Auckland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Sky Tower which includes a high-rise building, a city and city views

Auckland Travel Guide Video

A great city with rainforests and volcanoes on the doorstep, Auckland ticks all the boxes, from fine cuisine and culture, to wildlife and wilderness.

Auckland is framed by the mountains on one side, and the coast on the other, with the Waitakere Ranges to the west, Manukau Harbour to the south-west and Hauraki Gulf and islands to the east. But, before you think about what's outside the city, there are plenty of sights inside to occupy your time. Head for the Sky Tower in the heart of the city centre and take the glass lift that scales its 220 metres. The view from the top is impressive to say the least, offering a stunning panorama of the city, harbour and nearby mountains.Auckland itself was originally built around a number of extinct volcanoes. The suburb of Mount Eden, for example, was built right on the side of a cone. A climb to the top of this cone is rewarded with a staggering view down its 50-metre crater. The volcanic soil and natural springs provided by Pukekawa volcano, meanwhile, allow the gardens at Auckland Domain, to truly flourish. A trip to the city's oldest park should be on the itinerary for any nature enthusiast, while the Auckland War Memorial Museum, also located in the Domain, at its highest point, is a major draw for those interested in learning about both the area's natural history and the history and culture of the Maori people.If you prefer your nature a little more immediate, try a trip to the award-winning Auckland Zoo. With over 138 different species, including rhinos, cheetahs and a rare chance to see the elusive kiwi, this is a great day out for families in particular.For those who do want to get out of the city, it usually makes sense to rent a car. Alternatively, you could head to Viaduct Harbour, where most of the city's most fabulous boats and yachts are moored. Stop in at one of the many bars and restaurants dotted along the water for a bite to eat before hopping a boat to Waiheke Island. Just 40 minutes away, this is a great spot for tramping, and home to some of the finest beaches in the area.For those who take their tramping activities a little more seriously, there are plentiful trails for varying levels in the Waitakere Ranges situated behind the city. These include the popular and challenging Hillary Trail: 75 kilometres over 4 days, with 3 nights of camping. If this seems like a little too much activity for you, you can always hop onto one of the many tour buses and coaches that offer day trips through the hills, or even rent a car and discover the area for yourself.

Where to stay in Auckland

Auckland CBD featuring street scenes and cbd

Auckland Central Business District

4/5(4,890 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
Default Image

Takapuna

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Takapuna. A stop by Bruce Mason Centre or Takapuna Beach might round out your trip.

Takapuna
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 War Memorial Museum. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at The Strand Station.

Parnell
Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
4.5 out of 5
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
The price is NZ$174 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$174
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Very large rooms, somewhat dated appointments in the room and bath. It served it's purpose."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Grand Millennium Auckland
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$215 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$215
per night
14 Apr - 15 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Met our needs nicely in good location"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
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 NZ$189 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
NZ$189
per night
3 Apr - 4 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Good option near the airport"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Naumi Auckland Airport
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 4.5-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! (3,219 reviews)
"Average room and amenities"

Reviewed on 12 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! (3,096 reviews)
"The negative part is no air conditioning in neither of 2 bed rooms. The main air condition unit is located in the living room. The cool air is unable to enter the bed rooms. They did provide 2 table stand electrical fan in each room. But it does not have any effect to cool down or blow away the humid ..."

Reviewed on 13 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! (1,370 reviews)
"Having Taxi drivers out front hasseling you each time you went outside and not moving for drop offs taking up all the loading zone."

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

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Reviews of Auckland

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1495
" "5 - Excellent 27.772617499535574%
4 - Good
2796
" "4 - Good 51.9412966747167%
3 - Okay
941
" "3 - Okay 17.480958573286273%
2 - Disappointing
109
" "2 - Disappointing 2.0248931822403864%
1 - Terrible
42
" "1 - Terrible 0.7802340702210663%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
3 Jun 2020

Queen street was closed for roadworks while we were there

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
1 Jun 2020

there are too many road works, unfinished buildings to make the general environment pleasant to be in

4/5 - Good

Bruce
1 Jun 2020

The road works and parking currently in Auckland are terrible. Roadworks in particular are poorly managed and sineage for redirection of traffic is almost non existant.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
31 May 2020

Nice place to stay but room smelt like piss he whole time being there!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 May 2020

Too busy.... on the road.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
28 May 2020

Bus drivers are crazy!

Cities near Auckland