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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Mangere

Mangere is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Villa Maria Auckland Winery or Otuataua Stonefields.

Mangere
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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
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 NZ$200 per night from 14 May to 15 May
NZ$200
14 May - 15 May
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,277 reviews)
"Good stay but the standard seems to have dropped from previous stays. Room was starting to look worn in places and public areas not as opulent as they used to be. Staff were still friendly and professional."

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Novotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is NZ$280 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
NZ$280
1 June - 2 June
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! (1,721 reviews)
"Great location and comfortable beds. Perfect for an overnight while traveling"

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Novotel Auckland Airport
The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The price is NZ$260 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$260
2 June - 3 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,664 reviews)
"We were here for a show at sky city theatre. It was a great, spacious, comfortable room. Close to everything in the city. Very easy and lovely helpful, kind staff, would recommend."

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
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! (1,032 reviews)
"This spot is ideal if you are going to the Sparks arena for an event. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Ferry Building & train station. Staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 6 May 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
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! (3,406 reviews)
"It was a nice stay! The studio I payed was the best I’ve ever seen so far for how it is built:)"

Reviewed on 9 May 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! (973 reviews)
"Beautiful scenery"

Reviewed on 8 May 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.

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