Auckland New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand, is the largest, most diverse, and most vibrant city in New Zealand. While most travelers to New Zealand are keen to get to the country’s scenic beauty and consider Auckland a gateway for international flights, we disagree. Auckland is definitely worth staying at least a night or two. Spend time here upon arrival to recover from jet lag before renting a car. Flights from Canada and the USA tend to arrive early in the morning; we’ll reserve your hotel room from the night before, so you will have a place to rest immediately.
Located in the northern part of the North Island, Auckland has two major harbors, creating an isthmus of the city. These harbors give the city a sparkle you can enjoy any way you wish, from a relaxing sail to a zip on a jet boat. You can even try your hand at piloting a real America’s Cup yacht!
Where should I stay in Auckland?
Most travelers prefer to stay downtown, which is called the Central Business District, for easy access to the main sights and the most accommodation options. Viaduct Harbour is a hub of bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops located downtown right along the water, and many travelers find themselves there at one point or another. This area is where you’ll find many ferries heading to outer bays and islands, as well as the maritime museum and cruise ship terminal.
From Viaduct Harbour, it’s a short stroll to the Harbour Bridge, with a climb similar to the famous one in Sydney, but since you’re in New Zealand, of course, they also added a bungee jump! Or, from Viaduct Harbour, head up Queen Street through the heart of downtown. Stop at Aotea Square for some performing arts. Then head to the Sky Tower, the highest manmade structure in the country, with great views, a revolving restaurant, and another bungee jump from the top.
Just outside the central downtown are several fun neighborhoods to explore, including Ponsonby and Parnell, for unique, quirky shops and a different feel than the downtown. Devonport is a 10-minute ferry ride on the north shore and is known for its lovely beaches, art galleries, and charming, quaint feel with historic Victorian homes.
Do I need a rental car when in Auckland?
There’s no need for a hire car in Auckland, as there are many ways to get around. Of course, our favorite way is on a small group tour, where you get the expert knowledge of a guide at a reasonable price. For the best experience of Auckland’s sights, it is recommended to go on a small group tour.
Find some nature in Auckland Botanic Gardens or Auckland Domain, the city’s biggest park and home to the Auckland War Museum. Or, head farther afield. The West Coast, a half-day trip from downtown Auckland, has spectacular black sand beaches with rolling surf. Along the way from Auckland to the West Coast, you will find the Waitakere Ranges with subtropical rainforest, rare giant Kauri trees, and lovely hiking.
If traveling by water is more your style, take a ferry from Auckland to wild Rangitoto Island, New Zealand’s newest island, thanks to an asymmetrical volcanic cone. Head to Tiritiri Matangi Island for a protected bird sanctuary.
How do I get to Waiheke Island from Auckland?
Waiheke Island is the most commonly visited island off Auckland and can be reached by ferry in just 35 minutes – it is worth at least a day trip! Consider even staying a few nights at the beginning or end of your travels in New Zealand for a great way to relax and taste fine wine. Waiheke Island has white sand beaches, tiny villages, cafes, excellent wineries, and some luxurious, unique small accommodations.
Don’t plan to rent a car here, either. Even the locals like to get around by golf cart or scooter! With plenty of ferries and easy access to downtown Auckland, Waiheke is easy to reach after your early-morning flight arrival or before catching an evening flight home to the USA or Canada.
Our favorite activities in Auckland
- Sail an America’s Cup yacht on the harbor
- Catch a ferry to a nature-filled island-like Rangitoto or Tiritiri Matangi or charming neighborhoods like Devonport
- Cruise over to Waiheke Island for wine tasting and local charm
- Day trip to the Waitakere Ranges and the black sand beaches of Auckland’s West Coast
- Ride a jet boat under the Harbour Bridge
- Bungee jump from the Harbour Bridge or the Sky Tower
- Climb the Harbour Bridge
- Visit the Auckland War Museum, Maritime Museum, Art Gallery, and Navy Museum
- Enjoy upscale and quirky shopping, particularly in Parnell, Ponsonby, or Newmarket.
- Walkthrough Auckland Domain or Auckland Botanic Gardens
- Explore dormant volcanoes within Auckland proper, like Mount Eden, One Tree Hill, Mount Victoria, or North Head
- Dine on fresh seafood or lamb at some of the country’s best restaurants, especially on the downtown waterfront
- Learn all about Auckland’s history, geography, flora, and fauna, as well as experience the city’s best viewpoints and sights on a small group tour
Nearby Destinations
- Waiheke Island — 35 minutes by ferry
- Hobbiton — 2 hours by car
- Coromandel Peninsula — 2 hours by car
- Waitomo glow worm caves — 2.5 hours by car
- Rotorua — 3 hours by car
- Bay of Islands — 4 hours by car
What is the weather like in Auckland?
Being on the northern end of New Zealand, Auckland tends to be warmer than the mountainous southern Alps around Queenstown. Cloudy skies and rain are common, though not nearly as common as on the West Coast of the South Island or at Milford Sound. Plus, the rain definitely does not ruin a day in Auckland. Remember that all of New Zealand, Auckland included, is known for its micro-climates. That means that while it is raining downtown, the islands offshore may be dry or vice versa; plus, weather patterns shift quickly, so it can be dry anywhere in the city within a couple of hours.
Get in touch with our team of New Zealand travel specialists to discover more about planning a vacation in Auckland.