Auckland

New Zealand's largest urban environment, Auckland is home to 1.5 million people who bring a rich diversity to the region's food, arts and cultural experiences. Enjoy spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, native forest ranges, twin harbours and sparkling cityscape. With three local wine regions, surf and harbour beaches, native bird sanctuaries, marine reserves and seaside regional parks, there's always something wonderful to do or see here.

It's all pretty special, which is why Lonely Planet, the world's go-to travel authority, has named Auckland the number one city to visit in its 'Best in Travel 2022' book. From Auckland you can easily extend your holiday to the rest of New Zealand. We offer non-stop flights to 15 provincial cities and one-stop connections to most other destinations.

Where to go and what to see in Auckland

Experience the adventure and natural beauty of New Zealand's largest city. Idyllic island sanctuaries, forest parks, surf beaches and renowned wine regions are all within 40 minutes of a sophisticated harbour city centre.

Stepping ashore on Rangitoto Island is like landing on another planet and the hike to the summit is rewarded with spectacular 360° views.

Enjoy delicious food and wine

Whether you're a well-seasoned foodie or simply enjoy exciting flavours, Auckland is sure to impress. From waterfront fine dining and bustling cafés to back-alley street food and boutique craft breweries, there's a world of local and international cuisine to explore.

Head to Britomart, Princes Wharf, Viaduct Harbour, North Wharf or the Sky Tower for some of the best restaurants in Auckland with harbour views. Along Ponsonby Road you'll find boutique shops and a huge range of hip eateries and bars. Inner city suburbs like Parnell, Devonport, St Heliers, Mount Eden and Kingsland are always a good choice for restaurants, cafes and bars with a relaxed village vibe.

With three distinct Auckland wine regions to choose between, you're never far from a great wine tasting experience and a delicious alfresco meal amidst the vines. Take a tour west to some of New Zealand's oldest winemakers, north to the country village and vineyards of Matakana or catch a fast ferry to Waiheke Island, home to more than 20 vineyards and wineries.

Shopping in Auckland

We recommend you arrive in Auckland with space in your luggage, because shopping is something this city does extremely well. You'll find a pleasing blend of mega-malls and traditional street-side shopping centres, as well as newly developed downtown retail precincts. Here are a few of the best:

Britomart shops

For a mix of the world's best brands and premium NZ brands, Britomart is the place to get your retail fix. Tiffany & Co, Jo Malone, Ted Baker and Sass & Bide rub shoulders with Kiwi greats like Trelise Cooper, Zambesi, World and Kathryn Wilson.

Commercial Bay

Commercial Bay ticks all the wishes on your list - great shops, beautiful hospitality environments, enjoyable public spaces and internal access to public transport.

Westfield Mall Newmarket

It's Auckland's hottest spot for shopping and New Zealand's home of luxury. With a curated mix of over 200 shops and a new line-up of flagship boutiques and luxury brands, this modern retail experience is as good as it gets. You can even book a personalised styling session with one of their professional stylists to connect you with the latest trends and rejuvenate your look. There's also rooftop dining, plenty of quick eats and an entertainment precinct. If you're staying near the CBD, catch the train from Britomart.

Ponsonby Road shops

Strolling down Ponsonby Road is an iconic Auckland shopping experience involving nearly two kilometres of eclectic shops. You'll find everything from Kiwi designer fashion (Karen Walker, World and Kate Sylvester) and recycle boutiques to jewellery, food and toys. It helps that every second shop is a restaurant or café.

Takapuna shops

In Takapuna you can combine a day at the beach with a couple of hours around the shops. Most of the retail action is on Hurstmere Road between Anzac Street and Lake Road, or walk for five minutes to discover Shore City, one of Auckland's first shopping malls.

Sylvia Park Shopping Centre

Sylvia Park Shopping Centre is not just your average mall; it's a sprawling retail paradise nestled in the heart of Mt Wellington, boasting over 200 diverse shops.

Immerse yourself in art and culture

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
You don't want to miss: The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity exhibition. It includes works by influential modern European artists, including Paul Cezanne, Salvador Dalí, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and more.

Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Journey through the paint-stained halls of a fantastical film FX workshop, chock-full of creatures, castles and cool stuff concocted by Wētā Workshop crew.

Visit the All Blacks Experience
This full sensory, interactive experience allows visitors to connect with New Zealand and Māori art and culture, hear from our legends and gain insight into Kiwi lifestyle, attitude, and humour with this 90 minute tour.

Power to the pedal – The Classic Tour
Enjoy an effortless electric bike journey through Auckland's iconic waterfront. Learn about the city's history and local insights as you cruise through with a knowledgeable guide.

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Everyone loves the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium that showcases over 30 live animal exhibits in spectacular habitat displays, including the world's largest Sub-Antarctic penguin colony exhibit and amazing underwater viewing tunnels

New Zealand Maritime Museum
Dive deeper into maritime history, where you can discover the genius of early Pacific navigators and cruise Auckland's sparkling Waitemata Harbour in one of our heritage vessels.

Auckland Zoo
There's always plenty to see and do all year round at Auckland Zoo. Book a Zoo Experience and create lifetime memories through a special experience with the Galápagos tortoise, giraffe, barn owl, red panda or squirrel monkeys.

Embrace the great outdoors

With beautiful regional parks, black and white sand beaches, and the picturesque Waitematā Harbour, you'll want to get outside at every opportunity while you're in Auckland.

Hike through native forest parks to waterfalls, clifftop lookouts and spectacular ocean beaches; join a tour of Auckland's inner city volcanic cones for long range views and insights into the region's unique geology and Māori history; catch a 10-minute ferry to historic Devonport and stroll the foreshore to climb North Head and explore its wartime tunnels; or walk up to the crater summit of Mount Eden to watch the sun set over the city

The iconic west coast black sand surf beaches, including Piha and Muriwai, are only 45 minutes from downtown Auckland by car. There are also inner-city beaches, like Takapuna and Mission Bay, for white sand, calm waters, cafes, bars and restaurants. Ninety minutes north of the CBD, Tāwharanui Regional Park and Goat Island Marine Reserve are pristine places for coastal walks, bird watching, swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving.

If you like adventures that get your heart racing, you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Auckland. SkyWalk or SkyJump at the Auckland Sky Tower, bungy jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge, kayak to Rangitoto Island, sail an America's Cup yacht on the harbour, zip line on Waiheke Island. Never a dull moment, that's for sure!