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You are here: Home / Auckland

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and our home. Located on the North Island, it is an isthmus that is home to nearly 1/3 of the country’s population. It is one of my favourite cities in the world.

The more I travel around the city, the more I discover, and the deeper my passion for this city grows.

Start here for your Auckland exploration
If you are new to our country, don’t miss: New Zealand Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Shakespear Park with Rangitoto Island in the background is one of the most beautiful places in Auckland New Zealand

15 Beautiful Places in Auckland New Zealand – We Love Our City! 

Auckland as seen from North Head in Devonport New Zealand

75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand

Overlooking Granny's Bay at Long Bay Regional Park,

18 Short Walks in Auckland: Stunning Views on the Best Walks

Holland America Oosterdam at the Auckland cruise port, seen from the water.

Auckland Cruise Port Guide to Top Tours and Free Activities

Trees in the Waitakere Ranges at Golden Hour, my favourite time of day to visit this Auckland Park

18 Best Parks in Auckland for Walking, Hiking, and Natural Beauty

Auckland as seen from North Head in Devonport New Zealand

Auckland Activities: 13 Unique Things to Do in Auckland

Auckland Jet Boat races along the waterfront

Adventure Activities in Auckland – Many with Discounts

Map of the North Island of New Zealand highlighting Auckland day trips within 2 hours

17 Exciting Auckland Day Trips: Nearby Adventures Within 2 Hours of CBD

photo credit-Hobbiton Movie Set

Day Tours from Auckland: 5 Top Destination Options Made Easy

Motuora Island - one of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland New Zealand

Explore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf – Auckland NZ

We’ve categorised our articles in a few different ways to help you plan:

  • Road trips from Auckland
  • Where to stay and eat (especially gluten-free)
  • Auckland parks and volcanoes
  • Auckland museums
  • More to do in Auckland CBD
  • North of the Harbour Bridge
  • More from the region

Road trips from Auckland

If you are ready to start planning, here are all our favourite itineraries in one spot, or check out your favourites below. For tips on transportation, check out these pages on renting a car in New Zealand, getting a motorhome in NZ, or other ways to get around the country.

One of many stunning views on our Auckland to Napier drive, this one is just before we reach Napier.

Auckland to Napier Drive: Our 11 Best Stops on the Way

Marokopa Falls is one of our favourite stops on our Auckland to New Plymouth road trip.

Auckland to New Plymouth Coastal Road Trip: 10 Must-see Stops

Tirau is one of many fascinating stops along our drive from Auckland to Rotorua.

Auckland to Rotorua Drive: 9 Stops on an Epic Journey

View from about half way to the top of Mt. Maunganui.

Auckland to Tauranga Itinerary Loop: 16 Unique Stops

A dirt road leading to the mountain as part of several New Zealand road trips

New Zealand Road Trips: Our Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures

Auckland to Wellington drive itinerary-the ultimate New Zealand road trip

Auckland to Wellington Drive Options: Our 16 Favourite Stops

The beach near Cape Reinga is a great place to learn a few kiwi sayings

Auckland to Cape Reinga: New Zealand Road Trip Tips

Where to stay and eat (especially gluten-free)

Some of the units at SiloStay on the Banks Peninsula. This eco resort is one of the unusual places to stay in New Zealand.

Unusual Places to Stay in New Zealand: Unique Luxury

Harmony suite at Rua Resort, in Hamilton. Rua Resort is Hamilton is one of the many answers to where to stay in New Zealand

Where to Stay in New Zealand: Our Favourite Upscale Hotels in NZ

Enjoying huge views of Auckland from the window of our room at Cordis, one the best luxury boutique hotels in Auckland New Zealand.

Boutique Hotels in Auckland: Our Top 4 Luxury Recommendations

Cucumber cured salmon

High Tea in Auckland at Cordis: A Luxurious Treat

Eating at Cheek and Chong on the best gluten free Hibiscus Coast Restaurants

Gluten-Free Hibiscus Coast Restaurants: Orewa to Gulf Harbour

Lunch at Mekong Baby in Ponsonby, one of the best gluten free restaurants in Auckland

28 Gluten-Free Restaurants in Auckland: Dining Out with Coeliac Disease

The unique tiramisu at Baduzzi in Auckland New Zealand

20 Unique Restaurants in Auckland New Zealand

Two become One, A Giapo ice cream creation, Giapo Auckland New Zealand

Giapo: Creative Delicious 100% Gluten-free Artisan Ice Cream in Auckland

Drag Queen show at Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret in Auckland New Zealand

Caluzzi Cabaret Review: My First Time at a Drag Queen Dinner Show

The Red Boat leaving Riverhead Tavern, Auckland, New Zealand

Riverhead Cruise Review: Enjoying an Epic Riverboat and Lunch

Auckland parks and volcanoes

Did you know that the city is built on the cones of 48 volcanoes?

ship degaussing station in Shakespear Park, Auckland

WWII Ship Degaussing Station in Shakespear Park, Auckland NZ

Trees in the Waitakere Ranges at Golden Hour, my favourite time of day to visit this Auckland Park

18 Best Parks in Auckland for Walking, Hiking, and Natural Beauty

Shakespear Park, Auckland New Zealand

Shakespear Park: Why It’s Our Favourite Auckland Park

Locals hike to the monument on One Tree Hill in Cornwall Park in Auckland New Zealand

One Tree Hill Auckland: An Icon Twice Cut in Protest

Arataki Visitors Centre in the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland, New Zealand

Arataki Visitor Centre: an Auckland Rainforest Exploration

Cliffs and foreshore at Pink Beach in Shakespear Park Auckland New Zealand

Wondering Why It’s Called Pink Beach? (Auckland, New Zealand)

A surfer heads out at Piha, one of the black sand beaches in West Auckland

Things to do in West Auckland: Rainforest, Black Sand & Surf

Springtime in New Zealand. This lamb is in Shakespear Park, just north of Auckland.

Adorable Baby Lambs: Why I Love Springtime in New Zealand

Auckland at sunset seen from Mount Victoria Devonport in New Zealand

Mount Victoria Devonport: Best Views of Auckland Sunset and Skyline

Kiwi held by a ranger, ready for release in Shakespear Park.

Exciting News: Little Spotted Kiwi Return to Shakespear Park

Waterfall Gully after a rainstorm in Shakespear Park, Auckland New Zealand

Glow Worms at Shakespear Park Waterfall Gully – Easy Night Walk

Garden outside Acacia Cottage in Cornwall Park, Auckland New Zealand

Exploring Cornwall Park, Auckland New Zealand

At the Mount Eden volcano summit overlooking the crater and the skyline of Auckland city

Mount Eden Volcano: Auckland’s best hike for city and crater views

Auckland museums

Museums in Auckland New Zealand

8 Must-See Museums in Auckland, New Zealand

Polynesian outrigger canoe at the Auckland Maritime Museum

Polynesian Outrigger Canoes at the Auckland Maritime Museum

Zeiss telescope at Stardome Observatory in Auckland New Zealand

Stardome Observatory Review: What Makes “Our Night Sky” so Unique

Old fire engine at MOTAT in Auckland New Zealand

MOTAT Auckland: Why Kids and Adults Love this Hands-On Museum

Voyager, Auckland Maritime Museum, New Zealand

Auckland Maritime Museum: Our Discovery of NZ Nautical History

More to do in Auckland CBD

CBD is the central business district, also called downtown.

Holland America Oosterdam at the Auckland cruise port, seen from the water.

Auckland Cruise Port Guide to Top Tours and Free Activities

Axe throwing - Auckland session at Sweet Axe in New Zealand

Axe Throwing Auckland – Watch Us Fully Unleash Our Inner Viking

Two dolphins swimming seen on a Auckland Whale Watching trip

Auckland Whale Watching: Dolphins, Whales and Seabirds Await

Sachie's cooking class is one of our favourite , one of many fun date ideas Auckland

Auckland Date Ideas: 16 Creative Ways We Keep Romance Alive

Fire spinning poi at Auckland Fire and Flow in New Zealand

Wow! Fire Spinning in Auckland – Discover Fire and Flow

Memorial Fountain in Mission Bay Auckland at sunset

Mission Bay Auckland: a New Zealand Getaway only 15 Minutes from CBD

Dinner sailing cruise in Auckland. Photo courtesy of Explore Group

30 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night – Our Locals Guide

Stained glass window on back wall of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland New Zealand

Holy Trinity Cathedral Auckland: World’s Only Pacific Gothic Style Church

Classic red rose in the rose gardens, Parnell Auckland

Our stroll through the Parnell Rose Gardens in Auckland

Indoor Activities for Auckland on a Rainy Day

40 Rainy Day Indoor Activities in Auckland New Zealand

Auckland sailing shot from the deck looking out forward

Auckland Sailing: 9 Ways to Get Out on the Water

The Maori gate at the entrance to Aotea Square on Queen Street in Auckland New Zealand

Queen Street Auckland: Self-Guided Walk Uncovers Quirky Facts

Auckland as seen from North Head in Devonport New Zealand

75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand

Auckland Jet Boat races along the waterfront

Adventure Activities in Auckland – Many with Discounts

Dolphins and explorers, this Auckland street art tells a story of New Zealand

Auckland Street Art Representing New Zealand Culture, Nature, and Fun

Eco-friendly Auckland Zoo Animals and Conservation Success

Lit up in blue, checking the nightly colour is one of the many Sky Tower activities in Auckland New Zealand

Sky Tower Activities: Five Ways to See the Views from the Top

Kelly Tarltons SeaLife Aquarium

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium: Not Just for Kids: Adults Love It Too

Auckland Domain Wintergardens, Auckland, New Zealand

Domain Wintergardens: Natural Beauty in Auckland NZ’s Oldest Park

Interesting K-Road Sign in Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland’s K-Road is Street Art and Alternative Fun

North of the Harbour Bridge

This is the direction we live, and spend much of time. It includes the North Shore and Rodney districts.

Horizons is one of many art installations at Gibbs Farm sculpture park, just north of Auckland in New Zealand.

Plan Your Visit to Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park: Ultimate Guide

Eating at Cheek and Chong on the best gluten free Hibiscus Coast Restaurants

Gluten-Free Hibiscus Coast Restaurants: Orewa to Gulf Harbour

ship degaussing station in Shakespear Park, Auckland

WWII Ship Degaussing Station in Shakespear Park, Auckland NZ

Trees in the Waitakere Ranges at Golden Hour, my favourite time of day to visit this Auckland Park

18 Best Parks in Auckland for Walking, Hiking, and Natural Beauty

Expansive view of tree lined Orewa Beach with sand leading to the sea

Orewa Beach: A Local’s Paradise and an Auckland Getaway

Round looking bellbird on Tiritiri island in New Zealand

Tiritiri Matangi Island: An Open Bird Sanctuary in Auckland

Shakespear Park, Auckland New Zealand

Shakespear Park: Why It’s Our Favourite Auckland Park

Cliffs and foreshore at Pink Beach in Shakespear Park Auckland New Zealand

Wondering Why It’s Called Pink Beach? (Auckland, New Zealand)

Springtime in New Zealand. This lamb is in Shakespear Park, just north of Auckland.

Adorable Baby Lambs: Why I Love Springtime in New Zealand

Auckland at sunset seen from Mount Victoria Devonport in New Zealand

Mount Victoria Devonport: Best Views of Auckland Sunset and Skyline

Kiwi held by a ranger, ready for release in Shakespear Park.

Exciting News: Little Spotted Kiwi Return to Shakespear Park

Waterfall Gully after a rainstorm in Shakespear Park, Auckland New Zealand

Glow Worms at Shakespear Park Waterfall Gully – Easy Night Walk

Entrance to one of the tunnels at North Head Historic Reserve in Devonport New Zealand

Discover North Head Auckland: Tunnels, Guns, and City Views

Takapuna to Milford Coastal Walk in Auckland New Zealand

Takapuna to Milford Walk: Stunning Coastal Walk Over Volcanic Rock

The Red Boat leaving Riverhead Tavern, Auckland, New Zealand

Riverhead Cruise Review: Enjoying an Epic Riverboat and Lunch

More from the region

Touring, tasting, or eating at the cafe at Villa Maria are among the best things to do near Auckland Airport

6 Fun Things To Do Near Auckland Airport If We Arrive Early

First views of the Manukau Heads lighthouse on the Awhitu Peninsula

15 Unique Things to Do in South Auckland: Unmissable Fun

Two adult Muriwai Beach gannets touching beaks

Muriwai Beach is Nesting Gannets, Black Sand, and Wild Surf in Auckland

Arataki Visitors Centre in the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland, New Zealand

Arataki Visitor Centre: an Auckland Rainforest Exploration

A surfer heads out at Piha, one of the black sand beaches in West Auckland

Things to do in West Auckland: Rainforest, Black Sand & Surf

If you want to discuss NZ with other travellers or residents, join our Facebook group: Explore New Zealand and share travel tips, stories, photos, or just ask questions.

As an Amazon Associate, Albom Adventures earns from qualifying purchases as well as from other collaborative and affiliate partners.

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