Imagine a vibrant urban culture where everyone lives within half an hour of secluded beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. With a lively calendar of events and a year full of festivals, Auckland’s people love life and celebration.

Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. Auckland’s blend of islands, ancient rainforest, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and a modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle, the fourth most liveable city in the world.

There are a myriad of experiences to be had in Auckland, from jumping out of planes, off buildings and bridges to dining at world-class vineyards, shopping at internationally renowned fashion stores and surfing at spectacular black-sand beaches. From jetboats to aerobatic planes, cultural experiences to wildlife encounters – you’ll see and do it all in Auckland, New Zealand. 

You can even take a thrilling walk onto the top deck of the Sky Tower, 192m above the ground!

 

• New Zealand’s largest city is home to 50 volcanoes
• Auckland has a population of just 1.4 million people
• Auckland has over 1000 places to eat – plenty to satisfy even the most particular of appetites
• Rangitoto Island has the world’s largest pohutukawa forest
• Within 45 minutes of leaving downtown Auckland you can visit one of three harbours, the Tasman Sea or the Pacific Ocean

• Experience Auckland’s amazing Māori heritage with Tāmaki Hikoi, a guided cultural walk through Auckland Domain.  Auckland Museum stages an exceptional Māori performance and has the largest collection of Māori and Pacific treasures in the southern hemisphere.
• Learn some traditional Polynesian celestial navigation out on the water Sailing with the Ancestors. During October, Waka Māori, the pavilion shaped like a Māori war canoe, will host festivals, food markets and entertainment. Explore the Auckland Art Gallery showcasing New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art, and outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists.
• Enjoy an intimate Māori cultural tour with Time Unlimited or Toru Tours. Jump on a quad bike out west and experience authentic Māori culture and hospitality while enjoying Auckland’s beautiful landscapes.
• Get your training shoes on, grab a map and whip around the city’s many parks and reserves. Or take a 15 minute ferry ride from downtown to gorgeous Devonport and ride a Segway along the village waterfront.
• Head north and visit Tawharanui Regional Park which boasts some of the region’s most beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, shingled bays, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands. Alternatively, visit Goat Island Marine Reserve for amazing snorkelling and diving, or try 18 holes at one of Auckland’s many scenic golf courses.
• Enjoy a relaxing coffee or take a lunch cruise on a yacht. For something more physical, catch the ferry to Waiheke Island, hire bikes and explore its beaches, vineyards and olive groves.

Read more great ideas about things to see and do during your stay in Auckland.