AUCKLAND
Auckland is a vibrant urban oasis built around one of the world’s most beautiful harbors, earning it the moniker “The City of Sails.” It is a dynamic hub blending Polynesian, European, and Asian cultures.
Known for its stunning natural environment, Auckland is unique for having 48 volcanic cones, two major harbors, and countless islands. It’s a perfect base for coastal exploration and city adventures.
Most Popular Attractions
Auckland City Core:
Auckland Sky Tower: The city’s iconic landmark, offering stunning panoramic views, dining, and adrenaline activities like the SkyWalk and SkyJump.
Auckland War Memorial Museum: A grand museum set in the Domain, focusing on New Zealand’s history, Māori and Pacific cultures, and natural history.
Viaduct Harbour: A vibrant waterfront precinct with superyachts, trendy bars, and high-end restaurants.
Britomart: A beautifully restored historical transport and commercial precinct with boutiques, cafes, and bars.
Aotea Square: The central public space for cultural events, markets, and performances, part of the city’s arts and entertainment hub.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki: A major art institution with extensive collections of New Zealand and international art.
Queen Street: The primary commercial thoroughfare, running from the harbor up through the city centre.
Parnell Historic Village: A charming collection of restored heritage buildings, providing a glimpse into Auckland’s colonial past.
Harborside & Modern Attractions:
Westhaven Marina: One of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing the “City of Sails” lifestyle.
Maritime Museum: Dedicated to New Zealand’s seafaring history, with historic vessels and interactive exhibits.
Wynyard Quarter: A contemporary waterfront development with public spaces, eateries, and the Silo Park cinema.
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium: An immersive aquarium experience, including a penguin encounter and shark tunnel.
Auckland Harbour Bridge: An iconic bridge offering views and the opportunity to do the AJ Hackett Bridge Climb or Bungy Jump.
Devonport: A historic seaside village, accessible by ferry, known for its Victorian architecture and views of the city skyline.
Volcanic Cones & City Parks:
Mount Eden (Maungawhau): The highest natural point in Auckland, offering 360-degree views from its volcanic crater.
One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie): A significant memorial site with a large park and beautiful views, steeped in history.
Auckland Domain: The city’s oldest park, home to the War Memorial Museum and beautiful gardens.
Cornwall Park: A large, tranquil park adjoining One Tree Hill, perfect for picnics and walks.
Waiheke Island: Known as the “Island of Wine,” a popular ferry trip for its vineyards, art studios, and beautiful beaches.
Rangitoto Island: A distinctive volcanic cone visible from the city, accessible by ferry for hiking to the summit.
Waitakere Ranges Regional Park: A large conservation area with native rainforest, dramatic cliffs, and stunning waterfalls just west of the city.
Muriwai Beach: A rugged black-sand surf beach known for its large gannet colony (seasonal).
Outer Region & Excursions:
Puhoi Historic Village: A quaint village settled by Bohemian immigrants in the 1860s, offering a sense of European history.
Matakana: A charming village and surrounding area famous for its farmers market, boutique vineyards, and art galleries.
Ōrewa Beach: A long, popular golden-sand beach perfect for swimming, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
Kawau Island: An island retreat known for its Mansion House and conservation reserve.
Pukekohe Park: A historical venue for motor racing and horse racing events.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse: A scenic viewpoint near the entrance to the Manukau Harbour, offering dramatic coastal views.
Activities & Experiences
Sail an America’s Cup Yacht: Experience the thrill of sailing on an authentic America’s Cup race boat on the Waitematā Harbour, often with opportunities to get hands-on with the grinding.
Hike a Volcano: Walk to the summit of one of the city’s 50-plus dormant volcanic cones, such as Maungawhau/Mt Eden or Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill, for unparalleled panoramic views.
Take a Ferry to Waiheke Island: Enjoy a scenic 40-minute ferry ride to this island paradise famous for its vineyards, olive groves, and beautiful beaches like Oneroa and Onetangi. Don’t miss a wine-tasting tour.
Climb the Harbour Bridge: Get an adrenaline rush by doing a Bungy Jump or the Bridge Climb from the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Walk the Coast to Coast Walkway: Complete the 16 km urban walking track that spans the entire width of New Zealand, connecting the Waitematā (Pacific Ocean) and Manukau (Tasman Sea) harbours.
Explore the West Coast Beaches: Visit the wild, rugged black-sand beaches of the West Coast, such as Piha (with its iconic Lion Rock) or Muriwai (home to a large gannet colony).
Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of New Zealand, especially the comprehensive Māori and Pacific Island cultural exhibits, and learn about New Zealand’s role in past conflicts.
Kayak to Rangitoto Island: Rent a kayak or join a guided sunset tour to paddle across the harbour to this perfectly cone-shaped volcanic island, then hike to its summit.
Experience Wētā Workshop Unleashed: Get a fun, hands-on, and surreal tour through the creative mind of the special effects company behind Lord of the Rings and Avatar, located in the city centre.
Go Whale and Dolphin Watching: Take an eco-safari cruise into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to spot common dolphins, orca, and Bryde’s whales in their natural habitat.
Stroll the Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter: Enjoy the revitalized waterfront precinct, which is packed with superyachts, chic bars, world-class restaurants, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Local Tips & Transport
The AT HOP Card is Essential: Auckland Transport (AT) uses the AT HOP Card for buses, trains, and ferries. You must Tag On when starting your journey and Tag Off when finishing to ensure you pay the correct (and cheaper) fare, which includes free transfers within 30 minutes. You can buy one at transport hubs and selected retailers.
Ferries are a Great Option: The ferry system is an efficient and scenic way to explore, connecting the city centre (Britomart) with popular destinations like Waiheke Island, Devonport, and Rangitoto Island. Inner-harbour ferries are included in the HOP card’s daily cap.
City Link Buses: For quick and frequent travel around the immediate city centre and inner suburbs, look for the brightly coloured City Link (Red, Green, and Amber) bus services.
Driving Outside the CBD: While a car is useful for exploring the wider Auckland Region (like the West Coast beaches or regional parks), driving in the central city is difficult due to congestion, high parking costs, and limited spaces. Use public transport for the CBD.
Airport Transfer: The best way to get from Auckland Airport (AKL) to the CBD is typically via a dedicated express bus or a taxi/rideshare service. Look up the specific bus service operating at the time of your visit.
Māori Culture (Aotearoa): New Zealand is also known by its Māori name, Aotearoa. Learning a few phrases like Kia Ora (hello/welcome) and understanding the significance of the Māori language (Te Reo Māori) and culture will enrich your visit. Visit the Auckland Museum for a deeper understanding, including daily cultural performances and the powerful Haka.
Dining Times: New Zealand dining times are generally earlier than in Spain. Lunch is typically between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner often starts around 6:30 PM, with many kitchens closing by 9 PM. Bookings are highly recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
The “Jandal” is the Go-To Shoe: New Zealanders wear jandals (flip-flops) everywhere, from the beach to the shops. It’s an indicator of the country’s relaxed, casual culture.
Safety in the Sun: The UV index in New Zealand can be extremely high. Always use sunscreen (SPF 30+), wear a hat, and wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days, to protect against the strong sun.
Hidden Gems:
- The Civic Theatre: Visit this beautifully restored 1929 theatre. Its elaborate interior, which includes a ceiling designed to resemble a Southern Hemisphere night sky, makes seeing a show here a unique experience.
- Ponsonby & K’ Road: Explore the vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods of Ponsonby and Karangahape Road (K’ Road). Ponsonby offers upmarket dining and fashion, while K’ Road is known for its vintage shops, diverse food, and eclectic nightlife.
- Goat Island Marine Reserve: Located about an hour north of the city, this was New Zealand’s first marine reserve and offers incredible opportunities for snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours to see vibrant underwater life right near the shore.
- La Cigale French Market: Visit this popular European-style farmers market in Parnell on Saturday and Sunday mornings for excellent coffee, fresh pastries, local produce, and international food stalls.
Top Restaurants
Cibo [$40-$70] – A long-standing institution in Parnell, known for its polished service and elegant, modern New Zealand cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Baduzzi [$35-$65] – An Italian restaurant in Wynyard Quarter focusing on sophisticated comfort food like artisanal pasta, meatballs, and excellent seafood dishes, highly regarded by locals.
Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar [$35-$65] – A highly popular central city spot from Al Brown, known for its small-plates sharing concept, fresh oysters, and simple, flavourful New Zealand cuisine cooked over fire.
Ebisu [$35-$65] – A Japanese restaurant in Britomart offering modern, inventive Japanese cuisine, including excellent sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled dishes in a sleek setting.
Amano [$35-$65] – Located in Britomart, this is a large, all-day eatery with its own bakery, celebrated for its house-made pasta, focus on seasonal New Zealand produce, and beautiful, rustic-chic atmosphere.
Pici [$30-$55] – A small, bustling, Italian nook on Karangahape Road (K’ Road) famous for its simple, yet exquisitely prepared handmade pasta dishes.
Coco’s Cantina [$30-$50] – A lively, no-fuss Italian restaurant on K’ Road, loved by locals for its fun, old-school atmosphere, excellent pasta, and strong community focus.
Gemmayze Street [$30-$50] – Tucked away in St Kevins Arcade, this popular eatery offers authentic, modern Lebanese cuisine with delicious dips, falafel, and slow-cooked meats.
The Blue Breeze Inn [$30-$50] – Located in Ponsonby, this fun, bustling restaurant serves contemporary Chinese dishes, specializing in dumplings and Wok-fried delights, with a great rum cocktail list.
The Engine Room [$35-$55] – A popular, long-standing bistro in Northcote Point, known for its consistent, classic, and comforting European fare in a cozy, neighborhood setting.
Tanuki’s Cave [$25-$45] – An iconic, late-night yakitori (grilled skewers) restaurant and bar located in a basement off Queen Street, known for its authentic Japanese pub atmosphere and great grilled meats.
Ockhee [$25-$45] – A modern Korean restaurant on Drake Street with a focus on punchy, shared plates and traditional flavours presented in a contemporary style.
The White Lady [$15-$25] – Auckland’s most famous food truck, a late-night institution that has been serving up classic burgers, steak sandwiches, and milkshakes from a permanent location since 1948.
Sri Pinang [$15-$25] – A long-standing, no-frills Malaysian restaurant on K’ Road that is a favourite for its authentic, flavorful curries and street-food classics like Nasi Lemak.
Uncle Man’s [$15-$25] – A popular Malaysian spot on K’ Road, highly recommended for its exceptional, flaky Roti Canai and flavourful curries, often with queues out the door.
Eden Noodles Cafe [$10-$20] – A wildly popular and non-touristy spot on Dominion Road, famous for its incredible Sichuan dan dan noodles and pork dumplings in sweet and spicy sauce.
Jolin Shanghai [$15-$25] – A humble but highly-regarded spot in Mount Eden, known for its authentic Shanghai cuisine, particularly its delicious and filling xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
Gojju [$20-$35] – A Korean fusion spot in the CBD/City Works Depot area that blends traditional Korean techniques with modern flavours and high-quality local produce.
Mekong Baby [$30-$50] – A popular Ponsonby restaurant offering vibrant and fresh Southeast Asian fusion cuisine with a focus on Thai and Vietnamese influences.
Chic’en Eats [$15-$25] – A Nashville-style hot chicken takeaway in Morningside and Onehunga, known for its incredibly crispy, fiery fried chicken and generous portions.
Hello Beasty [$30-$50] – A vibrant waterfront restaurant offering contemporary cuisine inspired by the flavours of Japan, Korea, and China, excellent for shared dishes.
Swashbucklers [$25-$40] – A classic, unpretentious seafood restaurant in Westhaven, popular with locals for its huge portions of fresh, lightly battered fish and chips right on the marina.
The Federal Delicatessen (The Fed) [$25-$40] – A lively, New York and Montreal-style deli serving comfort food like smoked meats, poutine, rotisserie chicken, and epic desserts in the Federal Street precinct.
Tiger Burger [$20-$35] – A non-touristy spot in the inner suburbs known for its creative, Korean-inspired burgers and unique sides, a favourite among burger enthusiasts.
Burger Burger [$20-$35] – A popular, fun spot with several locations known for its simple, classic burgers made with grass-fed New Zealand beef and delicious sides.
Satya Spice and Chai Shop [$15-$30] – Located in Sandringham, this is a local favourite for authentic South Indian cuisine, specializing in Dosas and other street food snacks.
Mr Zhou’s Dumplings [$15-$25] – Located on Dominion Road, this restaurant is a key player in the “Dominion Road dumpling wars,” known for its massive variety of authentic, hand-made Chinese dumplings and regional dishes.
Ima Cuisine [$25-$40] – Located in the city centre, this restaurant offers warm, soulful Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, famous for its slow-cooked lamb shoulder and freshly baked bread.
Chongqing Noodles [$15-$25] – A very popular, authentic Chinese noodle spot in the CBD, known for its fiery Sichuan-style noodle soups and savory rice dishes.
Nanam Eatery [$30-$50] – A popular spot in Takapuna offering modern Filipino-Spanish fusion cuisine with a focus on storytelling through food, highly regarded for its creativity.
The Grove [$60-$100] – While high-end, this is a long-standing, multi-award-winning restaurant in the CBD, offering an exquisite, seasonal degustation menu of modern New Zealand cuisine.
Alma [$40-$70] – A modern, stylish eatery in Britomart with a focus on dishes cooked over fire, drawing inspiration from the flavors of Southern Spain and North Africa.
Mr Morris [$50-$80] – Located in Britomart, this elegant restaurant offers refined, modern New Zealand cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a beautifully composed menu.
Cassia [$50-$80] – An upscale restaurant in the SkyCity precinct that offers sophisticated, modern Indian cuisine, reinventing traditional flavors with innovative techniques.
Culprit [$40-$70] – A unique dining experience in the CBD with a trolley service of snacks and entrées, followed by larger, inventive mains, focusing on contemporary New Zealand cuisine.
Gilt Brasserie [$40-$70] – A chic, all-day European-inspired brasserie in the Chancery Chambers, offering sophisticated bistro fare in a beautiful, classic setting.
Metita [$40-$70] – A hot new opening in the SkyCity dining precinct, offering a modern, high-end interpretation of Pacific Island cuisine, drawing on Chef Michael Meredith’s Samoan roots.
Milenta [$40-$60] – A stylish, courtyard-style restaurant tucked away in Victoria Park Markets, specializing in South American-inspired cuisine cooked on a wood-fired grill.
Ghost Street [$35-$55] – Located in the Britomart basement, this restaurant offers a “reimagining” of Beijing street food, with a focus on refined, spicy, and authentic Chinese regional dishes.
Hugo’s Bistro [$35-$55] – A sophisticated, all-day European bistro in the city centre, perfect for a high-quality breakfast, long lunch, or intimate dinner with a focus on simple, great ingredients.
Forest [$40-$60] – An intimate, plant-based dining experience in Mount Eden, where the menu constantly evolves to showcase seasonal, hyper-local ingredients in innovative ways.
Bar Magda [$35-$55] – An underground dining experience on K’ Road offering refined, yet approachable modern Filipino cuisine and cocktails with unexpected and complex flavours.
Origine [$50-$80] – A stunning waterfront restaurant offering an elegant French dining experience with beautiful views, focusing on classic techniques and premium local seafood.
Azabu Mission Bay [$40-$70] – This restaurant combines contemporary Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences (Nikkei cuisine), offering a unique and flavourful dining experience by the sea.
Ahi [$70-$120] – A sophisticated, three-hatted restaurant in Commercial Bay with spectacular harbour views, where every dish is kissed by fire, telling the story of New Zealand’s finest produce.
Paris Butter [$80-$130] – Located in Herne Bay, this elegant spot offers modern French cuisine with a New Zealand twist, known for its polished tasting menus and butter-poached crayfish.
Tala [$80-$130] – An exclusive fine dining experience focused on traditional Samoan flavours with a modern, technical interpretation, providing a truly unique and luxurious Pacific journey.
O’Connell Street Bistro [$70-$110] – A hidden gem in the city centre, offering classic European bistro fare with immaculate service and a focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Sidart [$90-$140] – A top-tier dining destination known for its artful and innovative tasting menus and wine pairings, with a focus on high-end modern New Zealand cuisine.
Masu by Nic Watt [$60-$90] – Located in the SkyCity Grand Hotel, this world-class Japanese robata restaurant offers high-quality sushi, sashimi, and dishes cooked on a charcoal grill.
The French Cafe [$90-$150] – A renowned fine dining institution, known for its exceptional modern European cuisine, impeccable service, and intimate, sophisticated atmosphere.
Tantalus Estate (Waiheke Island) [$60-$90] – A beautiful vineyard restaurant on Waiheke Island (a short ferry trip) offering a refined dining experience with a focus on estate-grown produce and excellent wine pairings.
SkyBar [$40-$70] – While primarily a bar, the small, high-quality sharing plates and cocktails offer an expensive but worthwhile experience with a spectacular view from the Sky Tower.
Pah Homestead [$35-$60] – Located in a beautiful historic building, this restaurant offers modern New Zealand cuisine with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a relaxed but elegant setting.
Orbit 360° Dining [$50-$80] – A unique experience in the Sky Tower (though tourist-facing, it’s worthy for the novelty) offering a set menu of New Zealand cuisine while the floor slowly rotates, providing panoramic views.
White + Wong’s [$35-$55] – A lively restaurant in the Viaduct and Westfield Newmarket offering a ‘fusion’ of Asian flavours from countries like Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.
Non Solo Pizza [$35-$55] – A popular, authentic Italian restaurant and courtyard in Parnell, known for its high-quality, traditional Neapolitan pizzas and classic Italian dishes.
Soul Bar and Bistro [$50-$80] – An Auckland staple in the Viaduct for over 20 years, known for its chic harbour-side location, buzzy atmosphere, and sophisticated bistro fare with a focus on seafood.
Khu Khu Eatery [$20-$40] – A highly-rated, modern Thai restaurant that is entirely plant-based, known for its rich curries and flavorful Pad Thai.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Caretaker: Tucked away in Roukai Lane in the Britomart precinct, this is a New York-style lounge that offers a bespoke cocktail experience. Forget a printed menu—you tell the bartender your favorite flavors and they create a drink just for you.
SkyBar: Located on the 50th floor of the Sky Tower in the CBD, this bar provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Waitematā Harbour and the city skyline, perfectly paired with classic and seasonal signature cocktails.
The Broken Lantern: Found on Ponsonby Road, this bar has a rustic interior, a charming secret garden, and bartenders who focus on bespoke cocktails, often championing local New Zealand spirits and natural wines.
Parasol & Swing Company: Overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, this popular rooftop spot serves up fresh, inventive cocktails and excellent mocktails, making a sunset visit a must for any visitor to the CBD waterfront.
Pineapple on Parnell: Marked only by a golden pineapple on Parnell Road, this hidden gem exudes old-world charm with velvet curtains, a fireplace, and live jazz, specializing in perfectly executed classic cocktails.
Ghost Donkey: This high-energy, electric Mexican-influenced bar in the CBD is known for having Auckland’s largest selection of agave spirits, including over 35 mezcals and tequilas, and is perfect for a vibrant night out with bold cocktails.
Panacea: Located on O’Connell Street in the CBD, this is less a bar and more a “cocktail kitchen” where each inventive drink is prepared in small batches, focusing on technique and flavour innovation, including experimental zero-alcohol creations.
Queens Rooftop & Wineshop: This landmark bar and restaurant in the heart of the CBD, at 1 Queen St, offers 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour and a contemporary drinks menu.
HI-SO Rooftop Bar: Situated at the top of SO/ Auckland in the CBD, this bar boasts expansive views over the Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto Island, providing an exclusive and stylish setting for drinks.
Talulah: Located in the Britomart precinct, this bar offers a modern interpretation of a tiki bar, with lush green foliage, a tropical mural, and a cocktail list focused on escapism and hospitality.
Portside Cocktail Bar: Perched atop a sports bar in Britomart, this laid-back rooftop terrace offers stunning views of Auckland’s sparkling harbour, making it an intimate escape for cocktail connoisseurs.
The Glass Goose: Modeled on a glass house, this contemporary yet casual bar in the CBD offers a garden-like oasis perfect for enjoying cocktails and light bites.
Lime Bar: A classic, fun-sized cocktail bar on Ponsonby Road since 1998, known for its friendly “tight squeeze” attitude, championing classic cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Hoppers Garden Bar: Located on Ponsonby Road, this spot offers a relaxed garden setting, popular for walk-ins and enjoying drinks in a communal setting.
Bellini Bar: Situated in the Viaduct & Waterfront area, this is an ideal spot for a relaxing evening, offering a selection of fine wines and cocktails with a view.
Impala: Located at the corner of Shortland St and High St in the CBD, this is a classy club known for its world-class sound system and frequently hosting top international and Kiwi DJs playing house and electronic music.
The Roxy: A luxurious and sleek nightclub on Fort Lane in the CBD’s Imperial Building, featuring a massive space, multiple bars, and a mezzanine, perfect for a sophisticated late-night party.
Cassette Nine: A quirky bar that transforms into a visual and aural feast by night, located on the iconic Vulcan Lane in the CBD. It’s famous for its shareable ‘teapot cocktails’ and has a long history of hosting eclectic DJs, bands, and performances.
Sapphire Nightclub: Located on Fort Lane in the heart of the Auckland CBD, this club is popular for its hip-hop and R&B focus, state-of-the-art lighting, and option for VIP booth bookings.
Ponsonby Social Club: One of Ponsonby’s liveliest spots, featuring a cozy dancefloor, an outdoor courtyard, and hosting gigs by bands and local DJs for a casual yet vibrant night out.
Ding Dong Lounge: Found on Wyndham St in the CBD, this is a popular late-night spot with a focus on alternative music, rock, and punk, offering a great alternative to commercial chart music.
Il Brutto: A newbie to the Auckland nightlife scene located on Victoria Street East, where electronic beats blend with a high-fashion, artsy vibe, making the dancefloor an electric environment.
Neck Of The Woods: Located on Karangahape Road (K’ Road), this is an effortlessly cool club and music venue committed to supporting local musicians, known for its diverse music policy, ranging from disco to electronic.
Crown Cocktail Lounge & Nightclub: A large venue on Queen Street offering a nightclub experience, a cocktail lounge, and a shisha lounge, aiming to provide an unparalleled, regal nightlife experience in the CBD.