Home to more New Zealanders than any other part of the country, Auckland City is also known as "The City of Sails" and offers an exhilarating mix of urban adventures and natural wonders to its residents and visitors. Volcanic hills provide views across the sprawling suburbs and twin harbours, but take time here to uncover an interesting array of music, arts and culture, as well as a diverse range of cuisine. To give you a taste of what to expect from your visit to Auckland City, here's an overview of great itinerary ideas I've collated for you.
During a visit to New Zealand's largest city you'll encounter world-class shopping, buzzing waterfront precincts lined with restaurants, a vibrant arts and culture scene and harbour adventures right on your doorstep.
Highlights can include:
emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is an Auckland icon and it’s long been a favourite day trip for walkers 🌋👟
the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower stands tall at 328 meters and is an exciting hub of superb dining and breathtaking views
leap off the Sky Tower and fall 192 metres straight down with SkyJump or inch along a narrow walkway around the tower with no handrail on the SkyWalk 😨
climb to the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, or for an extra thrill bungy jump from it - you can even to choose to dip your head in the water!
visit Tiritiri Matangi Island, an open wildlife sanctuary alive with birdsong. One of the most successful conservation projects in the world 🎶🐦
visit MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology)and explore fascinating exhibitions on the history of transport, technology and Kiwi ingenuity 🚂
the sheltered waters of the Waitemata Harbour make it a paradise waiting to be discovered - join an exceptional Auckland Sea Kayak tour 🛶
see the very best sights of Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) all through the eyes of an indigenous guide with Time Unlimited Tours. Learn about Maori culture, myths and legends as well as the ancestors who shaped this land
allow at least 2 hours to explore Auckland Zoo, home to the largest collection of New Zealand and exotic animals in New Zealand 🐾
visit the Maritime Museum to discover the stories that have shaped New Zealand’s identity as a seafaring nation ⚓
see first hand why Auckland is often dubbed the 'City of Sails' on a relaxed harbour sailing experience taking in the volcanic peaks and city skyline ⛵
Regarded as one of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere the Auckland War Memorial Museum is located in the Auckland Domain 🏛️
journey underwater through SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium and discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close including penguins, stingray or thrill yourself and dive with sharks 🦈🐧
walk to the top of Mount Eden / Maungawhau and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city and its harbours as well as its 50 metre deep volcanic crater 📸
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is home to New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art, and outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists, as well as European painting, sculpture and print 🎨
if you haven't experienced the raw speed and pure thrill of a high powered jet boat elsewhere in New Zealand, then jump aboard the Auckland Adventure Jet
one of New Zealand's best boat trips, the Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari observes dolphins and whales at play in their natural environment aboard a comfortable catamaran 🐋🐬
treat your tastebuds on The Big Foody tour and take in the sights and sound of the vibrant Auckland region while visit the fish market, chocolatiers, cafés, farmers markets, artisan producers and more 🔪🍽️
AUCKLAND CITY AT A GLANCE 🛏️ minimum 2 night stay recommended 📅 visit any time of year
📍 7 out of 10 visitors include Auckland City in their New Zealand itinerary
🌦️there is a chance of rain 3½ days each week on average each year
👨👩👦👦Family fun scores high here with plenty to keep children entertained 🍽️Food + Wine experiences in this region were almost always mentioned as a highlight 🏳️🌈 LGBTQI+ friendly 👍
This part of New Zealand is home to:
Popular places: In and around Queen Street, Britomart, Wynyard Quarter, Ponsonby, Karangahape Road, Parnell, Mission Bay, Mount Eden, Kingsland, Newmarket, Grey Lynn, Viaduct Harbour, Remuera, Epsom, Point Chevalier, Westmere, Victoria Park, Federal Street, High Street, Orakei and more...
Accessible by:
🚗self-drive on a road trip
✈️board a plane to Auckland Airport based in Mangere (AKL in South Auckland)
🚌take a bus from Northland, the Waikato, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Lake Taupo or further afield
⛴️take a ferry from Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island or The Coromandel
🛤️traverse by train from the Waikato, Ruapehu, Manawatu or Wellington
