Auckland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sky Tower which includes a high-rise building, a city and city views
Devonport featuring a river or creek, a city and skyline
Devonport featuring a garden and flowers
Auckland featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a bay or harbour
Auckland showing a bay or harbour and a city

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 Queen Street Shopping District, 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
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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
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
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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
Mt. Eden which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views

Mount Eden

4/5(65 area reviews)

Unique features of Mount Eden include the bars and shopping. Make a stop by Mt. Eden or Eden Park while you're exploring the area.

Mount Eden
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$195 per night from 22 June to 23 June
NZ$195
22 June - 23 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,309 reviews)
"We had 6 rooms for 2 nites... the service amd location is fantastic!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
4 out of 5
Corner Wyndham & Albert Streets, Auckland
The price is NZ$193 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$193
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (842 reviews)
"This is a great place to stay for a few nights, good size room and bathroom etc. One thing they could change is add a mattress topper on the bed as it was pretty hard and uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
Novotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is NZ$297 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$297
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,808 reviews)
"Close to airport great for early flight"

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

Novotel 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-star eco-certified aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (3,422 reviews)
"It appears whilst I had a soft service each day of my stay nothing was ever topped up. I had no shower gel for the entire stay. The washing machine not working was a disappointment but I will say thank you to the Front Desk Team for offering to wash and dry and return it to me Free of Charge. That ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

VR Auckland City
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! (985 reviews)
"Amazing stay Swiss-belsuites"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Quest Auckland
Quest Auckland
4 out of 5
363 Queen Street, Auckland
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (986 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Quest 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Auckland

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1495
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
2796
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
941
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
109
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
42
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Queen street was closed for roadworks while we were there

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Bruce

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

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Too busy.... on the road.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Bus drivers are crazy!

Cities near Auckland