Auckland Travel Guide
Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand (though contrary to popular belief, it is not the capital). Pretty much anyone coming to New Zealand is going to visit Auckland. As the country’s main airport, all long-haul international flights are going to land here.
As a tourist destination, I don’t think this is one of New Zealand’s best places. I found the city to be a bit ugly, sprawling, and sort of bland. There are some fun activities, good restaurants, and hip nightlife here so I wouldn’t write the city off completely.
But I also wouldn’t spend a lot of time here as there are more exciting and more beautiful places in the country. I would spend three or four days here before moving on.
This travel guide to Auckland will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time here.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Auckland
1. Day trip to Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is just 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Auckland and is home to scenic beaches, wineries, hiking trails, and other fun outdoor activities. It’s especially known for its wine and is even known as New Zealand’s “Island of Wine,” with dozens of vineyards to visit. Waiheke makes a great day trip from Auckland and is easy to explore by bike, bus, or rental car. There are also wine tours that depart from the city and will take you to multiple vineyards. Expect to pay 165-250 NZD for a tour that lasts five or six hours. There are regular ferries to the island which cost 44-59 NZD (round trip) and take 45 minutes.
2. Visit the Auckland Zoo
Opened in 1922, the Auckland Zoo is a not-for-profit zoo that is home to over 1,400 animals from 144 different species. Covering almost 16 hectares (40 acres), the zoo has several different habitats, including rainforests and savannahs (the latter of which is home to giraffes, zebras, ostriches, cheetahs, and other amazing animals from Africa). The zoo is also home to a vet hospital where they treat sick or injured animals and work on conservation projects. There’s a viewing area for visitors so you can see the hospital and laboratory at work. Admission is 29-35 NZD.
3. Head to Waitakere Ranges
The Waitakere Ranges are a chain of hills that stretch 25 kilometers (15 miles) across the North Island. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park boasts 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) of walking trails, such as The Mercer Bay Loop Track and the Tasman Lookout Walk (both easy strolls). There are also impressive waterfalls, scenic black sand beaches, and lush rainforests here. Unfortunately, all of the forested areas of the park are closed to reduce the spread of the uncurable kauri dieback disease, which is killing the ancient kauri trees that are native to the area.
4. Climb up Sky Tower
Standing over 328 meters (1,076 feet) tall and completed in 1997, Sky Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It not only offers panoramic views over the city but also has a revolving restaurant on top. Adult admission is 45 NZD if you book in advance (47 NZD if you don’t). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can bungy jump from an observation deck or walk along the tightrope-walk-like deck while in a harness. Jumps start at 310 NZD, while the SkyWalk starts at 195 NZD.
5. Hang out on the Auckland Domain
Created in the 1840s, the Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park. When the weather is nice, you’ll find locals here running, playing sports, and reading. The Auckland Museum can be found here along with a monument to the first Maori king (admission is 28 NZD). At 75 hectares (190 acres), it’s one of the largest parks in the city and offers a lot of serene walking trails and beautiful gardens too.
Other Things to See and Do in Auckland
1. Explore the Hauraki Gulf
This coastal area is where you can scuba dive, fish, go boating, sail, and go whale watching. For some hiking, visit Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island in the gulf (it’s Auckland’s youngest volcano). You can reach the summit in four hours, and there are also some lava caves near the peak that you can explore (bring a flashlight). For a more relaxing time, head to Motuihe Island and lounge on the beach. And, to learn about the region’s past, visit the historic mansion house on Kawau Island, which dates back to 1845. Waiheke (mentioned above) and Great Barrier are the largest islands in the gulf and are worth visiting as well.
2. Feed lambs at Sheepworld
New Zealand is known for having more sheep than people (there are approximately 6 times as many sheep as people in the country). Sheep play an important economic role in the country, which is why you should plan a visit to Sheepworld. It’s a small family farm located 45 minutes from Auckland by bus. At Sheepworld, you’ll be able to see how sheep are raised and sheared and you’ll also learn about the wool-making processes that occur afterward. Admission is 20 NZD to visit the park. If you want to attend a shearing show, it’s an additional 22 NZD.
3. Shop at the Otara Flea Market
This large Polynesian and Maori market takes place every Saturday from 6am-12pm. Located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from downtown, it’s the most popular market in the city and has been around since 1976. You’ll find a bit of everything here, from secondhand and new clothing to traditional Maori bone carvings. There are some amazing deals here as well as delicious foods and snacks (mostly Polynesian/South Pacific dishes are available). Bring an appetite!
4. Wander the North Shore
The North Shore is Auckland’s main beach area. Swimming, kayaking, and surfing here are popular activities. There’s an excellent sailing scene here, too, as many of New Zealand’s successful international sailors began their careers at North Shore yacht clubs. You can visit the Maugauika (North Shore) and Fort Takapuna Historic Reserves to learn more about the area’s history. You’ll also find a lively nightlife here if you stick around after sunset.
5. Check out MOTAT
The Museum of Transport and Technology is an interactive science and technology museum that’s home to over 300,000 items and exhibits, including steam engines, historic trams, and aircraft dating back to the early 1900s (they also have the largest aviation display in the Southern Hemisphere). The MOTAT is located near the zoo so you could do both together. Admission is 19 NZD.
6. Visit Howick Historical Village
The Howick Historical Village is a museum that recreates life in colonial New Zealand. Staff are dressed in period costumes dating to the mid-1800s to really make it a historically accurate and immersive experience. Sure, it’s a little cheesy but it’s fun for kids (and educational too). They have a blacksmith, a mock classroom, and even a fake contingent of soldiers. Admission is 16 NZD.
7. Walk through Waikumete Cemetery
Spanning a massive 108 hectares (266 acres), this cemetery is the largest in the entire country and the final resting place of over 70,000 people, including almost 300 Commonwealth soldiers from World War I and II. Friends of Waikumete offers daily guided walks of the cemetery to explain more about the grounds and the people buried in the cemetery. Tours are 5 NZD.
8. See the Muriwai Gannet Colony
At this coastal park, you can find thousands of breeding gannets (large white seabirds) nesting between the black sand dunes. They are here between August and March and there are two viewing platforms where you can watch the birds. If you’re not a bird person, you can also come to Muriwai Beach for surfing. There are also trails for biking and hiking nearby. The colony is located around 40 minutes by car from Auckland.
9. Go bungy jumping
AJ Hackett, the man who invented modern-day bungy jumping, grew up in Auckland and has two jumps available in the city for anyone looking to get their adrenaline pumping. First, there is a 40-meter (131-foot) plunge from the Harbour Bridge (which dunks you into the ocean) that costs 165 NZD. There is also a 192-meter jump from the Sky Tower that starts at 310 NZD. If you don’t want to bungy jump, AJ Hackett also operates a Sky Walk on the Sky Tower, which lets you walk around the exterior of the tower for a 360-degree panorama of the city (you’re attached to safety lines so there is no risk of falling). The Sky Tower walk starts at 195 NZD.
10. Snorkel on Goat Island
Located just 800 meters (2,625 feet) from shore, Goat Island is a small island within a protected marine reserve. It’s one of New Zealand’s top snorkeling spots and home to abundant colorful fish. Expect to pay around 75 NZD for snorkeling gear and a guide. If you want to scuba dive, expect to pay around 175 NZD for equipment and a guide. If you’d rather stay dry, rent a “clearyak” (clear kayak). You can find rentals on the coast for around 120 NZD per hour (kayaks fit 2 people).
11. Travel to Hobbiton
Journey to Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Expect crowds, as this is easily one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions. You must go on a tour to see Hobbiton. It starts with a drive through the owners’ 1,250-acre sheep farm with some epic views over the Kaimai Ranges. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. If you’re a LOTR fan, you can’t pass this up. Tours start at 120 NZD. It’s located 2 hours from Auckland, with many guided tours departing from the city.
How to Stay Safe in Auckland
Auckland is a pretty safe city to visit. There’s very little violent crime or theft. That said, it never hurts to always keep your valuables safe and secure just in case. But, in all my years visiting the city, I’ve never felt unsafe.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here too. However, the standard safety precautions always apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Check one of the many solo female blogs on the country for specific tips.
If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here but there are hardly any in this city that a traveler needs to be worried about.
The biggest risk to travelers in Auckland is often natural disasters and unpredictable weather, including strong winds, heavy rain, and even hail. Earthquakes are common and can happen at any time (though they are not as destructive here as in other places in the country).
Consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross to stay updated about weather events. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and also sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.
If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct and make copies of your important documents like your passport.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Auckland
Auckland has a lot of hostels as well as plenty of affordable hotels in the city. Here are some of my recommended places to stay in the city:
- Waiheke Backpackers Hostel
- The Attic Backpackers
- Verandahs Backpackers Lodge
- Haka Lodge Auckland
- Ascotia Off Queen
- Albion Hotel
- The Grand by SkyCity
For more accommodation recommendations, here’s my post about the best hostels and another on the best hotels in Auckland. If you’re not sure which part of the city is best for your stay, read my guide on the best neighborhoods in Auckland.
Auckland Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 40-60 NZD per night
- Hostel private rooms – 100-150 NZD per night
- Budget hotels – 130-170 NZD per night
- Traditional B&Bs – 220-250 NZD per night
- Luxury Hotels – 300+ NZD per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 85-120 NZD per night
- Airbnb apartments – 120-170 NZD per night
- Campsite – 20-25 NZD per night
- Cabins – 60-100 NZD per night
Food
- Cheap eats (sandwiches, pizza) – 15-35 NZD
- Casual take-out places – 30-36 NZD
- Sit-down restaurants – 50-85 NZD
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 15 NZD
- Beer – 10 NZD
- Glass of wine – 9-15 NZD
- Cappuccino/latte- 5-6 NZD
- Bottled water – 2 NZD
- Groceries for a week – 120-170 NZD
Auckland Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 125 NZD Per Day
On a backpacker budget, you’ll stay in a dorm room, cook all of your meals, do free walking tours or outdoor activities, visit just a few paid attractions, use public transportation to get around, and limit your drinking. If you plan on drinking a lot, add 20-40 NZD to your daily budget.
Midrange – 275 NZD Per Day
On a midrange budget, you can stay in a private room/hotel, eat out for a few meals, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and snorkeling. You’ll have the flexibility to do what you want, but you won’t be living large.
Upscale – 500+ NZD Per Day
On this budget, you can stay in an upscale hotel, eat out for every meal, drink more, take more taxis, visit museums, and do as many adventure activities in the area as you want to do. The sky is the limit here!
Auckland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Auckland is an expensive city to visit. Costs can add up here quickly, especially if you are eating out a lot. If you find cheap accommodation, stick to happy hours, and cook most of your meals, you’ll be able to visit on a budget. Here are some ways to save money in Auckland:
Pet sit for free accommodation – House and pet sitting are very popular here since Kiwis often head abroad and need pet sitters. All you need to do is watch their pets/home while they’re away and you’ll get a free place to stay. Use a site like Trusted Housesitters to find the best gigs.
Reedeem hotel points – Make sure you sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points to cover accommodations when you travel. Most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free. This post will help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
Learn to cook – The food scene in Auckland isn’t that mind-blowing. If you want to save money, cook your own food. The supermarkets Pakn’Save or Countdown have the best deals.
Hit happy hour – The backpacker bars have cheap happy hours. Hit them up and drink for cheap. Otherwise, plan to spend 10 NZD for a beer at the bar.
Get a sightseeing pass – If you plan on visiting some of the most popular attractions in the city, a sightseeing pass can help you save money over paying for individual entrance fees. The Discover Auckland Pass and the Klook sightseeing pass combine different attractions together for one price. Prices range from 60-106 NZD, depending on how many places you want to visit.
WWOOF it – If you don’t mind staying outside of the city, WWOOFing is a great way to work for your accommodation and food. In return for working on a farm or B&B, you get free room and board. It’s a popular activity with travelers because it lets you stay in a place cheaper and longer. You can do it for a few days or a few months.
Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary yet well-paying gigs.
Clean in exchange for your room – Some hostels in the city will let you trade a few hours of cleaning and making beds for free accommodation. Ask at the front desk if this is an option.
Stay with a local – While there are not a ton of options available in the city, it never hurts to check! If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch or floor, Couchsurfing is a great way to save some money and meet locals.
Take a free walking tour – Auckland Free Walking Tour has a fun and insightful tour that will show you all the highlights of the city. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land — just be sure to tip your guide!
Find cheap activities – The bookme.co.nz website provides last-minute discounts on activities (and pub crawls) throughout the country. Most of the activities are last minute, but if you’re flexible in when you want to do things, you can save up to 60% off attractions! I can’t recommend it enough.
Get the AT HOP card for public transit – the AT HOP card will give you discounted rates on buses, trains, and inner-harbour ferries in Auckland and the surrounding area. The card costs 5 NZD to purchase, but it caps your fares at 50 NZD for every 7-day period. You can buy the card online, in person, or at a vending machine.
Transport vehicles – Campervan and car relocation services provide a free vehicle and gas as you drive it from one destination to another. This can be a great way to save a lot of money if you’re flexible with timing. Check Transfercar.co.nz to see what’s available.
Enjoy nature – Remember that nature is free! New Zealand, home to the great walks of the world, has tons of free outdoor activities. While adventure sports, wine tours, glacier treks, and boat cruises can eat into your budget, there are plenty of trails and walks to keep you busy!
Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Auckland is safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with you. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.
How to Get Around in Auckland
Public transportation – Buses are the most common way to get around the city. Prices are on a zone system, starting at 0.70 NZD within the city and going up depending on how far you travel. Cash is not accepted on buses, so you must get an AT HOP card for 5 NZD which also cuts ticket prices by 20-50%. You can purchase the AT HOP card at the airport, in stores around the city, online, or at a kiosk. There is no day pass, but there is a weekly fare cap (with the AT HOP card) of 50 NZD (this covers buses, trains, and local ferries).
To reach the suburbs, you can take the local commuter train, which uses the same fare system as the bus. Also, there are ferries running between downtown Auckland, the North Shore, East Auckland, and the islands. Fares start at 8 NZD (6 NZD with AT Hop card). Just keep in mind some ferries do not accept the AT HOP card so you’ll need to check in advance.
The airport is around 45 minutes from the city, and an express bus ticket will cost 8.60 NZD (one-way).
Taxi – Taxis are expensive and should be avoided. Rates start at 4 NZD and go up by 3.50 NZD per kilometer. A flat-rate ride from the airport to the city center is 38-95 NZD. Unless you have no other option or are splitting a ride with other travelers, I’d avoid using taxis.
Bicycle – NextBike is the dockless bike share operating in Auckland. The Auckland special pass is just 4 NZD for one week of 30-minute unlimited rides. If you want to rent your own bike, expect to pay 30-40 NZD per day for a bike. For an electric, prices go as high as 80-90NZD per day!
Ridesharing – Uber is available in Auckland and is usually cheaper than taking a taxi.
Car rental – Unless you’re planning to leave the city, you likely don’t need to rent a car here. Public transportation is clean, safe, and reliable. However, if you do need a car, expect to pay at least 40 NZD per day for a small vehicle (prices are cheaper the longer you rent). Keep in mind that they drive on the left here. An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is required for car rentals.
For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote using this widget:
When to Go to Auckland
Auckland is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning when most North Americans are dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, Kiwis are enjoying their beaches. Overall, the climate here is temperate. Summer is from December-February and it’s the most popular time to visit the city. Kiwis also take their holidays during this time, so things get busy! Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The average daytime temperature in the summer in Auckland is around 25°C (77°F). This is also the driest time of year, but there are six or seven days every month that see rain, so you’ll want to pack an umbrella.
Fall is from March-May, and it’s one of the best times to visit the city. The crowds have dispersed, prices are lower, and the weather is still warm. Average highs range between 16-23°C (62-74°F), and lows can dip down to 11°C (52°F). There’s a little more rain this time of year, so pack layers and rain gear.
Winter is from June-August. This is the cheapest time to visit as flights and accommodation are usually discounted. Snow isn’t common, but it can be windy and wet, making it seem much cooler than it is. Temperatures hover around 12°C (53°F) during the day. There are ten or more days with rain during these months, so you’ll want to bring clothes that will keep you warm and dry.
Spring months are September-November and another excellent time to visit. The temperatures begin to warm up, but the crowds haven’t come back in full force. High temperatures usually fall between 14-17°C (58-62°F) making it a pleasant time to visit. It’s not nearly as rainy as winter with six to ten days of rain, but you’ll still want to make sure you bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella.
There’s really no bad time to visit Auckland, but since New Zealand is so expensive, the shoulder season is probably one of the best times to visit if you’re on a budget.
Auckland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
- bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
- treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Auckland Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Auckland travel and continue planning your trip:
