City of sails and natural thrills
Nestled between two sparkling harbours, Auckland (or Tāmaki Makaurau – ‘desired by many’) blends urban delight with natural beauty. Known as the “City of Sails,” it’s a multi-cultural hub of thriving arts, culture and heritage, world-class cuisine and a gateway to beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic landscapes.
Auckland offers something for everyone: thrill-seekers can climb the Sky Tower or bungee jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge, while history buffs can dive into Māori culture at the Auckland Museum. Foodies will relish the city’s diverse culinary options from seafood specialties to farm-to-table delights, from fine dining to cheap eats.
With it’s dynamic mix of bustling markets, beautiful coastal walks and trendy neighbourhoods, Auckland invites you to experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, the city has so much to explore.
A brand new transport hub at the airport offers easy transport options via bus, taxi, ride-share, super shuttle and Uber into the city. Download the AT Mobile App and buy a HOP card at the airport to plan journeys, use on ferry, bus and train and find shared cars, scooters and bikes. It’s easy, quick and inexpensive.
Things to do:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum. Explore New Zealand’s history, the story of the Pacific people and Māori culture in this renowned museum located on Pukekawa Hill in Auckland’s Domain and offering one of the best city views. The building itself, neoclassical in style, has an air of timelessness and solemnity, befitting its role as a place of remembrance.
- Parnell Rose Garden. A 25 min walk away, smell the roses at Dove Myer Robinson Park. Home to over 5000 roses and many native trees including the largest sprawling pohutukawa in the city, this park in one of Auckland’s oldest neighbourhoods is a blaze of colour and fragrance every summer and has a fantastic view towards the Ports of Auckland.
- Sky TowerTowering 328 meters above the city, Auckland’s tallest building offers 360-degree views of the city, harbour and beyond and, with a new lookout on level 53, you can watch thrill seekers prepare to take a walk on the wild side or take a leap of faith. Ticket prices for admission to the tower start at NZ$ 45 and can be bought online.
- Viaduct Harbour The buzzing downtown waterfront is the perfect place to take a stroll, a harbour cruise, enjoy a sailing adventure … or simply admire the superyachts and sailors. At night, it transforms into a fun, raucous hub of restaurants and bars.
- Waiheke Island. Take a 40 min ferry ride from downtown Auckland, chill on one of the island’s beaches, enjoy a vineyard lunch or olive tasting…or… browse through a host of art galleries. The perfect place for unwinding, or indulging.
Where to eat:
Hello Beasty Casual $$.This is a buzzy downtown restaurant offering Asian – New Zealand fusion. Favourite dishes: Prawn + Crab Toast, Ruakaka Kingfish. Shared plates, à la cart and set menu. Good for Pescatarians and Vegetarians. At the Viaduct, 95-97 Customs Street. Hours: Seven days 12-10pm
Gemmayze Street Casual $$. Lebanese-inspired restaurant in colourful area of town serving a feast of small plates bursting with herbs, spices and lots of zing. Favourite dishes: Hummus and Chicken shish. The hummus (photo above, credit A. McVinnie) was the best I’ve ever tasted. Shared plates, a la carte and set menu. Good for Pescatarians and Vegetarians. 15/16 St Kevins Arcade, 183 Karangahape Rd. Hours: Tues-Thurs 6-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 5.30-10pm.
Cazador Smart $$. Cozy eatery specialising in wild game and sustainably sourced ingredients, awarded best service in 2024 restaurant awards. Favourite dishes: Braised Waipiti Venison and duck parfait with red onion marmalade. Shared plates, a la carte and set menu. 854 Dominion Road. Hours: Wed- Sat 5pm-late. Bookings recommended.
Where to stay:
QT Auckland. Looking for luxury offbeat modern accommodation with shimmering harbour views? This Viaduct hotel, it’s rooms with bold mismatched furniture, is for lovers of quirkiness. The celebrated Esther eatery on the ground floor serves up lavish Mediterranean style long lunches and dinners and is based around an open ‘country-style’ kitchen. The roof top bar serving cocktails and tapas is one where you might dress to impress.
The Great Ponsonby Arthotel, a boutique bed and breakfast, a few minutes’ walk from Ponsonby’s trendy cafés, restaurants, buzzing bars, eclectic shops and galleries, is just a five-minute taxi ride away from the harbour and city centre. Each of the eleven rooms in this charming heritage villa is unique, decorated with New Zealand and Pacific Island artworks and tribal rugs. Breakfasts are legendary and cooked to order… just what you need after a night out on the town!
The Boatshed. Perched above Oneroa Beach on Waiheke Island, this hotel is perfect for a romantic weekend, offering glorious sea views and a casual, elegant vibe, with beautifully designed rooms, impeccable service, and a focus on home-grown produce in its restaurant. If you want to holiday with family and friends however, the owner’s cottage is perfect for a cosy getaway. Here you can relax in the gardens, enjoy private beach access, or take short strolls to nearby shops and vineyards.
Touring suggestions:
Scenic Drives: Take the Twin Coast Discovery Highway and loop through Northland, exploring the Bay of Islands, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, then Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest kauri tree. For a half day out, explore the beaches along Tamaki Drive passing through Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach and St Heliers
Best Places to See: Piha Beach (black sand paradise), Waitakere Ranges (waterfalls and trails), and Rangitoto Island (volcanic hikes).
Ferry Hopping: Explore the Hauraki Gulf with stops at the volcanic Rangitoto, naval Devonport, and Waiheke Island for a mix of history, adventure, and relaxation.