Ariane’s guidebook
City/town information
Auckland, a buzzing urban hub nestled between two contrasting coastlines, hosts a combination of metropolitan delights and natural landscapes.
11 locals recommend
Auckland
Auckland, a buzzing urban hub nestled between two contrasting coastlines, hosts a combination of metropolitan delights and natural landscapes.
Sightseeing
SkyCity Auckland is home to the iconic 328 metre Sky Tower with 3 fabulous viewing platforms to admire Auckland from atop, a fantastic selection of bars, award-winning restaurants and cafes, two first-class hotels and the world-class SkyCity Casino.
597 locals recommend
Sky Tower
Victoria Street WestSkyCity Auckland is home to the iconic 328 metre Sky Tower with 3 fabulous viewing platforms to admire Auckland from atop, a fantastic selection of bars, award-winning restaurants and cafes, two first-class hotels and the world-class SkyCity Casino.
Central Auckland is a vibrant mix of shopping, dining and entertainment. Explore the city's wide range of different shopping experiences from local and international designer clothes to retro and vintage fashions. Or soak up the lively nightlife with a visit to one of Auckland's many bars and eateries.
359 locals recommend
Britomart
1150 Shortland StCentral Auckland is a vibrant mix of shopping, dining and entertainment. Explore the city's wide range of different shopping experiences from local and international designer clothes to retro and vintage fashions. Or soak up the lively nightlife with a visit to one of Auckland's many bars and eateries.
A boating paradise, Great Barrier Island shelters Auckland’s harbour from the relentless swells of the Pacific Ocean. Covered in lush native forest, hike the Aotea Track, visit the rare wildlife of Glenfern Sanctuary or relax on Medlands Beach. Either Go Great Barrier Island Tours or Sundancer Tours offer great ways to see the island. Or if you're feeling brave, why not try a kayak circumnavigation?
8 locals recommend
Great Barrier Island
A boating paradise, Great Barrier Island shelters Auckland’s harbour from the relentless swells of the Pacific Ocean. Covered in lush native forest, hike the Aotea Track, visit the rare wildlife of Glenfern Sanctuary or relax on Medlands Beach. Either Go Great Barrier Island Tours or Sundancer Tours offer great ways to see the island. Or if you're feeling brave, why not try a kayak circumnavigation?
Spend a weekend or a day or a few hours, Waiheke Island is the ultimate island retreat, just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Best known as 'island of wine' for its many wineries and vineyards, a wine tasting tour or an indulgent lunch is a must. Enjoy spectacular views and explore the beaches, restaurants and other activities on the island.
407 locals recommend
Waiheke Island
25 Karaka RdSpend a weekend or a day or a few hours, Waiheke Island is the ultimate island retreat, just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Best known as 'island of wine' for its many wineries and vineyards, a wine tasting tour or an indulgent lunch is a must. Enjoy spectacular views and explore the beaches, restaurants and other activities on the island.
Have you ever watched the sunset and had a BBQ on Rangitoto island? Auckland’s most iconic island, Rangitoto is a dormant volcanic cone that sits just off the coast from the central city. Take a short ferry from the city to walk to the summit for spectacular views, or glide across the harbour via paddle power on a sunset kayak tour.
280 locals recommend
Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve
Have you ever watched the sunset and had a BBQ on Rangitoto island? Auckland’s most iconic island, Rangitoto is a dormant volcanic cone that sits just off the coast from the central city. Take a short ferry from the city to walk to the summit for spectacular views, or glide across the harbour via paddle power on a sunset kayak tour.
You are never too far from the sea in Auckland and in less than an hour from Auckland City you will find yourself amidst the wild west coast beaches, where the Tasman Sea meets long, vast stretches of black sand. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops and gannet colonies or head to Piha, a popular surf beach, and Karekare, made famous as the backdrop for the film The Piano.
115 locals recommend
Muriwai
You are never too far from the sea in Auckland and in less than an hour from Auckland City you will find yourself amidst the wild west coast beaches, where the Tasman Sea meets long, vast stretches of black sand. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops and gannet colonies or head to Piha, a popular surf beach, and Karekare, made famous as the backdrop for the film The Piano.
You are never too far from the sea in Auckland and in less than an hour from Auckland City you will find yourself amidst the wild west coast beaches, where the Tasman Sea meets long, vast stretches of black sand. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops and gannet colonies or head to Piha, a popular surf beach, and Karekare, made famous as the backdrop for the film The Piano.
145 locals recommend
Piha
You are never too far from the sea in Auckland and in less than an hour from Auckland City you will find yourself amidst the wild west coast beaches, where the Tasman Sea meets long, vast stretches of black sand. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops and gannet colonies or head to Piha, a popular surf beach, and Karekare, made famous as the backdrop for the film The Piano.
You are never too far from the sea in Auckland and in less than an hour from Auckland City you will find yourself amidst the wild west coast beaches, where the Tasman Sea meets long, vast stretches of black sand. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops and gannet colonies or head to Piha, a popular surf beach, and Karekare, made famous as the backdrop for the film The Piano.
12 locals recommend
Karekare Falls
You are never too far from the sea in Auckland and in less than an hour from Auckland City you will find yourself amidst the wild west coast beaches, where the Tasman Sea meets long, vast stretches of black sand. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops and gannet colonies or head to Piha, a popular surf beach, and Karekare, made famous as the backdrop for the film The Piano.