Auckland, New Zealand: travel guide
Harbour city of volcanic cones, island ferries and Pacific culture
New Zealand's largest city, built on an isthmus dotted with volcanic cones and framed by two harbours. Gateway airport, vibrant food and Polynesian culture, and ferries to Waiheke and Rangitoto islands.
About Auckland
Auckland sits on a narrow isthmus between two harbours, and its skyline is dotted with the cones of old volcanoes. Water is always close, and ferries are an easy way to reach islands such as Waiheke and Rangitoto from the city waterfront.
Things to do in Auckland include climbing Mount Eden or One Tree Hill for the view, wandering the harbour-side restaurants and markets and exploring the museum and the city's strong Maori and Pacific heritage. Waiheke's vineyards and beaches make an easy day trip, and surf beaches lie on the west coast.
Auckland suits first-time visitors starting a New Zealand trip and anyone who likes food and sailing. The warmer months from late spring to early autumn are the most pleasant.
- Country
- New Zealand
- Currency
- NZD
- Time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
- Nearest airport
- AKL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Auckland
Sky Tower
observation tower · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry $47 (≈ ₹2,510)
At 328 m the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, with 360-degree observation decks, a glass floor and the SkyJump for the brave.
Waiheke Island
island & vineyards · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A 40-minute ferry from downtown, this island of golden bays, olive groves and boutique vineyards is Auckland's favourite day escape.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
history & Maori culture · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A grand neoclassical museum in the Auckland Domain with one of the world's finest Maori and Pacific collections and a daily cultural performance.
Auckland Zoo
zoo · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A conservation-focused zoo in Western Springs, home to a Te Wao Nui native zone with kiwi, tuatara and NZ wildlife.
Auckland Domain
volcanic park · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Auckland's oldest park, set in an ancient volcanic crater with wintergardens, sports fields and native bush walks around the museum.
Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium
aquarium · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
An underwater aquarium in former stormwater tanks featuring a walk-through shark tunnel and a sub-Antarctic penguin colony.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
art gallery · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
New Zealand's largest art institution, blending a heritage building with an award-winning kauri-canopy atrium; strong NZ and Maori art holdings.
Mission Bay Beach
city beach · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A popular white-sand crescent along Tamaki Drive with an art-deco fountain, cafes and views to Rangitoto.
Devonport & Mount Victoria
seaside village · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A genteel Victorian seaside suburb across the harbour, with cafes, a naval museum and a short climb up Mount Victoria for the best city skyline.
One Tree Hill & Cornwall Park
volcanic park · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A landmark volcanic cone (Maungakiekie) crowned by an obelisk, surrounded by grazing sheep and the leafy expanse of Cornwall Park.
Mount Eden (Maungawhau)
volcanic cone · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The highest natural point in the city, a dormant volcanic cone with a deep grassy crater and sweeping 360-degree views across the isthmus.
Rangitoto Island
volcanic island · 4.7 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
Auckland's youngest and largest volcano, a symmetrical cone reached by ferry with a lava-field summit hike and views back to the city.
Things to do
- Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb & Bungy Adventure · 1.5 h · from NZD 165 per person
- Waiheke Island Wine Tour Food · 6 h · from NZD 189 per person
- Sky Tower SkyWalk Adventure · 1.5 h · from NZD 155 per person
- Hauraki Gulf Whale & Dolphin Safari Nature · 4.5 h · from NZD 175 per person
- America's Cup Sailing Experience Water Sports · 2 h · from NZD 170 per person
- Auckland City & Coast Half-Day Tour Cultural · 4 h · from NZD 89 per person
Day trips and tours
- Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Tour 11 h · from NZD 375
- Waiheke Island Hop-on Hop-off Wine Day 8 h · from NZD 155
Where to stay in Auckland
- Auckland CBD & Waterfront about NZD 250 per night
The buzzing downtown core by the ferry terminal and Viaduct, walkable to Sky Tower, dining and harbour cruises.
- Ponsonby about NZD 230 per night
A trendy inner-city village of Victorian villas, boutique shops and one of Auckland's best restaurant strips.
- Devonport about NZD 210 per night
A charming Victorian seaside village a short ferry across the harbour, quiet with the best city skyline views.
Hotels
- Cordis Auckland 5-star · NZD 320 to NZD 560 per night
- Hotel DeBrett 4.5-star · NZD 300 to NZD 460 per night
- SO/ Auckland 5-star · NZD 350 to NZD 600 per night
- CityLife Auckland 4.5-star · NZD 200 to NZD 350 per night
- Grand Mercure Auckland 4.5-star · NZD 220 to NZD 360 per night
- YHA Auckland City 3-star · NZD 45 to NZD 160 per night
Where to eat
- Depot Eatery New Zealand, Seafood · about NZD 55 per person
- Amano Italian · about NZD 70 per person
- The Grove Modern New Zealand · about NZD 150 per person
- Cassia Indian, Modern Indian · about NZD 65 per person
- Federal Delicatessen American, Deli · about NZD 32 per person
- Ortolana Modern European · about NZD 60 per person
- Coco's Cantina Italian · about NZD 55 per person
- Best Ugly Bagels Bagels, Cafe · about NZD 18 per person
Getting to Auckland
Airport: Auckland (AKL)
How visitors arrive in Auckland
- Fly into Auckland Airport By air · common
Auckland Airport is New Zealand's main international gateway; Stats NZ data show over two million visitor arrivals through it in recent years. Source: figure.nz
From the airport to the centre
- AIR bus to Puhinui, then train
The AIR bus runs from stop A at the International Terminal to Puhinui train station, where you change to a train to Waitemata Station in the city. Source: newzealand.com.au
- Taxi from Auckland Airport
Taxis (fixed-fare or metered) and shuttles serve the airport, which lies south of the city centre. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Uber from the airport
Uber is available across most of Auckland, including the airport. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- SkyDrive express shuttle to SkyCity
A direct express shuttle links the airport with the SkyCity bus terminal in the city centre. Book online or pay the driver by card. Source: newzealand.com.au
- Tag your AT HOP card on and off every trip, or you risk a fine. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the port to the centre
- Cruise ships at Queens Wharf
Cruise ships dock at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf, next to the CBD, so the centre is within walking distance. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Tag your AT HOP card on and off every trip, or you risk a fine. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the bus terminal to the centre
- InterCity coaches at Sky City terminal
The InterCity Sky City bus terminal on Hobson Street is the main hub for long-distance coaches, with ticketing and luggage lockers. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Tag your AT HOP card on and off every trip, or you risk a fine. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Bus useful for some trips
Buses reach most areas of Auckland, and the Northern Express busway serves the North Shore, which has no train service.
- Car Rental Self useful for some trips
A rental car is useful for cross-city trips and travel beyond Auckland, though peak-hour congestion and parking can be challenging.
- Ferry
Ferries run from the city centre to Devonport, Waiheke Island and other Hauraki Gulf destinations.
- Ride Hail
Uber operates in most of the city, alongside regular taxis whose fares vary by company.
- Walking
Paying
- Cash is not accepted on buses and trains. Use an AT HOP card or a contactless card or phone wallet. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Safety and scams to avoid
Vehicle break-ins at scenic car parks
Piha, west-coast beaches and remote trailheads
Thieves target rental cars parked at isolated lookouts and trailheads, smashing windows to grab bags left in view.
How to avoid it: Never leave valuables in the car; take everything with you or leave the car visibly empty.
Best time to visit Auckland
- Jan 24°C
- Feb 24°C
- Mar 23°C
- Apr 20°C
- May 18°C
- Jun 16°C
- Jul 15°C
- Aug 15°C
- Sep 17°C
- Oct 18°C
- Nov 20°C
- Dec 22°C
More in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions about Auckland
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Auckland?
- The highest-rated places in our Auckland guide are Devonport & Mount Victoria, One Tree Hill & Cornwall Park, Mount Eden (Maungawhau), Waiheke Island, Auckland War Memorial Museum.
- Where should I stay in Auckland?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Auckland: Auckland CBD & Waterfront, Ponsonby, Devonport.
- How do I get around Auckland?
- Ways to get around Auckland covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Ferry, Ride-hailing app.
- What scams should I watch out for in Auckland?
- Scams reported to us for Auckland include Vehicle break-ins at scenic car parks. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Auckland?
- Average daytime highs in Auckland run from 15°C in Jul to 24°C in Feb.
- Which airport is nearest to Auckland?
- The nearest airport to Auckland has the code AKL.