Auckland Regional Info (App Version)
The Auckland region is the largest and most populated city of New Zealand, home to 35% of the country’s population and with a strong Maori heritage. The climate is generally sub-tropical with humid and hot summers and mild and damp winters.
A half hour drive in any direction and you could find yourself tasting wine in a vineyard, tramping through a rainforest, hiking up a volcano, or surfing on a wild, sandy beach.
Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’ with the highest proportion of boats-per-capita in the world.
The city features over 50 volcanoes with Mt Eden offering some of the best views of the city skyline.
There are over 26 regional parks and more than 500km of walking tracks within easy reach of downtown Auckland.
The Hauraki Gulf features 50+ Islands with a number that are easily accessed by regular ferries.
Auckland reflects New Zealand’s ethnic diversity with a mix of Pacific, Asian and European cultures.
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English, Māori
Downtown Auckland:
Exploring on foot is the best way to get around. Retail therapy can be found on Queen Street, the nearby Britomart precinct and the upmarket designer stores of The Chancery.
If you're looking for waterside dining, the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are just a short walk from the ferry terminal on Quay Street. Both areas are connected by the Wynyard Crossing footbridge.
Just off Quay and Queen Streets, you'll find one of Auckland's oldest quarters, now home to its newest retail precinct. The Britomart is a chance to wander around a 6.5 hectare mix of Edwardian buildings, modern high-rises, Victorian heritage restorations and glass facades and housing designer shops. It's also home to many of the city's most stylish bars, cafes and restaurants.
Albert Park is an oasis of calm adjacent to Auckland's Art Gallery, while Parnell is home to one of the most popular attractions, the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Dominating the city skyline from the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets, the 328 metre Skytower offers incredible 360 views from the observation deck, a casino, bars and restaurants. Thrill seekers can even jump off it with the SkyJump.
Queen Street is 3km long, and stretches from K'Road, all the way to the waterfront, so it's a real artery. Along here, you can browse some individual, one-off shops, alongside some more well-known names. It’s also the entertainment district, home to comedy clubs, multiplex cinema, The Civic and Q Theatres, Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Centre.
Beyond The City:
A short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Devonport is a pretty seaside village and a popular destination for Aucklanders and tourists. Along with the boutique shops and cafes, you can take a stroll up Mount Victoria and North Head and admire the spectacular views across to Auckland City.
Auckland's east coast has many white, sandy beaches, most of which are suitable for swimming. Only 40mins west of Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges provide 40,000 acres of rainforest and rugged coastline, 250km of walking tracks, and some breathtaking waterfalls.
For surfers, the west coast is where you want to go - try the rips at Piha Beach (40km) or Muriwai Beach(50km). For golden sandy beaches, head north across Auckland Harbour Bridge and tour the northern region which includes the premier beach resort of Orewa.
Island Hopping:
A trip to Auckland should include hopping on a ferry and exploring one of the nearby islands. Waiheke Island is a popular destination and known as ‘The Island of Wine’, because of the numerous vineyards situated here.
Rangitoto Island is actually a dormant volcano and a mere 8km northeast of the city. The island is a protected wilderness, popular with hikers, and there are guided tours to take visitors around the intriguing lava caves, rock formations and pohutukawa forests. Great Barrier Island is one of the most tranquil and unspoiled spots in New Zealand.
