Auckland

Travel Guide
Sky Tower which includes central business district, skyline and general coastal views

Auckland Travel Guide Video

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 harbor from a height of 722 feet (220 meters).

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-meter) 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-kilometer) 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 cbd

Auckland Central Business District

4/5(215 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Auckland Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Sky Tower and Auckland Ferry Terminal, 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 which includes 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
Rainbow\'s End which includes 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 featuring central business district, street scenes and night scenes

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
Auckland Domain which includes a garden

Parnell

5/5(8 area reviews)

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

Parnell
Default Image

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 Villa Maria Auckland Winery or Otuataua Stonefields.

Mangere
Naumi Auckland Airport
Naumi Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
153 Kirkbride Road, Auckland, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$611 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
HK$611
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Beautiful, modern rooms and amenities."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Naumi Auckland Airport
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$795 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
HK$795
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,020 reviews)
"Great place to stay. The beds were very comfortable."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
4.5 out of 5
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
The price is HK$811 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$811
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,022 reviews)
"Property located downtown central with lots of shops and restaurants. It’s a 15 minute walk to pier and train station. Location can’t be beat. Facilities is nice but room on lower floor is a bit dated. I would definitely stay again if in the area."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Grand Millennium 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.
VR Auckland City
VR Auckland City
4 out of 5
188 Hobson Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (3,226 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

VR Auckland City
Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
4.5 out of 5
6-12 St Martins Lane, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,101 reviews)
"We had a very nice accommodation. Very nice area and place and So clean too. Perfect!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
4 out of 5
85-89 Custom St West, Auckland
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,386 reviews)
In the middle of many options
"This hotel is very well situated for various activities. I really appreciated a possibility to use for free the Tepid Baths swimming pool and also sauna, though that was not too great. There are many sailing options in the port just in front of the hotel, numerous restaurants and bars in a walking ..."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Auckland

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
63
" "5 - Excellent 32.98429319371728%
4 - Good
106
" "4 - Good 55.49738219895288%
3 - Okay
19
" "3 - Okay 9.947643979057592%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5706806282722514%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Mar 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
3 Mar 2020

Hilly

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
28 Feb 2020

Spent 5 days here but 3 would have been enough.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Feb 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Feb 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Feb 2020

Good free walking tour