Destination Auckland - Auckland Travel Guide

About Auckland:

Auckland is the social and commercial capital of New Zealand, not to mention the most populated. Auckland sits at the top of the North Island and is surrounded by harbours, volcanoes and a gulf of islands.

It has a refreshingly relaxed and sociable atmosphere and is serviced by a good public transport system. As far as Auckland nightlife goes, there is something going on every night of the week. In terms of sight seeing, there is a lot to see and do in the centre but it is also easy to escape the hub of the city centre and find beaches, volcanoes and islands that would not be found amidst your average city.

Queen Street runs throughout the centre of Auckland city, starting at the wharf and pier of the Viaduct harbour and running up towards the Domain and K' Rd. Britomart (main bus and train terminal) is located at the bottom of Queen St, near the harbour, and is the place to go for local bus information and is where nationwide bus journeys commence for onward travel.

Find out more about the HISTORY OF AUCKLAND CITY

Auckland Attractions & Activities 

Free Stuff:

1. Visit the Viaduct and Auckland harbour. These areas are found at the bottom of Queen St and are lively at night-time, especially at weekends. Although the restaurants and bars are quite pricey, a casual stroll in the evening or during the day is enjoyable in itself watching the boats and passengers.
2. Mt Eden. This is a free alternative to paying to go up the sky tower as the views are just as good, if not better. It is either a healthy walk from the city centre or a $1.30 bus journey to the bottom then a 10 minute easy walk to the summit.
3. City Link tour bus. Does what it says on the tin!
4. Walking around the city parks, botanical gardens and Auckland Domain.

Stuff Under $20:

1. Auckland Museum. Getting there involves a pleasant walk through the domain, or catching the link bus. The price is very affordable at a suggested donation of $5
2. Trip to Mission Bay and Bastion Point. Simple cheap bus journeys under $5. Amazing views at Bastion Point and ice cream @ Movenpicks in Mission Bay is highly recommended.
3. Ferry to Devonport or Waiheke/Rangitoto Island. These are all worth doing, particularly Rangitoto Island, where you can climb to the volcano summit for panoramic views and even through the Lava caves.
4. Bus journey out to beautiful Piha, Black Sand Beach. Go for a surf or climb to the top of Lions Rock
5. Sky Tower. Amazing views of the city, Backpackers get cheaper rates.

Stuff Over $20:

1. Whale & Dolphin Safari, Explore NZ.
2. Sky walk at the sky tower or jump off Auckland Skytower by doing the unique SkyJump.
3. Auckland Harbour bridge bungy jump.
4. Hire a plane to get the most incredible views of this beautiful city.
5. Ride a Broomstick! Well, Ride a Segway with Magic Broomstick Segway Tours...

More AUCKLAND ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Auckland Restaurants & Bars

Good Auckland Eats:

• Food Courts, seriously so many Food Courts with every type of ethnic cuisine ever invented. Average meals cost under $10,
• Sushi takeouts are in abundance up and along Queen Street and Fort Street. Amazing Value!
• Sky Tower If you have a larger wallet than most, try the revolving restaurant at the top the Sky Tower.
• Right Track Sports Bar and Café Good quality breakfasts for $6.

Good Auckland Bars:

• Fusion backpackers bar: party bar, theme nights & cheap drinks,
• The Camel bar: great drink specials, fun and friendly.
• Viaduct Harbour: Loads of trendy bars, expensive but worth a visit
• K'Road: (Karangahape Road) Well worth a visit to this colouful part of town!