Auckland Information

Auckland City

Known as The ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest metropolis, that capitalises on its seafaring roots – the America's Cup yacht race has been hosted here, and Auckland has the highest proportion of boats-per-capita. If you don't have sea legs, don't worry, there are plenty of other activities to occupy your stay here.  A half hour drive in any direction, and you could find yourself tasting wine in a vineyard, tramping through a rainforest, hiking up a volcano, or surfing on a wild, sandy beach. There are also 22 conservation parks within easy reach of downtown Auckland, that offer more than 500km of walking tracks.

The climate here is generally sub-tropical – humid and hot in summer, mild and damp in winter, and the weather will often dictate your itinerary for the day! Our transport guide will help you navigate the city, while our 'Auckland Local Tips' allows you to take advantage of our local knowledge.

Restaurants & Bars in Auckland

With such a lot to see and do, Auckland merits a lengthy stay, so it's no wonder there are over a thousand eateries in the city that caters for every kind of palate. From creative cafés to  five-star restaurants, the word to use for the Auckland restaurant scene, is 'creative'. Worth particular mention, is the ‘Pacific Rim’ fusion of Polynesian and Asian cuisine, popular with both visitors and Aucklanders alike.

A popular place to dine is the Viaduct Basin. The harbour area offers over twenty bars and restaurants in which to relax and enjoy the views. It's also the main nightclub hotspot after dark. Walk across the 100m long Te Wero bridge to reach the restaurants and cafes of Wynard Quarter. Hop on board a historic tram to view what's on offer as you are taken on a 1.5km loop that takes in the streets of Jellicoe, Halsey, Gaunt and Daldy. At SkyCity, you can have an entire night out under one roof – there are over twenty different restaurants housed in the Sky Tower alone, where you can sip on Margaritas whilst enjoying a 360 degree view of this wonderful city. Parnell is Auckland's oldest suburb and another dining hotspot. Filled with galleries and boutique shops it's a great place to spend an afternoon and grab a bite to eat.

Shopping

From small, designer boutiques and craft markets, to huge commercial shopping malls, Auckland offers every kind of consumer experience. Those after the latest labels tend to head to Newmarket, Downtown Westfield or Chancery, whilst the casual shopper is happy to stay around Queen Street, where the cafe culture is conducive to just strolling and browsing with the odd cappuccino thrown in. While here, why not drop into the famous Smith & Caughey department store - New Zealand's oldest – which is worth a visit for the Victorian interiors alone. Those who like to graze while they shop, will definitely want to sample the delights of Elliott Stables Epicurean Village – a distinctive collection of outlets, kitted out in old-Auckland style, selling everything from organic meats and cheeses, to wines and cakes.

History And Culture

A visit to the Auckland Region wouldn't be complete without learning a little of its history. The Auckland War Memorial Museum holds the world's finest collection of Maori treasures, whilst the New Zealand National Maritime Museum offers up some fascinating facts about the country's seafaring past. See history come to life with a trip out to the Howick Historical Village, which recreates early Auckland, then maybe spend a couple of hours at the Otara Market, where you buy authentic Polynesian and Maori crafts, food and even music.

For culture vultures, the Auckland City Art Gallery boasts an impressive collection of important New Zealand art, and is just one of the many exhibition spaces dotted around the region. The Auckland Biennial takes place at venues throughout the area and features music, dance and visual arts.

Area Highlights – Beyond The City

Auckland offers some great areas to explore and enjoy.  Our 'Auckland Destinations' guide gives you the low-down on the Hauraki Gulf Islands to visit, Mission Bay, Devonport, Parnell, and Ponsonby.

A short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Devonport is a popular destination for both residents and tourists, who come here to enjoy the good selection of bars and restaurants at the harbourside, before hopping on an evening boat back home. Devonport is also where you can take a stroll up Mount Victoria and admire the spectacular views across to Auckland City – especially popular at twilight.

Beaches

Auckland's east coast has many white, sandy beaches, most of which are suitable for swimming. For surfers, the west coast is where you want to go – try the rips at Piha (40km) or Muriwai (50km).

Island Hopping

The envy of most other New Zealanders, the people of Auckland regularly spend their holidays hopping between the fifty or so islands situated out in the bays. The largest of these - Waiheke and Great Barrier -  are served by regular air and ferry services, so it's easy enough to get around.

Waiheke Island is known as ‘The Island of Wine’, because of the numerous vineyards situated here. A 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, it's a favourite destination for the 'arty set', who like to combine wine-tasting with a visit to the many craft studios and bespoke art galleries. Gorgeous beaches and great walking trails add to the island's appeal. .

Rangitoto Island is actually a dormant volcano. The island is a protected wilderness, popular with hikers, and there are guided tours to take visitors around the intriguing lava caves, rock formations and  pohutukawa forests.

Great Barrier Island - known simply as 'The Barrier', is one of the most tranquil and unspoiled spots in New Zealand. The hot springs, mountains and kauri forests are popular with walkers and nature-lovers, who mostly stay in one of the many lodges, campsites and cottages dotted about the island. 

Tiri Tiri MatangiIsland is an open nature reserve, 30km from Auckland – a popular day trip for birdwatchers and conservationists.

Auckland Virtual Tour and Video

Click on 'Select View' to view the different Virtual Tours. Click on 'Select Video' to view our guide video.