Auckland

Travel Guide

Sky Tower which includes central business district, skyline and general coastal views
Devonport showing skyline, a city and a river or creek
Devonport which includes a park and flowers
Auckland showing a skyscraper, a city and a bay or harbour
Auckland showing a city and a bay or harbour

Nature experiences abound in this city surrounded by harbors and rain forest. Go island hopping, dine out on the water or peer into the crater of a volcano.

Auckland is as much a gateway to a natural playground as it is an urban paradise, with museums, shopping and fine dining. The biggest city on New Zealand’s North Island has coast on one side and mountains on the other. Manukau Harbour is to the southwest, the Hauraki Gulf and its islands to the east, and the rain forest-covered Waitakere Ranges to the west. Take the glass elevator at the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland for a spectacular view of the cityscape, mountains and harbour from a height of 722 feet (220 metres).

Auckland is built on and around several extinct volcanoes. The suburb of Mount Eden is built on the side of a cinder-cone volcano. Climb to the top to look into the 164-foot (50-metre) deep crater. The gardens in Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, flourish in the volcanic soil and natural springs of the Pukekawa volcano. Learn about Auckland’s natural history, the culture of the Maori people, and local art and crafts in the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which is located on the highest point of the Domain.

Navigating Auckland is easy, with buses, trains and ferries servicing the downtown area. You can take the hop-on, hop-off Explorer Bus for commentary and sightseeing. Rent a car to venture out of the city.

There are 138 species of wildlife housed in the award-winning habitats of the Auckland Zoo. Catch a glimpse of the iconic kiwi and get up-close to rhinos, elephants, lions, cheetahs and primates.

Sailing boats and super yachts moor in Viaduct Harbour, home to the maritime museum and more than 30 bars and restaurants that line the water. Ferries leave from here for the islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island, a 40-minute ferry trip away, is a great place to hike, sample gourmet food and see stunning beaches.

Head to the hills behind Auckland to hike and camp in the wilderness. Many miles of trails wind through the rain forest and along the coast in the Waitakere Ranges. For serious “trampers,” as hikers are known in New Zealand, there’s the challenging 46-mile (75-kilometre) Hillary Trail, which includes three nights camping and four days tramping. Many visitors go for a day trip through the ranges by rental car or tour bus.

Where to stay in Auckland

Auckland CBD featuring street scenes and city views

Auckland Central Business District

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Auckland Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Queen Street Shopping District and High Street, and jump on the metro at Gaunt Street Tram Stop or Halsey Street Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Auckland Central Business District
Butterfly Creek featuring marine life

Auckland Airport

If you're spending some time in Auckland Airport, Butterfly Creek and Treasure Island Adventure Golf are top sights worth seeing.

Auckland Airport
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Viaduct Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Viaduct Harbour. Check out New Zealand Maritime Museum or Princes Wharf while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Halsey Street Tram Stop to get around town.

Viaduct Harbour
Rainbow\'s End showing rides, a pool and a water park

Manukau

Manukau is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Westfield Manukau City Shopping Centre and Rainbow's End while in the area.

Manukau
Auckland Domain which includes a garden

Parnell

Visitors often come to Parnell for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Parnell Rose Gardens and Auckland Museum. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at The Strand Station.

Parnell
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Mangere

Mangere is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Formula E Indoor Raceway or Villa Maria Auckland Winery.

Mangere
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
The price is HK$662 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
HK$662
HK$762 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,401 reviews)
"Everyone was helpful and very well kept."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The price is HK$865 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
HK$865
HK$1,016 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,844 reviews)
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Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

4 out of 5
2 Ascot Road, Auckland
The price is HK$666 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
HK$666
HK$766 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay, staff are always so friendly and welcoming."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

4.5 out of 5
2 Tapora Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,122 reviews)
"Room Clean. Shower head holder have problem, the rest is ok."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Barclay Suites

Barclay Suites

4.5 out of 5
74 Albert Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,786 reviews)
"This is the second time we have stayed here and will come again. It is so convenient and nicely presented. Thankyou"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Barclay Suites
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

4.5 out of 5
206 Victoria Street West, Auckland, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,043 reviews)
"Our stay at this hotel was excellent. We stayed in the 2 bedroom option and there was plenty of space. The kitchen amenities were goid, and the washer/dryer combo was great to have ( once we figured out how to use it). The staff was friendly and accommodating. It was close to the busline and restauraunts. ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Auckland

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
63
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
106
4 - Good 55%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Built on 7dormant volcanoes very steep inclines wish I had been fitter

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Hilly

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Spent 5 days here but 3 would have been enough.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Only visited the skytower. Please delete the two entries arked terrible, iclicked by mistake and couldnt amend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A lot of road works and building renovations happening at the moment

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good free walking tour