Auckland City

The City of Sails, with the Sky Tower, the Mount Eden crater, Waiheke Island wineries and west coast black-sand beaches, and the gateway to New Zealand's North Island.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city (population about 1.7 million). It sits on a narrow isthmus in the northern North Island, between the Hauraki Gulf to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west. The city is built over more than 50 extinct volcanic cones, and its harbors are crowded with yachts, earning it the nickname "City of Sails." It is also the entry point to New Zealand for most visitors.

Main areas to explore: ① Downtown and the waterfront: the Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour and the Wynyard Quarter, the Maritime Museum, the Art Gallery, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain; ② The volcanic cones: Mount Eden, One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park; ③ The eastern waterfront: Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay and Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium; ④ The North Shore: a 12-minute ferry ride to Victorian-style Devonport and North Head, plus Takapuna Beach; ⑤ The Hauraki Gulf islands: Waiheke Island wineries, Rangitoto volcanic island and Tiritiri Matangi bird sanctuary; ⑥ The west coast: Waitakere Ranges rainforest, the black-sand beaches of Piha and Bethells, and the Muriwai gannet colony; ⑦ A northern day trip: the town of Matakana and the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Hobbiton, the Waitomo glowworm caves and Rotorua's geothermal area are 2–3 hours away by road; they are covered under the "Rotorua & Taupō" destination and are worth an extra night or two.

The climate is mild and humid, and it can change several times in a day. Dec–Feb is summer, 20–25°C, and beach season; Mar–May autumn is settled with little rain; Jun–Aug winter is wet. Getting around: the airport is about 21 km from the city center, and the airport shuttle takes about 45 minutes. Buses, ferries and trains in the city accept an AT HOP card or contactless credit cards; a car is best for the west coast and northern sights. Recommended stay: 3–4 days (2 days in the city, 1 on Waiheke, 1 on the west coast). Notes: biosecurity checks on arrival are extremely strict, so declare all food honestly; the UV is strong, so wear sunscreen; rip currents on the west coast are dangerous, so swim only between the flags.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries