you are not feeling like arranging things by yourself.
This is especially true about the places that are outside of the city.
Here is the list of day trips from Auckland we think you might like and enjoy.
Coromandel Peninsula Day Trip - Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most popular places for day trips from Auckland, and you can experience the best places of Coromandel, such as Cathedral Cove or Hot Water Beach on this well-rated tour.
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Tour from Auckland - We all know that New Zealand is home to the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, and you can visit the most famous movie set on the island - Hobbiton. This small-group tour will also take you to another must-visit place - Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Auckland 13,000ft Tandem Skydive - You've probably heard about New Zealand being an adrenaline capital of the world, and especially Queenstown is known for adventure activities. Probably two of the most popular activities are bungy jumping and skydiving. So if you would like to try something you haven't done before and you have a budget for it, you can go skydiving in Auckland.
It will be the best (hopefully not the last) adrenaline experience of your life!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
