In Awe of Auckland

Located near the top of NZ’s North Island, Auckland offers a combination of urban buzz and proximity to untouched great outdoors that only a select few cities in the world enjoy. From bars and restaurants to beaches and rainforests, Auckland has something on offer for every type of traveller. We’ve put together this amazing list of Auckland destinations that anyone would be lucky to visit.

Situated between lower Queen Street and the Waitematā Harbour in Auckland, and home to over 40 bars and restaurants and over 60 designer fashion boutiques, Commercial Bay is one of Auckland’s newest and most impressive shopping and entertainment spaces. With quirky bars such as the hilariously named Ghost Donkey, Commercial Bay is a must try for both the shopaholics and bar hoppers alike.

If you’re the artsy type looking for your fill of cultural consumption in NZ’s busiest city, you need look no further than the Auckland Museum and Auckland Art Gallery .

The Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. It’s well known for its comprehensive Māori and Pacific collections, natural history resources and major social and military collections, as well as numerous decorative arts and pictorial collections.

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the largest art centre in New Zealand, with an everchanging collection of over 15,000 artworks spanning from modern and contemporary pieces to some of New Zealand’s most significant art holdings, representing international painting, sculpture and print collections by Māori and Pacific artists. They also offer a range of activities that take place both inside and outside of their award-winning 4 story building. 

In 2002, two Auckland locals decided to purchase the old Matakana Timber Yard with a vision of transforming it into a quirky village complex. Today, its unique location provides an almost mystical village escape with experiences for the whole family. One of its most popular attractions is the zero waste Matakana Farmers Market , where visitors can enjoy award-winning coffee, amazing brunch dishes, and riverside local music, while kids can explore the rustic treehouse and natural playground. The village also features a breathtaking arthouse cinema complex with three dramatically different theatres. The Paradiso has a ceiling of 10,000 paper roses, the Roxy is draped in romantic fabrics from ceiling to floor, and the Tivoli boasts a stunning 800kg chandelier centrepiece.

With markets, beauty therapy, eateries galore, and more, Matakana Village has everything you need for an ideal weekend escape.

Auckland is home to over 45 volcanic mountains that offer spectacular panoramic views, lush forest and amazing picnic locations, with none more iconic than Rangitoto – Auckland's youngest, largest, and most popular volcano. Located just 25 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, Rangitoto is a favourite destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities and sights that show the island in all of its glory.

Choose from guided 4WD tours, black lava caves, or guided evening sea kayak trips that offer night-time packages for the adventurous chasers of stars and sunsets. If you take the 1 hour walk to the peak of Rangitoto, you’ll be greeted by spectacular views that span from the islands of the Hauraki Gulf to the horizons of the Waitakere Ranges in the west and Hunua Ranges in the east.

Known affectionately as Wine Island, Waiheke is a wine lovers dream. Home to a dedicated group of award-winning winemakers who have successfully paired the unique coastal climate and ancient soil composition with classic grape varieties, Waiheke Island is a must visit for day trippers and weekend warriors.

Located just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, the allure of Waiheke is obvious even before you step on land, the expansive hills and bushland that lead down to the crystal blue water are impossible to ignore as you make your aquatic approach.

Once you get there, there are no wrong answers. Plot your days going between the white sand beaches and any of the 30 prolific wineries. Sprinkle in some picturesque hiking and finish it off with a visit to one of the humble pubs or restaurants, and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for some much-needed New Zealand purity.

Known for its iconic black sand beaches and striking rock formation that separates the North and South beaches, Piha is one of NZ’s most popular surfing destinations. Located just 45 minutes west of Auckland city, Piha is well known for its quality waves and is famed as one of the birthplaces of NZ surfing, where in 1958, California surf lifesavers Bing Copeland and Rick Stoner were witnessed using their longboards to glide across the face of the waves. The scenic black sand is an eye-catching attraction for any traveller, and the winding hikes that take you all over the foothills of the surrounding native forest. Try your hand abseiling down Piha canyon, learning how to surf, or simply sit back and enjoy the vibe of this laid-back seaside village.

Comprising of over a million hectares of shimmering ocean dotted with idyllic islands - it’s no surprise that Hauraki Gulf & Auckland Harbour were named by Lonely Planet as the Best Experience in NZ.

An expansive coastal area that is home to Waiheke and Rangitoto islands, Hauraki Gulf is an endless list of oceanic activities from jet boating, kayaking, fishing, and sailing, to bungee jumping, and more. You can relax on a harbour cruise, go island hopping with friends, or even help race a Yacht from the America’s Cup.

The gulf is also a dream for animal lovers. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is NZ’s largest marine reserve, protecting and preserving their precious marine and birdlife. Jump onto their Whale and Dolphin safari for an unforgettable nature experience or visit Tiritiri Matangi Island – an open-air wildlife sanctuary – and join a guided walking tour to learn about the native flora and fauna.

Auckland is an undeniably unique location, with coastal surrounds, volcanic scenery and lush landscape that truly shines year round. Book your Auckland hotel  and start planning your NZ getaway