Enjoy this guide to Auckland – the City of Sails
The Ultimate Guide To New Zealand’s City of Sails
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, lots of fun things to do and a lively, city atmosphere.
Enjoy our guide to Auckland for travellers, with all our suggestions for when to visit, how to get around, where to stay, what to do, the best day trips and some handy travel tips.
Kia Ora, we’re MoaTrek and we’ve been showing visitors all around New Zealand (and Auckland) on our small group tours since 1971. We live in Auckland and grew up here, so we know all the best spots and can’t wait to share them with you.
Is Auckland worth visiting? Yes, it’s absolutely worth spending some time in what locals call the ‘City of Sails’ on your New Zealand trip.
Contents
What’s the best time to visit Auckland?
The best time to visit Auckland depends on what you want to do while you’re there.
The summer months of December to February are the warmest and most popular. Weather is sunny and warm, and it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. These are the best months for hiking, swimming and visiting the beaches.
But it’s also the busy season. So, accommodations and popular attractions can be busy and prices may be higher too.
Spring (September to November) and Fall (March to May) tend to be less crowded, and the temperatures are mild. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy comfortable weather.
Winter (June to August) is the least popular time to visit, as the weather can be cool, and it rains quite often.
How to get around in Auckland
There are several ways to get around when visiting Auckland. Some of the most popular options include:
- Buses, trains, and ferries: The HOP card is a pre-pay system that allows you to travel on all public transport.
- Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber are available.
- Car rental: Renting a car can be a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding area.
- Walking and Cycling: many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance. Bike and scooter rental services are available to explore the city on two wheels.
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus: this option is also available to see the city’s major attractions.
Where to stay in Auckland
These are some of the areas where you can stay during your visit in Auckland:
- The city centre is a convenient location for those who want to be close to the main attractions. You’ll find The Sky Tower, the Auckland Art Gallery and tons of shopping and dining options. The outstanding Auckland War Memorial Museum is just a short cab ride away.
- Ponsonby is a trendy and upscale neighbourhood with fashionable boutiques, art galleries and cafes. It’s a great option for those looking for a more bohemian and alternative atmosphere.
- The Viaduct Harbour and adjacent Wynyard Quarter are popular spots for visitors and locals alike. You will find a wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafes and a relaxed, waterfront vibe.
- The North Shore has beautiful beaches such as Takapuna and Narrow Neck. It’s a great option for those who want a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. You will find many B&B and vacation rental options here.
- Staying near the Auckland Airport is a convenient option if you have an early flight or late arrival. You can find many hotels and motels in this area.
When deciding where to say in Auckland, it’s important to keep in mind your specific travel plans and preferences.
Things to do when visiting Auckland
Auckland is a vibrant and diverse city with a wide range of things to see and do.
Some popular Auckland activities and attractions for visitors include
- The Sky Tower is the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest freestanding tower. It offers spectacular views of the city and surroundings. Try the SkyWalk or SkyJump. an experience that allows you to walk around or jump off the edge of the tower.
- The Waitakere Ranges is a beautiful regional park located west of the city. It has a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches.
- Take a ferry ride or a harbour cruise to explore the beautiful Waitemata Harbour and take in the sights of the city from the water. Popular spots you can visit easily by ferry are Devonport, Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands.
- City Walks. If you love discovering new cities on foot, then Auckland is for you. There are lots of great walks to discover the waterfront, parks, cityscape and viewpoints. Our favourite is Mt Eden, easily walkable from the city and after a short climb you’re rewarded with great views of the city and harbour.
- The Auckland Art Gallery is one of the most important art galleries in New Zealand. It has a wide range of artworks from our history and around the world.
- The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a fascinating look into the history and culture of New Zealand. It features outstanding exhibitions of Maori artifacts, culture and natural history. Located in Auckland Domain, which is the largest park in the central city, a wonderful green space with excellent walking tracks.
- The Auckland Zoo sits in parklike grounds and is home to over 135 species of animals. It’s a great place to take kids or animal lovers.
- Auckland has a vibrant shopping and dining scene. Visit high-end designer boutiques, local craft markets, and enjoy fantastic international and local cuisine.
- Auckland offers beautiful beaches, such as Mission Bay, Kohimarama and Takapuna. These beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.
- Taste some of New Zealand’s best wines on Waiheke Island. A popular destination for wine and beach lovers, Waiheke is one of the most popular day trips from Auckland.
Day trips from Auckland
Auckland is a great starting point to explore the wider region. There are lots of great day trips you can take from the city that are only 1 or 2 hours away.
Our favourite day trips from Auckland
- The west coast beaches of Piha, Bethells and Muriwai. They offer a rugged beauty with stunning views and black-sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and hiking in this wild and beautiful area.
- Matakana is a small town located north of Auckland. It’s known for its wineries, farmers’ market and Matakana Village. Take a stroll around the village, sample the local wines, and enjoy the local cafes. Beautiful beaches – Tawharanui and Omaha – are close by.
- The Hunua Ranges is a regional park located southeast of Auckland. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming and picnicking in this picturesque area.
- Devonport is a charming seaside village on the North Shore of Auckland. Take a short ferry ride from downtown and explore the village’s historic buildings, enjoy the views from the volcanic cones of North Head and Mt Victoria and stroll along the waterfront.
- Waiheke Island. Just a short ferry ride from the city, Waiheke is the perfect spot for a day trip. Wineries, beaches, galleries, activities and walking tracks are all easily accessible. It’s a day out of the city without leaving the city!
- The East Coast Bays are a group of North Shore beaches across the Auckland Harbour Bridge – Takapuna, Milford, Murrays Bay, Browns Bay, to name a few and great places for discovering local cafes and shops and, of course, a spot of sunbathing and swimming!
Events in Auckland
As New Zealand’s biggest city, there’s always something going on in Auckland. From Cultural Events, Film Festivals, Performing Arts, Exhibitions and Sports, many of these events have uniquely Pacific / New Zealand flavour which you will enjoy.
Here’s just a teaser of events in Auckland
- Matariki Festival (Maori New Year) in June & July
- Pasifika Festival in March
- Diwali Festival in October
- Auckland Arts Festival in March
Be prepared for Auckland weather
Auckland’s weather is mild, not too cold and not too hot, but it can also be unpredictable and when it rains it really rains! Pack a rain jacket, even in summer, make sure you bring clothing you can wear in layers and good walking shoes.
…as Aucklanders say “you can get four seasons in one day here” but the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with warm summers and cool winters.
What’s the weather like in Auckland? A quick summary
- Warmest Months: January and February, with average highs around 25°C (77°F).
- Coolest Months: June and July, with average lows around 6°C (43°F).
- Rainfall: Auckland is relatively wet year-round, with the wettest months typically being July and August.
- Humidity: The city is humid, especially during the summer months of January and February.
Are you ready to visit Auckland?
A little planning can go a long way. Take some time to decide which neighbourhoods you’d like to explore and which activities and attractions you’re interested in visiting so you can make the most of your time.
That said, leave room for a few surprises – Auckland is full of hidden gems, so don’t be afraid to explore the city and try new things.
You’ll discover Auckland is an amazing city with a lot to offer.
Visit Auckland with MoaTrek
Auckland is our hometown, and the departure point for two of our small group tours.
Our most popular tour, (the Kakapo 21 day tour), departs from Auckland to visit Northland, then passes back through Auckland for another night on our way down to Rotorua and the rest of the country. This gives you a great opportunity to discover the best of Auckland.
Drop us a line now if you’d like to find out more about our tours for your dream trip to New Zealand.
