Auckland Central Business District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Auckland CBD showing cbd and street scenes
Explore Auckland’s inner-city hub to find historic architecture alongside contemporary designs, the revitalised Auckland Waterfront and a busy shopping precinct.

A walking tour of Auckland CBD (Central Business District) showcases some of the city’s finest architecture, best dining and most exciting shopping destinations. Check out Auckland’s economic and geographical heart to experience urban life in the city. You’ll find Auckland’s entertainment district centred on Aotea Square, the peaceful green spaces of Albert Park, one of the southern hemisphere’s tallest buildings, a harbourside promenade and a selection of museums, galleries and shopping precincts.

Auckland CBD is bounded by the harbour coastline to the north and major motorways on the remaining sides, comprising an area of approximately 433 hectares (1,070 acres). A great place to start is the Britomart precinct in the CBD’s northeastern corner. Grab breakfast at a buzzing café or pick up fresh produce at the weekend farmers market. This exciting district also has a shopping strip that features designer labels and local boutiques, as well as restaurants and bars. Further shopping destinations include Vulcan Lane, High Street and Chancery.

Re-energise with a freshly brewed coffee and stop by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki to see a range of internationally acclaimed artworks and local treasures. Take a moment to sit amid the greenery of the adjacent Albert Park and visit the nearby community hub of Aotea Square. This busy square fronts several theatres and events venues. Don’t miss 360-degree views of the city from the soaring Sky Tower.

If you’d like to experience New Zealand’s international palate, head to Karangahape Road or City Works Depot to select from a range of multicultural cuisines. As evening falls, be sure to check out the city lights from one of the chic bars and restaurants on Viaduct Harbour. Find other casual dining options nearby at Wynyard Quarter, home to the Auckland Fish Market and some of the city’s freshest fish and chips.

Reach Auckland CBD via train to the Britomart Transport Centre close to the waterfront or Grafton Train Station on the area’s southeastern border. Local bus routes intersect throughout the CBD and there are several large parking facilities in the area.

Explore outside the CBD on a daylong stroll along the Coast-to-Coast Walk, a trail that connects two harbours, pretty parklands, historic quarters and picturesque volcanic cones.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Auckland Central Business District Hotel Deals

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 NZ$167 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
NZ$167
per night
24 Oct - 25 Oct
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! (1,008 reviews)
"The Cordis is a wonderful location with a lot of memories for us. It was great being back"

Reviewed on 22 Sep. 2024

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$214 per night from 30 Sep to 1 Oct
NZ$214
per night
30 Sep - 1 Oct
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,075 reviews)
"A beautiful place would stay over and over again"

Reviewed on 20 Sep. 2024

The Grand by SkyCity
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is NZ$174 per night from 29 Sep to 30 Sep
NZ$174
per night
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, 11 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,360 reviews)
"Was all good"

Reviewed on 20 Sep. 2024

SkyCity Hotel
Rydges Auckland
Rydges Auckland
4.5 out of 5
59 Federal Street Cnr Kingston Street, Auckland
The price is NZ$177 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
NZ$177
per night
16 Oct - 17 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice hotel and amazing breakfast"

Reviewed on 18 Sep. 2024

Rydges Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
4.5 out of 5
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
The price is NZ$177 per night from 29 Sep to 30 Sep
NZ$177
per night
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,103 reviews)
"We were attended to quickly and courteously. The staff had a cheerful and friendly connection with one another which made for a cheerful happy atmosphere."

Reviewed on 19 Sep. 2024

Grand Millennium Auckland
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Corner Wyndham & Albert Streets, Auckland
The price is NZ$175 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
NZ$175
per night
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (511 reviews)
"Close to shopping and Eateries."

Reviewed on 18 Sep. 2024

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Auckland Central Business District

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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
Auckland Domain which includes a garden

Parnell

4.5/5(369 area reviews)

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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Grafton

If you're spending some time in Grafton, Grafton Bridge and Symonds Street Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Grafton
Ponsonby featuring shopping and signage

Ponsonby

Unique features of Ponsonby include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Ponsonby Road or All Saints Anglican Church while you're exploring the area.

Ponsonby
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Newmarket

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Newmarket. You might consider stopping by Westfield Newmarket while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Newmarket
Devonport which includes street scenes

Devonport

Shopping, restaurants and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Devonport. Make a stop by Mount Victoria or Devonport Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Devonport


Auckland Central Business District Travel Guide

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