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Travel Guide

Auckland attractions, activities, things to do, places to go

  • 7 minutes

North Island, New Zealand

In this Article

Discover Auckland’s diverse places to visit with urban cafes nestled in regional parks. The outdoors is ridiculously close, so close in fact there are several working farms to visit; open to the public within a ten minute bus ride from the city centre. Enjoy foodie treats in Auckland from cafes that pride themselves on farm to plate culture. Attractions range from adventure tourism to an art scene that reflects New Zealand’s unique Maori / Pacific / European bicultural identity…

For an overview of Aotearoa New Zealand attractions, things to do and places to visit check out the definitive New Zealand travel guide.

 

TIP

Check out Amazing 12 New Zealand Attractions and pop them on your bucket list.

TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS

Auckland’s top 10 things to do and experiences

In this Article

Experiences – things to do in Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is New Zealand on a plate. Discover Auckland, a must-do destination with three wine districts, parks, beaches and rivers, urban sophistication and Pasifika vibe.

Attractions range from outstanding public galleries, urban main street shopping to solitude and peace on the wild west coast. Activities and adventures galore from kayaking in the city to boat cruises on the Hauraki Gulf waterways. Jump off a massive harbour bridge in the morning and explore heritage Devonport in the afternoon. Places to visit embrace gardens and parks for an impromptu picnic to walks in scenic regional parks. Amazing Auckland, New Zealand on a plate, is the place to go. Auckland is where your New Zealand holiday begins with plenty of things to do and see.

Explore Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Stroll along the coastal inlets, tramp on a volcanic island or spend an afternoon at the Auckland Museum. Perhaps a cruise around the harbour is the place to go. These are just a few ways to absorb the sights and sounds of Auckland. The city is Pasifika with a strong underpinning of its Maori heritage. Cosmopolitan Auckland has boutiques galore for shopping therapy, innovative restaurants for the most discerning palate, bars and a nightlife to rival any city yet the outdoors is Auckland’s calling card. The abundance of outdoor attractions compliments the sense of town and country folded into Amazing Auckland’s landscape.

Slow down. Don’t rush to the undoubtedly fabulous attractions New Zealand has to offer. Auckland is a destination worth the journey, you have arrived in New Zealand, kia ora, welcome to Auckland.

 

Outdoors Auckland adventures

Amazing Auckland has water activities, land and sky adrenaline laced adventures for the most hardy visitor to revel in. Several top attractions include treetop canopy ziplining in the Woodhill Forest or bungee jumping from the sky tower. Daredevils scaling the massive Auckland harbour bridge are invited to dip their head into the harbour waters as they plunge off the bridge (bungee rope included).

  • Bungee off a very high Skytower. Bungee is rubber bands firmly attached to your ankles you jump off the top ledge) metres and metres down for fun. Amazing views on the way down if your eyes are open.
  • Climb up and up a massive Auckland Harbour Bridge over the inner harbour and get a certificate stating you had the guts to get there (plus photographic evidence of yourself harnessed and in nifty safety gear).
  • Skydive over Auckland province, more amazing views and simply get a shuttle from the city centre
  • Dive, snorkel and explore underwater Hauraki Gulf. Year round the temperate ocean temperature is an invitation to view marine creatures and the world beneath.
  • Zipline through forests, an adrenaline adventure in the treetops and simply get a shuttle from the city centre

Top 10 Auckland Adventures things to do

Discover amazing places to go in Auckland with adventures at the city’s doorstep. Adrenaline seekers you’ve got a massive bridge to jump off, the Hauraki Gulf to skydive over and marine reserves to explore underwater worlds and that’s just the start of things to do and places to go in Auckland.

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@vectorwero
@raglanrock
Tree Adventures, Auckland, New Zealand @Treeadventures

Walks & hikes

Auckland is perched between the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. Auckland has nature in its backyard, the lush rainforest, geothermal hot springs and wildlife reserves within an hour’s drive or short ferry ride. Original inner city suburbs of Ponsonby, Freeman’s Bay, Grey Lynn, Parnell and Devonport have nature reserves leading to walks in quiet outdoor spaces.

Extraordinary Auckland is built on 50 dormant volcanoes with the last eruption a mere 600 years ago, Rangitoto is now one of New Zealand ultimate day walk destinations. The volcano cones are very visible (those that have not been quarried into submission) with the characteristic hollowed centre where molten lava once poured. Two of the best to view are Mangere Bridge volcanic cone and One Tree Hill. Both dormant volcanoes have significant heritage Maori pa (village) archeological sites.

 

 

Auckland walks: top sights and places to go

  • Heritage regional parks with interesting sights and sounds for kids from 1950’s working farm at Scandrett Regional Park to Amberley Regional working farm park
  • Find the hidden corners of Auckland on short walks for little legs around the harbour and estuaries with plenty of places to stop for a ice cream or break with your snack box
  • Discover a walk to a fascinating wetland where local conservationists are making a difference
  • Coast to Coast gives a birds eye view of the city of sails, Auckland
  • Auckland city walks where heritage buildings narrate the story of the growth of New Zealand’s largest city
  • Beaches, estuaries and reserves where nature is a gorgeous counterpoint to the urban buzz. Nature is not a visitor experience; it’s Auckland’s backyard.
  • Take a walk where the bodies are buried in the Symonds Street Cemetery

Auckland three must-go favourite walks & hikes

Auckland walks for all seasons and fitness levels from heritage Devonport and Cornwall Park, a glorious open space complete with cafes and ice cream stops. Relish the chance to soak up panoramic views as you hike across Auckland from coast to coast.

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Cornwall Park children sheep interaction, Auckland, New Zealand
Cornwall Park bridal photo shoot, Auckland, NZ
Cornwall Park activity exercise the dogs, Auckland, NZ

Nature – Auckland highlights

Gardens

Auckland is a city of gardens and public parks. The Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest public garden based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Winter Gardens as well as the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Gardens are places for picnics, for kids to run and cartwheel in and for couples to spend time together. The shaded areas offer contemplative spaces to relax in. The best time to visit in Auckland is year round with the temperate climate creating magical seasonal treats from leaf fall to spring blooms.

Auckland 10 must-go gardens

Slowly explore lush subtropical gardens, create year round flora magic and seasonal treats from leaf fall to spring growth and renewal. Auckland’s spectacular gardens are within a stone’s throw of the city and easily accessible.

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Auckland Botanic Gardens Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland Sculpture Garden, Pah Homestead, Auckland, New Zealand
Parnell Rose Garden, New Zealand

Auckland regional parks

Discover nature in Auckland’s backyard. There are regional parks galore; from heritage sites nestled against the backdrop of coastal forest and sandy beaches safe for families. A year round sub-tropical climate encourages visitors to explore Auckland’s open spaces.

Auckland regional parks offers a variety of things to do from family friendly Amberly regional park has farm animals wandering freely along your walking track to Mangawhai coastal trails showcasing wild west coast beaches, clifftop panoramic views and lush lowland forest.

Nature is not a visitor experience in Auckland; it’s a short walk. Pack a picnic, the kayak, the bike or pop into the local deli and enjoy the diversity of the Auckland outdoors. Places to go embrace estuary waterways where intertidal creatures live and shorebirds flourish, gold sandy beaches that define a New Zealand summer or heritage homesteads nestled among camping grounds.

Kiwiana finds its soul in the outdoors and jandals / thongs / hiking boots are the perfect accompaniment to exploring the unexpected, right under the nose of Auckland’s shopping malls and urban hustle, bustle.

Amazing Auckland, Puhoi, Warkworth, Matakana and beyond, beaches and parks

North is where Auckland locals go for the summer. There are several glorious regional parks as well as sheltered sandy beaches for a summer fix away from the crowds.

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Waikawau Bay & Beach, New Zealand @Doc / Chris Twemlow
Martins Bay, New Zealand @HikingNewZealand
Scott Homestead, Mahurangi East Regional Park, Auckland

Amazing North Auckland Mahurangi Peninsula

North is where Auckland locals go for the summer. There are several glorious regional parks as well as sheltered sandy beaches for a summer fix away from the crowds.

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Goat Island Marine Reserve near Leigh Auckland, North Island New Zealand
Mahurangi Regional Park Scott Homestead, Auckland
Steamboats moored on Mahurangi River, Warkworth, Auckland Region, North Island, New Zealand

Auckland regional parks – interesting facts

  • Auckland’s 28 Regional parks cover more than 45,000 hectares. They include over 20,000 hectares of native forest, over 1,000 kilometres of undeveloped coastline and two marine reserves
  • Walkers have over 500 hundred kilometres of coastal and inland tracks
  • Repositories of flora and fauna the regional parks allow Aucklanders to enjoy some of the finest landscapes, forests and coastlines
  • The regional parks are a window to New Zealand’s Maori and farming heritage
  • Regional parks are lands reserved to protect and conserve areas in natural or modified landscapes. The park’s open spaces host cultural and recreational activities (including dog walking in some parks).
  • The parks are publicly owned and managed by local government councils
  • Over three-quarters of the visitors are local residents who know a good thing when they see it (and where to go locally)
INTERESTING FACT

Farmer Auckland

Through its network of parks, the Auckland Regional Council is not only the region’s largest landowner, but also the largest farmer. It has 8,400 sheep and 950 cattle in its parks, most notably in Awhitu Regional Park, which is a working farm.

Source Regional parks – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

 

Beaches, estuaries & rivers

Auckland beaches, highlights

  • Mission Bay with award winning restaurants a slow sandy stroll from the promenade
  • Auckland North Shore’s Takapuna Beach is where shopping is a breeze for the latest swim gear
  • Collapse on a beach in the Hauraki Gulf rich in bird life, from Rotoroa Island to Great Barrier
  • Explore Regional Parks where beaches, marine reserve and lowland forest offer walking trails to waterfalls
  • Discover Snells Beach where Auckland locals hang out in the weekend

Auckland’s beaches and coastal walks are often within sight of Auckland’s Skytower, the Hauraki Gulf, Waitemata Harbour and estuaries offer plenty to do and see. Consider a walk and picnic to Auckland TAHUNA TOREA Reserve where wetland restoration has recreated a bird sanctuary.

The classic day at the beach with cafes, playgrounds and endless stretches of sand can be found on The Esplanade walk in Bucklands. Delve into the industrial heritage of Auckland at the Waterview Reserve and discover a waterfall.

The Waterview Reserve has picnic tables, public BBQ facilities and shaded areas. The walking path leads to a significant waterway, Oakley Creek for further exploration.

Imagine a pontoon anchored in the bay with a grassy reserve and playground inviting you to drop down on a rug and enjoy the day. Getting there you can drive or walk from Milford Beach to Castor Bay.

Auckland Beaches, where to and things to do

  • Mission Bay with award winning restaurants a slow sandy stroll from the promenade
  • Auckland North Shore’s Takapuna Beach is where shopping is a breeze for the latest swim gear

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Hauraki Gulf islands, Auckland, New Zealand
Mansion House, Kawau Island, Auckland
Divers jumping off wooden jetty on lake Pupuke, New Zealand

Family fun

Auckland – best bits for kids & families

Something for everyone from couples, families with kids or solo travellers. Get out and about exploring Auckland and the province of Auckland. It’s simply amazing. There are plenty of attractions and things to do for families and friends.

  • Kids find the Auckland Zoo, Sea Life Kelly Tarlton marine world, Auckland working farms (Regional Parks) with animals to pet, interactive museums & galleries and outdoors from beaches, forest walks and wetlands to explore
  • Couples find places where panoramic views create the perfect tapestry for a romantic picnic or selfie moment, adventure on remote West Coast iron sand beaches with superb photogenic locations
  • Outdoors regional parks with temperate forests and shorebird reserves, walk among ancient lava flows and observe early Maori stone fields, discover Hauraki Island Tiritiri Matangi and Rotoroa where bird life sings from the treetops
  • Art and creative expression is found in the Auckland Art Gallery, historic homesteads where emerging artists are shown and in public art installations and weekend markets.

Kelly Tarlton Sea Life Acquarium

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, a commercial enterprise that can be crowded during the school holidays.

Read more @sealifekellytarltons
@sealifekellytarltons @sealifekellytarltons

Auckland best things to do with kids

Discover amusement parks, spooky places for teenagers and plenty of open spaces for families to picnic, walk and explore Auckland outdoors.

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@miannchocolatefactory
@Auckland Zoo

Auckland – eat & drink

Auckland – 3 wine districts

  • Kumea is home to some of New Zealand veteran vineyards with award winning wines under their belt. Cafes, vineyard restaurants and a rural outlook are a mere 40 – 50 minutes away from the city centre. Check What’s so great about Kumeu – Best Bits for inspiration.
  • Matakana is a gem, a weekend escape with a vibrant market and a wine trail showcased with amazing sculpture trails, art works and rural vistas to relax in. Check out Matakana wine trail where to go for holiday inspiration and the accompanying Matakana Travel Guide.
  • Waiheke Island, honestly it does not get any better than an Island wine trail, restaurants, cafes and charming shops all within a short great ferry ride from Auckland. As the ferry pulls away from the Downtown terminal your heart sings with the views of the Auckland cityline, the Skytower and hills and boats chugging on the harbour waters. It is incredibly picturesque and sets the mood for Waiheke.

Matakana wine trail where to go

For more information about local wineries check out Matakana wine trail where to go - Best Bits. This is definitely a highlight for wine buffs with a vibrant Matakana weekend market creating a great day trip from Auckland.

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Matakana Wine market @matakanawine
@thevintrymatakana
@plumematakana

Auckland events & festivals

Auckland with its multi-cultural population including the largest settlement of polynesian people is home to many festivals. During the summer months, the Pasifika festival is a highlight. The beat of drums and the rhythm is a must go for a Pasifika immersion experience.

Other festivals to keep an eye on are:

  • Auckland Arts Festival showcases local and international performing arts, public art works. The festival is accompanied by pop up venues for comedy, street entertainment and events held in in collaboration with wineries, galleries and museums in the province.
  • Brush off your gold and red outfit and join the night lit Lantern Festival celebrating Chinese New Year
  • Diwali is a two-day Auckland Diwali Festival of music, dance and food held in various public parks and suburbs, this is a very popular festival as it is always accompanied by delicious food stalls
  • Auckland Folk Festival celebrates the songs, music and local talent
  • Auckland Buskers Festival is fun with street performers, street entertainment from jugglers, comedy, skits and, of course song

Auckland shopping destinations, places to go

Delve into Auckland’s shopping districts packed with well known international brands, New Zealand innovative designer stores, contemporary shopping malls and traditional main streets in suburbs such as Newmarket, Parnell, Takapuna and Ponsonby.

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Boutique shops in Strand Arcade on Queen Street Auckland New Zealand.It`s one of the oldest arcades in Auckland City, The Strand Arcade dates back to 1910.
@BritomartNZ
Karangahape Road in Auckland New Zealand

Auckland – indulge / romance

A touch of romance, of pampering the soul. Auckland offers special moments creating lifetime memories.

  • Hot mineral natural springs are a breath away in Te Aroha spa resort day trip, travel guide, things to see: Best Bits
  • Glamping by a quiet beach or a rural retreat only an hour from the city centre or go camping in a Department of Conservation protected area a mere ferry ride away
  • World class restaurants overlook the Viaduct and Waitemata harbour
  • Float away on a harbour cruise on the Waitemata harbour / Hauraki Gulf or go further afield and explore the Kaipara harbour

Auckland city romantic places, things to do for couples - Best Bits

Auckland city of sails offers romance served up on a plate overlooking the city of sails, superb panoramic views and quiet places where roses bloom in the Parnell Garden…

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@aucklandseakayaks
@auckywalkytours
@drrudis

Auckland – art & heritage

Auckland history – heritage buildings

The city street facade tells a story of settlement and changing architectural styles. Look for one of New Zealand’s earliest shopping malls in downtown Auckland. The Strand Arcade building is an original 1920’s shopping mall. Admire the regal statement of bureaucratic government in the former Chief Post Office building, now the Britomart Train Centre or the majestic splendor of the Edwardian Auckland town hall. Enjoy wandering through heritage homes detailing domestic lives and admiring the collectables and memorabilia from the 19th century.

Chelsea Heritage Park Auckland with modern factory as a centrepiece, New Zealand
Chelsea Heritage Park, Auckland, NZ

Chelsea Heritage Park

Enjoy the day at Chelsea Heritage Park and take time to join a factory tour. The Chelsea Sugar Factory took 18 months to complete and was built using one million hand-made bricks. These were made out of the clay, which had been excavated from the site. The current factory and Heritage Park are open to visitors and is part of the 5 Heritage Regional Parks near Auckland, day trip: guide by Best Bits.

Stonefields archaeological site

East Polynesian settlement is evident with the site reflecting the classic period of early Maori culture with non-fortified villages. Look for the stone walls as they wend their way following the contours of the land. Whare (Maori dwellings) were built on unproductive lava terraces. Rua (food pits) were dug to store kumara in lava caves or used for burial purposes. In addition to the Maori settlement remains there are also some old settler homesteads from the mid 1800s and a number of stone walls built by settlers to contain stock.

Kaitaia bus mural, Northland, New Zealand
Bus shelter painted in colorful Maori motifs, Kaitaia, Auckland, NZ
Devonport historic northhead gun emplacements, New Zealand
Devonport historic northhead gun emplacements, Auckland, NZ

Military sites & attractions

Explore outdoor military sites from the beginnings of human occupation of New Zealand to 1880’s Russian scare, New Zealand Land Wars and World Wars. Get an idea of historic cemeteries and the stories they tell about their occupants. Check out Auckland top heritage sites and buildings for more information.

Auckland museums

Delve into the intriguing history of ceramics and the story of Crown Lynn pottery. Find on Waiheke Island one of the world’s rare living music collections continuing to be played and enjoyed by visitors. Explore historic villages dedicated to the story of settler life in the 19th century. Look at the Auckland building facades and identify an original 1920’s shopping mall, exquisite detail in historic church windows and imposing public buildings from the Chief Post Office to Edwardian Auckland town hall.

Explore outdoor military sites from the beginnings of east Polynesian migration in Onehunga to 1880’s Russian scare, New Zealand Land Wars and World Wars.

Consider a picnic in one of New Zealand’s fascinating cemeteries with its memorial to the 1919 Influenza epidemic, manosaulens, the sections for Chinese and Asian burials who were not allowed in the Christian sector.

The top 4 museums in Auckland are:

Check out and learn about Auckland Heritage Sites and Buildings. For cemetery and military heritage buffs there is plenty to see and do in Auckland.

Auckland in a day – city attractions

Twinkling night lights of a city in full glory from the Sky Tower as you enjoy a dinner in a revolving restaurant. Consider an immersive Maori tour to gain further insight into New Zealand’s cultural heritage or spend time sipping wine in Kumeu wineries.

Begin the day getting up high to take in the views of a city wrapped around two harbours.

Auckland city views – best locations:

  • Climbing to the peak of One Tree Hill. Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill is a 182-metre (597 ft) volcanic peak in Auckland, New Zealand. Volcanic activity traces are still evident with the classic craters and scoria rocks which are scattered throughout the park hillsides. The obelisk was erected for the city’s centenary celebrations in 1940. It is a well known Auckland landmark. This climb is one of the 3 favourite Auckland walks.
  • Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in the city centre with panoramic 360c views of the Auckland region. There are several restaurants in the complex, an opportunity to bungee jump from the Tower as well as the well known glass floor at the top level of the building. A very popular destination for visitors due to the sheer height of the tower and its stunning vistas of Auckland. There is a restaurant on the premises.
Maungakiekie, One Tree Hill, New Zealand
Maungakiekie, One Tree Hill, Auckland, NZ

Lunch in a West Auckland Vineyard

Cellar visits to some of the oldest vineyards in New Zealand. You also have the opportunity to visit Waiheke Island and its numerous vineyards. Waiheke Island has a hop on and hop off bus service to the various cellars. The Waiheke bus service can be booked in conjunction with your ferry tickets. Waiheke ferry services are pedestrian or vehicular… learn more West Auckland vineyards.

@AucklandMuseum
@AucklandMuseum

Spend the afternoon soaking up Auckland heritage & culture

  • Auckland Museum is set in one of the country’s finest heritage buildings, the museum has a wonderful display of over 2000 priceless Maori and Pacific treasures and artifacts, detailing the culture and history of Aotearoa New Zealand. There is also a war memorial for the Auckland province, mainly to those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The gift shop specialises in ‘Made in New Zealand’ artisan goods and homeware. Top quality goods, however it’s not cheap.
  • Auckland Museum is the only venue in Auckland where visitors can also experience a free Maori cultural performance daily (3 times a day, 30 minutes duration). Check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
TIP

Auckland Museum is part of the Hop on and hop off tourist Bus Service making getting there a breeze from central city locations.

Evening

Dine in style in the Wynyard Quarter of Auckland central with bobbing yachts, busy harbour ferries and the reimagined former industrial wharf, a place of cafes, restaurants and bars.

Aerial view from the Auckland`s Skytower observation deck to the Nelson Street pink cycleway, named Te Ara (Whiti or Lightpath), New Zealand

Things to do for free in Auckland

While top sights such as SeaLife Kelly Tarton, Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb, harbour cruises and Skytower are not free entry there is plenty to do and see.

Long Bay Regional Park Auckland playground and carpark, New Zealand
Long Bay Regional Park, Auckland, NZ
  • Beach culture is buzzing with walks, cafes for brunch and playgrounds for the kids
  • Regional parks with their farm animals, generous spaces for romantic moments and beaches are free entry
  • Exploration via the hop on and hop off bus while not free is very reasonable
  • Delicious food treats are to be found in the weekend markets, Auckland city French market, Ponsonby Central and down K’Road.
  • Galleries and museums are free, except for specialist museums. Check beforehand online whether a donation is requested (free entry) or an admission fee.
  • Gardens and parks free entry
  • Explore the Auckland west coast beaches and discover the Muriwai Gannet colony, its free
  • Consider the price of a ferry ticket and explore the Hauraki Gulf Islands, there are no additional landing fees

Auckland nightlife

Auckland is a city of suburbs with nightlife hot spots throughout the urban area.

  • Britomart in the city center has numerous bars, restaurants and live shows and is very conveniently placed for its transport networks running beneath
  • Ponsonby Road is stylist with nightclubs, live music, cocktails and dancing. During the day the Ponsonby Central is a hot favourite for its food court ethnic smorgasbord of delicious morsels.
  • Auckland CBD at Federal Street and Vulcan Lane has some great nightlife especially if you enjoy craft beer and microbreweries
  • Wynyard Quarter & North Wharf is fine dining and restaurants overlooking the inner harbour, often families will congregate in the area known as being the landbase for yachting triumphs such as the America Cup Race
@BritomartNZ
@BritomartNZ
Cityscape image of Auckland skyline, New Zealand during sunrise
Cityscape image of Auckland skyline, Auckland, NZ
  • Karangahape Road, known as K’ Road is where alternative is mainstream with an eclectic mix of bars and clubs in a district where being creative is part and parcel of K’Rd. The area hosts popular festivals with street dancing, DJ gigs and contemporary art and music events.
  • Mission Bay bars and cafes embrace the beach and offer late night dining
  • Parnell is fine dining, cuisine and upmarket clubs and bars. The trees are lit up adding to the festive atmosphere.
  • Kingsland, home to Eden Park (rugby games) is a local watering favourite due to its mix of ethnic eateries, bars and pubs
  • Takapuna, North Shore has restaurants and bar enjoying the beach atmosphere

Itineraries – touring routes around Auckland

Auckland day, weekend or family road trips

An Auckland roadie, perhaps a day exploring weekend vineyards. A road trip to beaches, nature reserves, walk from coast to coast mixed and stirred with a vibrant unique Maori & Pasifika culture Auckland delivers the ultimate visitor experience; New Zealand on a plate.

Visit amazing Auckland, try the place out and you might never leave.

Auckland road trips – New Zealand on a plate

  • Imagine a city (Auckland) with three wine / vineyard districts nearby, Kumeu, Waiheke Island & the Matakana Coast
  • Find a place where coast to coast there are beaches, water activities and quiet towns, the preserve of Regional Parks
  • Discover the Hauraki Gulf, conservation islands, waterways and marine reefs
  • Nature is not a visitor experience, it’s Auckland’s backyard
  • Countryside, nature is wrapped up with an urban vibe (translation: great coffee everywhere)
  • Auckland is New Zealand on a plate
Karangahape Road in Auckland New Zealand
Karangahape Road in Auckland New Zealand

Auckland Road Trips

Discover an Auckland roadie, a day exploring, or a leisurely weekend in a vineyard to sample local award-winning wine, a road trip with the family, beaches, nature reserves, walk from coast to coast mixed and stirred with a vibrant unique Maori & Pasifika culture you have New Zealand on a plate.

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Whangarei The Hub boardwalk sculpture installation, New Zealand
NZ dotterel shorebird, Opoutere Beach near Rotoroa Island, New Zealand
Japanese Friendship Public Garden Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

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Lake Tekapo Wilderness, motorhome, New Zealand
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Lindis Pass, motorhome, New Zealand

Where to stay in Auckland

LOCATION is critical to the success of your holiday. Transport is a key factor as precious holiday time can easily be wasted trying to get to a bucket list attraction.

Auckland is spread out over a series of dormant volcanoes with two harbours, the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours. It is a city of interconnecting suburbs, the gateway city to the world with New Zealand’s major international airport and air connections to the rest of the country.

Auckland is not a city of skyscrapers or high rises, except in the CBD. The sprawling suburbs largely use a motorway system for connections which at times is very congested. The urban railway system is limited with public buses often the only viable public transport system, especially in the northern districts. Auckland is a huge city.

Where to stay in Auckland

NZ Auckland where to stay and best locations for accommodation...

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@GrandMercureAKL
@GrandMercureAKL
@Romantic Piha, Auckland, New Zealand

Getting around Auckland

Transport Weather Seasons Useful Facts

Useful facts

  • Be Prepared for a Strict Customs Check looking for prohibited food & wood items. Commercially wrapped confectionery is usually acceptable.
  • Outdoor gear will be checked for embedded seeds and dirt. Wash geer thoroughly before arriving.
  • There Are No Poisonous Animals or Large Predatory Animals in New Zealand
  • New Zealand’s Summer Months Are December to February, it is the Southern Hemisphere
  • Be Prepared to Drive on the Left-Hand Side of the Road

Auckland location

Auckland is located around two harbours. Waitemata Harbour and Manuka Harbour. In the centre is the pinnacle Sky Tower dominating the city centre with its views of the Viaduct Harbour. Auckland city reaches to the North Shore district and beyond embracing urban sophistication with the outdoors as its backyard.

Best time to visit Auckland

March to May or September November. These months offer spring or autumn temperatures with mostly sunny days as well as being the shoulder season for tourists.

Auckland weather & seasons

It is recommended visitors have a poncho or umbrella handy for occasional showers. The warm coastal climate does not experience temperature extremes making a great year round destination. Summers in Auckland are between 22c to high 20’s with reasonable humidity. Winters are mild and damp. Rainfall is expected between July – September.

TIP

From the Northern Hemisphere – remember New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to Europe and North America. Summer is between November to early March …

Learn more about public transport, bus train & ferries

Auckland getting around, useful travel facts

Be Prepared for a Strict Customs Check looking for prohibited food & wood items. Commercially wrapped confectionery is usually acceptable.

learn more @akltransport
@akltransport @akltransport
@akltransport @akltransport
Auckland International Airport, Auckland, New Zealand @Aucklandnz @akltransport
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