New Zealand · Region
Auckland
Auckland is a city built across two harbours and around a cluster of dormant volcanic cones, giving it a skyline where downtown towers share space with green, crater-topped hills. It is New Zealand's largest city and its main international gateway, with Polynesian, Māori and immigrant communities shaping a food and culture scene that stretches from the waterfront to the inner-city villages beyond.
Top attractions
attraction Auckland Museum: Travel Guide (4.7★)
Auckland Museum sits on the hilltop of the Auckland Domain in Parnell, about a 15-minute walk from Grafton or Parnell train stations. 4.7★ (14,969 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Sky Tower: Auckland Travel Guide (4.6★)
Sky Tower sits on Victoria Street West in Auckland CBD. It is a 328-metre needle with glass-floored observation decks, the SkyWalk and SkyJump at 192 metres, and a revolving restaurant. 4.6★ (22,203 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Auckland
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Where to stay in Auckland
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Plan your trip to Auckland
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Frequently asked questions about Auckland
How do I get to Auckland?
Travellers arrive via Auckland Airport (AKL), located south of the city; there is currently no direct rail line into the airport itself. The usual routes into the centre are the SkyDrive express coach direct to the city, or the AirportLink bus connecting to the suburban rail network at Puhinui Station, with journeys taking roughly ~35 to 85 minutes depending on the option and traffic.
How many days should I spend in Auckland?
Allow ~2 to 3 days to cover the harbour waterfront, a volcanic cone walk and a central neighbourhood or two, or ~4 to 5 days if adding a day trip to nearby islands or wine regions.
What is Auckland known for?
Auckland is a city built across two harbours and around a cluster of dormant volcanic cones, giving it a skyline where downtown towers share space with green, crater-topped hills. It is New Zealand's largest city and its main international gateway, with Polynesian, Māori and immigrant communities shaping a food and culture scene that stretches from the waterfront to the inner-city villages beyond.