Advice

Just a quick pause to introduce you to some other points of interest that couldn’t be included in our itinerary. When visiting Auckland, you must visit the Viaduct Harbour district! Here, you’ll find Auckland’s most famous marina, the Maritime Museum, as well as bars, restaurants, and shops.

It’s one of the liveliest places in the city for a stroll along the waterfront, where you can admire the moored boats. Just a few steps away from Viaduct Harbour, the Wynyard Quarter is another great area to grab a bite, have a drink, or wander around Silo Park, where you’ll probably see some outdoor entertainment! If you’re looking for a vibrant and trendy area, head over to Ponsonby, Auckland’s hip district.

It’s packed with art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, as well as bars and restaurants. If you want to see some nature, head to the city’s largest and oldest park, called Auckland Domain. Whether for a walk, a picnic, or a visit to the Wintergardens’ greenhouses to see its tropical plants, this park is the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

You can also stroll through Parnell, an upscale neighbourhood, where you can shop in its high-end boutiques and visit its famous French market, La Cigale. If museums are more your thing, head to the magnificent Auckland War Memorial Museum, dedicated to the victims of World War I, with plenty of information about New Zealand and the Māori people. For some peace and quiet after downtown Auckland, I recommend a visit to Mount Eden, south of the city.

You can reach this dormant volcano by hiking trails that are suitable for all, offering stunning views of the city and its surroundings. You can also explore its neighbourhood, Mount Eden Village, known for its charming streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Rugby fans should absolutely visit New Zealand’s largest stadium, Eden Park, to catch an All Blacks game or visit this iconic venue.

If you come to this area, consider checking out the Kingsland neighbourhood, where the stadium is located. Kingsland has plenty to see and do, from jewellery exhibitions and restaurants, to family-friendly activities. You simply must cross the impressive Harbour Bridge, which connects the north and south of the city, for breathtaking views of Auckland’s bay.

For an even more exhilarating experience, you can bungee jump from the bridge! For a chic seaside vibe, go to the Devonport district to see charming colonial-style buildings that give it a village feel. To get there, take a ferry across Auckland’s bay.

You can even hike up its volcanic Mount Victoria for a stunning panorama of the bay and downtown Auckland. If you fancy a trip to the beach, you are spoiled for choice here. The closest options are Mission Bay and Takapuna Beach, but if you have a car, you can go a bit further to explore the black sand beaches of Karekare, Bethells, Piha, or Muriwai.

About 45 minutes from the city center, these beaches are a paradise for surfers and watersports enthusiasts. A short island excursion is a must if you have some extra time. Rangitoto Island, a nature reserve just a 20-minute boat ride away, offers scenic forest and coastal walks, as well as a volcano that boasts stunning views over Auckland’s bay.

Waiheke Island, a little farther at around 40 minutes by ferry, has picturesque vineyards, olive groves, rolling fields, and forests. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, I highly recommend visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, where many scenes were filmed. About a two-hour drive from Auckland, you can step into the world of your favorite little hobbit houses!

With all this, you’ll have plenty to do if you decide to stay in the region a little longer.