Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and the centre of commerce.

Country code: +64
Area Code: 9 (09 from within NZ)

It is some 35 miles across, but public transport is not as developed as in most other cities of such a size, so beware when booking accommodation, that you find somewhere to stay close to your point of interest. Our maps will help here.

There are 6 sub-regions (and cities) in the Auckland Region including North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau as well as Auckland City itself which is the hub.

The main entry point for most visitors to New Zealand (the airport is actually in Manukau City). Check the Auckland Airport website for information on arrivals and departures, procedures etc. A bus runs into the city every 20 minutes or so and there are numerous shuttles and taxis (cost about $60 into the city but can be considerably higher at peak times). We recommend using Auckland Co-op taxis (09 300-3000) or Corporate Cabs as being the most reliable. Corporate Cabs offer a meet and greet service and unlike some others, we have never been let down by them.

BETTER PRICE HOTELS offer numerous accommodation options in Auckland ranging from backpackers and budget B&B's such as Aspen House (very basic but adequate and centrally located) to Mollies on Tweed which is top class. Devonport is a short ferry ride away from the city and accommodation there is generally high class.

As would be expected in a major city there are numerous options for activities in Auckland. Free guides are readily available in most hotels, information centres and other vantage points such as the maritime museum.

Some activities which we recommend:

NZ National Maritime Museum - a world-class maritime museum close to the centre of the city. They offer a one hour cruise on the harbour aboard a heritage sailing vessel - TED ASHBY - at times (check the website). Admire the huge Americas Cup yacht KZ7 outside. Information about other maritime museums in NZ

Kelly Tarltons - see the fish from underneath the water in this walk-through aquarium

Sky Tower - as well as the opportunity to view the city from a high vantage point, the facility offers various activities such as the casino, Sky-Jump, and the option to climb the mast.

Auckland sits on a magnificent harbour (the Waitemata Harbour) and there are numerous options to get onto the water. These include coffee cruises, trips to various islands in the Hauraki Gulf, the world-famous Sail-NZ experience and Pride of Auckland. Many leave from the Viaduct or Ferry Building areas. A ferry ride to Devonport on the North Shore is an enjoyable excursion. As well as some delightful places to stay, Devonport offers boutique shopping and the opportunity to view the harbour and Gulf from the top of two extinct volcanoes (Mount Victoria and North Head) though these are quite a walk and you may prefer to take a taxi from the ferry terminal or join the local sightseeing tour.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum (a short taxi ride from the Auckland CBD, on the Explorer Bus circuit, or get there on the economical Link Bus) is the main museum. Well presented and an excellent introduction to NZ culture. Offers Maori cultural performances most days (check the website for times).

Other Things to do in Auckland: Auckland City Art Gallery, Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) , Stardome Observatory (see the southern skies explained), goggle at the yachts in the Viaduct.

WINING AND DINING - Auckland offers a seemingly endless number of options in this area.

Recommendations (but note that things can change!)

Upper end
THE GROVE, St Patrick's Square, Auckland City
HARBOURSIDE, Ferry Building, Auckland City CBD

Middle Range
AL DENTE, Customs Street West, Auckland City
WANG THAI, Customs Street West, Auckland City
SP'GETTI, Anzac Rd, Browns Bay, North Shore

Inexpensive
DEGREE BAR, Viaduct, Auckland City
WATERFRONT BAR, at the Maritime Museum, Viaduct, Auckland City

More Auckland dining recommendations       Where to stay in Auckland - Map/Accommodation search