Auckland

Nearby

Auckland: Understand

Population ~ 1.5 million

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand home to a third of our population. Contained by the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean on either side, you’ll see the Sky Tower and super yachts in the city centre out to countless beaches beyond the urban sprawl. Be sure to take a few ferry rides out to some of the nearby islands!

Auckland: Getting In & Out

By plane:

Auckland International Airport is New Zealand’s largest, and there’s a good chance you’ll fly through here if travelling internationally. Customs is super-strict on arrival – declare all your food items (or throw it in the amnesty bins), and clean your outdoor gear before bringing it.

Getting between the airport and city centre…

Take a 40min bus for $18 from the airport to the city leaving every 10-30mins depending on the time of day.  To get to the airport check out the SkyBus website for timetables and to find your closest stop. Buy tickets online or carry cash if you want to buy from the driver.

To get around Auckland using buses/trains/ferries use the Auckland Transport journey planner or view timetables on their website.

Taxi the 25km from the airport to the Auckland city centre by heading to the nearest taxi rank upon exiting the terminal. This could cost $50-$100 depending on traffic. App-based services offer flat rates with Uber charging $70 and Zoomy between $39-$66.

Shared shuttle vans can drop you at your destination, with prices varying by zone and efficiency depending on whether you are the first or last to be dropped off =)

Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.

By car:

State Highway 1 continues north all the way until Cape Reinga (the top of the North Island). Going south on SH1 the first major city would be Hamilton. If you’re driving south out of Auckland and heading towards the Bay of Plenty, don’t miss the turnoff onto State Highway 2 about 55km from the city centre.

By bus:

Travelling beyond Auckland? Jump on a bus from the central InterCity Sky City terminal, or in Manukau City, Papakura, Albany or the Auckland Airport to make it to your next destination:

Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.

By train:

The Northern Explorer train (681km) connects central Auckland to central Wellington. They depart 3 days per week between 7am-8am and you can buy tickets online.

Auckland: See & Do

The Sky Tower is New Zealand’s tallest building, take the lift or hike the stairs up. There’s a restaurant with the best city views, or for the more adventurous the SkyWalk or SkyJump.

Climb Mt Eden (1hr easy walk), or check out Cornwall Park which has cafes, animals, and the Stardome Observatory. The One Tree Hill summit is in Cornwall Park and has a nice vantage point (after a good wee climb). Another option is to pack a picnic to enjoy in Cornwall Park.

Take a ferry across to Devonport and explore the Northhead Tunnels or head to Cheltenham Beach.

Watch a game of cricket or rugby at Eden Park.

Jump on the TMK bus to head east out to Mission Bay for some beach time.

Visit La Cigale (French Markets) which are open Saturdays 8am – 1:30pm and Sundays 9am – 1:30pm

Art-lovers will enjoy the Auckland Art Gallery.

And in Auckland, there are always events and festivals happening. Have a look at what’s on during your stay.

Auckland: Eat & Drink

Did we mention New Zealand cities do cafés really well?

In Auckland central/ Newmarket eat THE BEST donuts from Little and Friday, delicious (healthy) brunch or treats at Little Bird Organics: The Unbakery, or find great vegan options at Gorilla Kitchen.

Major Sprout in the city is a great option for breakfast, brunch or lunch with delicious food that looks beautiful (there are a few unique options on the breakfast menu too)!

Another favourite breakfast/lunch  option is Dear Jervois in Herne Bay – excellent coffee and you won’t be disappointed by the food!

Crave in Kingsland is another breakfast/lunch option – it’s got a fun, busy, arty vibe with good food and coffee. All profits are returned to the local community too, making a pretty cool cycle.

In Ponsonby, you’ll find plant-based food at The Butchers Son. In nearby Grey Lynn there are more treats and brunch goodness at the Tart Bakery.

If you’re looking for dinner options, Gemmazye St on K Road is open Tuesday – Saturday serving delicious Lebanese food. For $65 per person, you can say “jeeb” (translation = “bring”) and the food will follow!

Cassia on Fort Lane is super fancy, but the best in Auckland! A good option for a celebration, perhaps?

Le Garde Manger is a great French place in Ponsonby – the crepes come highly recommended. Open for dinner 7 days a week, and for lunch Thursday – Sunday.

Ponsonby Central is always good for dinner, with plenty of options!

Auckland Nightlife…

Stroll down to Wynyard Quarter for a drink in the afternoon sun near the waterfront.

After craft beers? Try Brothers Beer or Dr Rudis.

Kingsland is a great spot for a few drinks.

Head out for a boogie at Longroom, or crawl the bars in Ponsonby or the Viaduct, or a younger crowd in Britomart.

Mini-golf + beer? See if your putting improves by adding alcohol at Holey Moley.

Auckland: Sleep

Emerald Cottage ($$)  is a lovely luxury option on the North Shore. It’s a 3-bedroom villa available for exclusive use too. The views overlook the Hauraki Gulf, Takapuna beach and Rangitoto Island.

Emerald Inn ($$$) is also on the North Shore and offers self contained units. The location is pretty neat, nestled amongst  sub-tropical gardens and close to Takapuna Beach.

For a city-centre hostels check out YHA Auckland City ($), or K Road City Travellers ($). Slightly out of the centre Ponsonby Backpackers ($) or The Brown Kiwi ($) are also good options.

For stays longer than a night or two, it’s also worth checking out AirBnB for close-to-the-city options.

1-Day Trips Near Auckland

Bush and Beach Tours are a great tour company that take you on some amazing small-group trips – check out some of their tours on offer.

Jump on a ferry (25mins) from downtown to walk up or around Rangitoto, a dormant volcanic island out in the Hauraki Gulf.

Take a day trip to Waiheke Island (40 minute ferry) – wineries, beaches and great views. Or grab an Air BnB, and enjoy the luxurious island life for a few days!

Visit Matakana Village Farmers Market (1 hour drive) – open Saturdays 8am – 1pm. You could also make a whole day of it and explore the super cute town, visit the old school cinema and Morris & James pottery (with Ringawera Cafe on site). Also nearby is Leigh & Goat Island marine reserve – a brilliant snorkelling spot with cruises, kayaks, diving and snorkelling either self-guided or in tour groups.

Out west (40-minute drive) hike Te Henga Walkway for incredible coastal views of the black sand beaches. You can start at Bethell’s Beach (who have a great food/coffee cart) and turn around when you’re ready, or you can start at Muriwai Beach (the spot for bird watching gannets) and walk to Bethells Beach. There is also a good loop around Lake Wainamu.

If you’re out west, make some time to check out Piha Beach too! Do be careful of the currents when swimming here.

The Waitakere Ranges are full of tracks, making it a great place for a jog, a walk and a picnic or a full day hike. Currently, a lot of the tracks in the Waitakere Ranges are closed in an effort to regenerate one of our native trees – the Kauri. For a map of the tracks that are open, take a look at this link.

Get your glowworm fix at the Waipu Caves (2 hours drive). Bring footwear for slippery rocks to walk in a shallow stream, and a light!

Multi-Day Trips Near Auckland

Get off the grid and spend a few days on Great Barrier Island just a short flight away. Hiking, beaches, or star-gazing are popular on this island which is a Dark Sky Sanctuary.

North of Auckland, there are many amazing east coast golden sand beaches to visit and explore.

Closer to Auckland you can find small-town Orewa Beach, or 30-40mins drive north you can find Snell’s Beach and Omaha Beach which are great options too.

A few hours north you can check out the wide open beaches of Ruakaka, the rocky coves and mini beaches at Tutukaka, or a mixture of both walking the beaches and coves at Matapouri.

3 hours of driving and a car-ferry later you’ll make it to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Hit up the beaches or head out on a cruise to see the islands and wildlife, even swim with dolphins if you’re lucky! For more information on Russell and the Bay of Islands, take a look at Destination: Northland.

South of Auckland, with that similar east-coast-beach feel, head over to Whitianga (2.5hrs) in the Coromandel. Be sure to visit the famous Cathedral Cove! For more information on the Coromandel, take a look at Destination: Coromandel.

West of the city are also a number of stunning beaches. Some are great surfing spots (like Maori Bay), others have great wind for kitesurfing or windsurfing, or pack a picnic and enjoy the views.

Where to next?

Nearby Regions:

“City of sails”, largest NZ City

Quick Menu

• Understand
• Getting In & Out
• See & Do
• Eat & Drink
• Sleep

1-day Trips Nearby

• Climb Rangitoto
• Visit Waiheke Island
• Matakana Farmers Market
• Hike the West Coast
• Piha Beach
• Waitakere Ranges
• Glowworms at Waipu

Multi-day Trips Nearby

• Great Barrier Island
• Best Beaches
• Matapouri
• Russell, Bay of Islands
• Whitianga