Auckland

Travel Guide

Sky Tower featuring a high rise building, central business district and general coastal views
Devonport which includes a city, a river or creek and skyline
Devonport featuring a garden and flowers
Auckland featuring a city, a bay or harbor and a skyscraper
Auckland featuring a city and a bay or harbor

Nature experiences abound in this city surrounded by harbors and rain forest. Go island hopping, dine out on the water or peer into the crater of a volcano.

Auckland is as much a gateway to a natural playground as it is an urban paradise, with museums, shopping and fine dining. The biggest city on New Zealand’s North Island has coast on one side and mountains on the other. Manukau Harbour is to the southwest, the Hauraki Gulf and its islands to the east, and the rain forest-covered Waitakere Ranges to the west. Take the glass elevator at the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland for a spectacular view of the cityscape, mountains and harbor from a height of 722 feet (220 meters).

Auckland is built on and around several extinct volcanoes. The suburb of Mount Eden is built on the side of a cinder-cone volcano. Climb to the top to look into the 164-foot (50-meter) deep crater. The gardens in Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, flourish in the volcanic soil and natural springs of the Pukekawa volcano. Learn about Auckland’s natural history, the culture of the Maori people, and local art and crafts in the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which is located on the highest point of the Domain.

Navigating Auckland is easy, with buses, trains and ferries servicing the downtown area. You can take the hop-on, hop-off Explorer Bus for commentary and sightseeing. Rent a car to venture out of the city.

There are 138 species of wildlife housed in the award-winning habitats of the Auckland Zoo. Catch a glimpse of the iconic kiwi and get up-close to rhinos, elephants, lions, cheetahs and primates.

Sailing boats and super yachts moor in Viaduct Harbour, home to the maritime museum and more than 30 bars and restaurants that line the water. Ferries leave from here for the islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island, a 40-minute ferry trip away, is a great place to hike, sample gourmet food and see stunning beaches.

Head to the hills behind Auckland to hike and camp in the wilderness. Many miles of trails wind through the rain forest and along the coast in the Waitakere Ranges. For serious “trampers,” as hikers are known in New Zealand, there’s the challenging 46-mile (75-kilometer) Hillary Trail, which includes three nights camping and four days tramping. Many visitors go for a day trip through the ranges by rental car or tour bus.

Where to stay in Auckland

Auckland CBD which includes city views and street scenes

Auckland Central Business District

4.5/5(1,043 area reviews)

Densely developed and bustling with arts, culture, and education, this financial hub offers shopping at Commercial Bay and Queen Street, galleries like Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Convenient public transport options are available at Britomart Transport Centre.

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
Viaduct Harbour featuring landscape views, a city and a bay or harbor

Viaduct Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are a few things travelers 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 waterpark

Manukau

Centrally located in South Auckland, Manukau Central boasts shopping at Westfield Manukau City and Manukau Supa Centa, as well as the thrilling Rainbow's End theme park. Easily accessible via Eastern Line train services and the Southwestern Motorway, it's a well-connected hub for travelers.

Manukau
Auckland Domain showing a garden

Parnell

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Parnell, you might enjoy attractions like Parnell Rose Gardens and Auckland Museum. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at The Strand Station to see more of the city.

Parnell
Arriving in Auckland when the cricket is on meant accommodation availability was scarce, resulting in staying in the town of Mangere. Amazing little place with a stunning walk up Mt Mangere looking out over Auckland.

Mangere

Home to Auckland Airport, Māngere boasts the vibrant Māngere Arts Centre Ngā Tohu o Uenuku and convenient Māngere Town Centre for shopping. Easily accessible via train and bus services, it's well-connected to other parts of Auckland.

Mangere
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 NT$3,133 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$3,133
NT$3,603 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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. ...
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,848 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
NT$3,848
NT$4,426 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
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 ...
The Grand by SkyCity
Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is NT$5,044 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
NT$5,044
NT$5,801 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
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! (1,967 reviews)
"Just across the airport so very convenient."

Reviewed on 2025/8/27

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.
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 ...
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Barclay Suites

Barclay Suites

4.5 out of 5
74 Albert Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Barclay Suites
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 ...
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.

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