Auckland

Travel Guide

Sky Tower featuring a high rise building, central business district and general coastal views
Devonport which includes a city, a river or creek and skyline
Devonport featuring a garden and flowers
Auckland featuring a city, a bay or harbor and a skyscraper
Auckland featuring a city and a bay or harbor

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 which includes city views and street scenes

Auckland Central Business District

4.5/5(1,043 area reviews)

Densely developed and bustling with arts, culture, and education, this financial hub offers shopping at Commercial Bay and Queen Street, galleries like Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Convenient public transport options are available at Britomart Transport Centre.

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
Viaduct Harbour featuring landscape views, a city and a bay or harbor

Viaduct Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are a few things travelers 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 which includes rides, a pool and a waterpark

Manukau

Centrally located in South Auckland, Manukau Central boasts shopping at Westfield Manukau City and Manukau Supa Centa, as well as the thrilling Rainbow's End theme park. Easily accessible via Eastern Line train services and the Southwestern Motorway, it's a well-connected hub for travelers.

Manukau
Auckland Domain showing a garden

Parnell

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Parnell, you might enjoy attractions like Parnell Rose Gardens and Auckland Museum. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at The Strand Station to see more of the city.

Parnell
Arriving in Auckland when the cricket is on meant accommodation availability was scarce, resulting in staying in the town of Mangere. Amazing little place with a stunning walk up Mt Mangere looking out over Auckland.

Mangere

Home to Auckland Airport, Māngere boasts the vibrant Māngere Arts Centre Ngā Tohu o Uenuku and convenient Māngere Town Centre for shopping. Easily accessible via train and bus services, it's well-connected to other parts of Auckland.

Mangere
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $98 total per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
$98 total
per night
Oct 28 - Oct 29
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! (1,403 reviews)
"great room size, pool warm and inviting, staff friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 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 $132 total per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
$132 total
per night
Oct 27 - Oct 28
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)
"."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 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 $90 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$90 total
per night
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Convenient to the airport and downtown. Nice breakfast spread."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 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! (1,123 reviews)
"Room Clean. Shower head holder have problem, the rest is ok."

Reviewed on Oct 13, 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 Oct 10, 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! (1,045 reviews)
"Clean room balcony was a bonus with the view Glass windows floor to ceiling Would stay here again"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 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.

Getting around Auckland

Renting a car is a good idea if you want to explore the wider area around Auckland. However, Auckland itself and many popular destinations nearby are covered by a good public transportation network. Ride the bus or the train to get everywhere you need to go in the city. Ferries are also available to take you out to the islands. Buy a reloadable AT HOP card to pay for all your public transportation. Visit the Auckland Regional Transport AuthorityOpens in a new window website.Browse Auckland rental cars.

Best time to visit

Auckland is warmest between December and early March. However, the sunny weather in these months brings an influx of tourists, pushing up accommodations prices and making some parts of the city feel crowded. Visit in the shoulder seasons, March to May and September to November, to avoid the peak season. The pleasant weather will still allow you to enjoy Auckland’s many outdoor activities.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Auckland

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
466
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
343
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
71
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

*MONS*

Wonderful restaurants, shopping, and the ferry were all near by. Definitely would recommend taking a food/bar tour around the city. Highly recommend taking a day trip to Hobbiton as well.

5/5 - Excellent

Reggie

Beautiful city. Would love to go back and visit the rest of New Zealand.

3/5 - Okay

Diana

Not tourist friendly. It was OK.

5/5 - Excellent

Carlos

Such a great city and country throughout. I would honestly love to move there one day best of both city wise and country sides man you just have to experience New Zealand for yourself, don’t miss out.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lots of fun places to visit, unique finds and food to enjoy.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice city despite the chaos of construction.

Cities near Auckland

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