When people venture to New Zealand, Auckland is usually the place to fly into. Auckland is situated on two harbors and is the most populated city in New Zealand. This hilly city is based on top of several non-active volcanoes. Auckland is a good starting point or base for seeing other parts of New Zealand.
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Where to Stay
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Auckland hotels here!
The Auckland CBD (Central Business District) is the most central area to stay in. We opted to stay at an Airbnb apartment in the CBD. There were also many hotels in this area that were a decent price.
Transportation
It is very easy to get around Auckland by using public transportation. At the airport, pick up a HOP card. You can pre-load money on this card and save money on bus fares, including the Skybus from the airport, and use it on the local ferries. Buses are also an easy way to get around Auckland. The Auckland Skybus Express is the cheapest and easiest way to get from the airport to the city center but there are many options on how to do so. Read more about the best ways to get from Auckland airport to the City.
What to See
Auckland Art Gallery: Art lovers will be amazed by the largest art gallery in New Zealand. The museum contains all types of art from modern art to classical European.
Auckland Harbor Bridge: This expansive bridge offers views of Auckland Harbor. If you are brave enough opt for a bridge climb or a bridge bungee.
Auckland Sky Tower: The Auckland Sky Tower offers the tallest views of Auckland. Note that you can only drive across this bridge. There is no pedestrian area. If you are daring, participate in the Skywalk or the Skyjump off the top of the tower!
Auckland War Memorial and Museum: The Auckland War Memorial and Museum has a little bit for everyone. Out in front of the Museum is a memorial to all who have served in wars. The inside of the museum contains exhibits on various wars, New Zealand culture, and art. They even have two full-size fighter planes! Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here.
Auckland Zoo: The Auckland Zoo contains over 135 species on animals. It originally opened in 1922. The highlight is getting to see kiwis, New Zealand’s national animal!
Domain Wintergardens: These free winter gardens spread across two glasshouses near the Auckland War Memorial and Museum. One is heated and contains more tropical plants while the other non-heated one contains more temperate plants.
Mount Eden: Mt. Eden is the highest volcano in Auckland. Do not worry… the last eruption was 15,000 years ago! Visitors can choose to take a hike to the top or there is a bus line that will drop you off near the lookout. Once at the top, visitors will be granted with spectacular views of Auckland and the surrounding area. Make sure to check out the huge grassy area that is the crater of the volcano.
Take a Day Trip to Hobbiton: Lord of the Rings fans cannot miss a trip to Hobbiton. They sell packages that include transportation to Hobbiton from Auckland. Hobbiton is where they filmed many scenes from Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. Your visit will include a two-hour tour of the set and the change to take a ton of amazing pictures.
Take a Day Trip to Waiheke Island: Waiheke Island is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. Catch the ferry from the Auckland CBD. Once on the island, visitors can go on several hikes, go wine tasting, or hit the beach.
Villa Maria Tasting Room: Located near the Auckland airport, the Villa Maria tasting room is the perfect stop when arriving or departing Auckland. They grow some grapes at the tasting room, but many of the grapes come from various regions throughout New Zealand. Visitors can choose to do a regular or a premium tasting and range from $10-$15 for a five wine tasting.
Where to Take Your Lunch Break
Apero Food and Wine: Apero quickly became one of our favorite restaurants we ate at during the entire trip. Food is served “tapas” style which means you order several things and share it with the table. They also have an extensive wine list with amazing wine from all over the world. Make sure to make a reservation because it can be quite popular.
Caretaker: I loved the concept of Caretaker. This bar had a speakeasy feel with live music some evenings. One unique thing about this bar is that there is not a printed-out menu. You describe the type of drink you want to the bartender and they come up with a cocktail for you. Don’t fret… If you do not like it, they will make you something else.
Dizengoff: The Ponsonby area contains many fantastic places to eat, and Dizengoff is no exception. Head here for a fabulous morning brunch and coffee.
The Jefferson: The Jefferson is a whiskey bar that contains over 50 different whiskeys. They also serve other craft cocktails.
O’Hagan’s: While in Auckland, it was the super rugby finals. Therefore, we discovered O’Hagan’s was the perfect place to watch it. This pub contains tons of TVs that are always playing some sort of sport. They also have a decent happy hour and bites to eat.
Oyster and Chop: If you are looking for a fancier meal to eat out, Oyster and Chop was an excellent choice. They had a wide variety of steaks and an extensive wine list. It was the perfect place to say farewell to New Zealand.
Parnell Farmer’s Market: If you are in Auckland on a Saturday, make sure to stop at the Parnell Farmer’s Market for breakfast. They have some delicious choices and everything is fresh! The homemade kombucha was delicious. It is held in the Jubilee Building carpark which is located behind the Parnell Library.
10 thoughts on “What to See in Auckland”
Such a good post! I would love to go back and explore Auckland more! We were soooo hot when we spent a day there that we escaped to Waiheke island. Next time we need to see more of the volcanoes and the actual city!
I liked Auckland a lot but still like a lot of other parts of New Zealand better. It was a fun city!
New Zealand is on my bucket list!! Waiheke island looks amazing – would love to spend more than a day there. Auckland looks like a great place for foodies
It was so much fun to wine taste around! There were so many cute hikes to take too.
Thank you for sharing all these tips! Was Hobbiton really touristy?
Hobbiton was a little touristy but it was SO cool to see the hobbit homes and the sets up close.
SO many fun and beautiful things to do! I think jumping from the Sky Tower would be incredible! I am honestly not a Lord of the Rings fan, but Hobbiton looks so adorable, I think I would have to go there anyway. 🙂
Hobbiton was amazing! I think even for people who don’t know Lord of the Rings.
Never considered Auckland as a place to visit but this post has clearly brought out the best about the city. Added it to my bucket list.
New Zealand is such an amazing city to visit! Auckland is an easy entry point and fun to spend time in.