Auckland holidays

Nestled between two magnificent harbours, New Zealand’s largest city is often treated like a jumping off point for the otherworldly landscapes of the North Island. But the best holidays to Auckland are about more than passing through. From black sand beaches and volcano hikes to a vibrant Indigenous culture and one of the best food scenes in the South Pacific, see why the City of Sails has staying power.

Auckland holiday highlights

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Get on the water

You can’t ignore the water on your vacation to Auckland. The city has a long-rooted connection to the sea (hence the nickname City of Sails). Get into the nautical spirit with a sailing cruise around Waitemata Harbour. Prefer to enjoy the show from land? The waterside restaurants at Viaduct Harbour serve up local seafood and lovely views of the boats gliding by.

Hike a volcano

Lace up your hiking boots and discover volcanic history on a holiday to Auckland. Perched on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the city lies on around 50 dormant and extinct volcanoes, and its landscape tells stories about a fiery past. Walk among ancient craters at Mangere Mountain and discover the rugged beauty of Rangitoto Island where you can venture into underground lava caves. 

Learn about Maori culture

A holiday to Auckland is a great opportunity to get to know New Zealand’s Indigenous culture. Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about Maori history and see artefacts such as canoes and carvings. Be sure to catch the daily cultural performances, which include the famous ‘haka,’ a ceremonial dance. Then, head to Cornwall Park to climb the summit of One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), an important Maori memorial site.

Auckland: Know before you go

Language

English, Māori

Currency

New Zealand dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC+12 (NZST) and UTC+13 (NZDT)

High season

December – February

Low season

June – September

Find the best time to go to Auckland

Weather in Auckland

March – May: March’s clear skies and mild climate give way to clouds and cooler weather. Fog off the ocean is common in the mornings.

June – August: Winter is the wet season in Auckland. It can be chilly, but the temperature usually stays above freezing, even at night. You may see snow on the mountains, though it rarely reaches the city.

September – November: Spring is one of New Zealand’s most unpredictable seasons. It veers from clear skies to heavy downpours, sometimes within hours.

December – February: Summer can get hot, but temperatures rarely reach above 30°C. The evenings are cool, so pack a light jacket.

Events in Auckland

AUM New Year’s Festival (January): Ring in the new year at this welcoming music and arts festival. Head to the South Head Peninsula for a weekend of art installations, live performances and dancing.

Auckland Pride Festival (February): The city’s thriving LGBTQ+ community is at the heart of this month-long arts and culture festival. Let your hair down at dance parties, drag brunches and New Zealand’s biggest Pride parade.

Pasifika Festival (March): Celebrate the best of Pacific Island culture, from traditional favourites to modern interpretations. You’ll find plenty of music, dance, food and crafts set up at eight ‘villages’ representing nations like Fiji, Samoa and others.

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The best neighbourhoods in Auckland

Ponsonby

This inner-city suburb is the best area to stay in Auckland if you want to experience its bohemian side. At its heart is Ponsonby Road, a lively string of restaurants, cafes, bars, high-fashion boutiques, and galleries showcasing artists and creators from around the country. In December, head to leafy Franklin Road to see the Christmas lights.

Good for: Dining, nightlife, art scene

Parnell

One of the oldest suburbs in Auckland, Parnell blends its historical past with contemporary sophistication. Restored heritage buildings stand proud alongside chic boutiques, art galleries and artisan cafes. It’s also where to stay in Auckland for tranquil green spaces, such as the fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, while being within easy reach of the main attractions.

Good for: Historic buildings, gardens, boutiques

Viaduct Harbour

Developed after New Zealand’s America’s Cup victories in the early 2000s, Viaduct Harbour is your introduction to Auckland’s downtown waterfront. The compact marina is home to superyachts, as well as some of the finest restaurants in the city. Cross the pedestrian drawbridge to Wynyard Quarter for craft beer and a seafood-focussed food court.

Good for: Sailing, seafood, nightlife

Things to do in Auckland

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Family friendly things to do

You won’t be short of things to do with family in Auckland. Young wildlife enthusiasts will love Auckland Zoo and the chance to meet native and exotic animals. For a day of excitement, head to Rainbow’s End Theme Park, with its thrilling rides and family entertainment. And for the best views in the city, venture up the iconic Sky Tower.

Shopping

For a taste of local life, wander through Ponsonby’s stylish streets, brimming with boutique shopping and gourmet delights. For a more bohemian vibe, head to Karangahape Road and discover retro, vintage and streetwear shops. Or go shopping in Auckland after dark, exploring the buzzing night markets, with their sensory overload of sights, sound and smells.

Take in the culture

Step into a rich tapestry of history and culture by visiting museums in Auckland. Dive deep into the city’s maritime past at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, a treasure trove of seafaring stories. Visit Auckland Art Gallery, home to more than 15,000 national and international artworks. Or take a trip to Howick Historical Village to see a recreated settlement from 1840 to 1880.

Beaches

The beaches near Auckland are some of the best on the North Island. For a family-friendly option drive 20 minutes east to Mission Bay’s golden sands, calm waters and buzzing beach cafes. Explore the wild black sands and rugged coast of Piha, about a 50-minute drive west of the city. When you crave tranquility, retreat to the paradise beaches of Waiheke Island, a 40-minute ferry ride away.

Places to eat

Restaurants in Auckland represent a food scene that’s both global and local. You’ll find heavy Pacific, Asian and European influences here, expressed through farm-fresh ingredients and seasonal sourcing. Keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand grass-fed beef, green-lipped mussels and ‘tuatua,’ a local shellfish. And everything tastes better with a glass of Hawke’s Bay viognier.

Free things to do

For breathtaking vistas, one of the best free things to do in Auckland is to hike up Mount Eden, a dormant volcano. Offering 360-degree city and harbour views, it’s the perfect spot for a panoramic selfie. In inner-city Auckland, walk along The Lightpath, a whimsical pedestrian path that lights up at night. And check out Silo Park, where free movies and cultural events take place at the waterfront.

Plan your holiday to Auckland

Budget

Dining out in New Zealand’s biggest city can be pricey. But you can still find good deals on local cuisine on your cheap holiday in Auckland. Budget-friendly and delicious, pie shops are a New Zealand classic for a reason. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 25 New Zealand dollars ($). Want to check out the craft brewing scene? A local beer is around $12.

Day trips from Auckland

Just over an hour’s ferry ride from Auckland, Rotoroa Island is famous for its heritage buildings, nature walks and peaceful beaches, perfect for a picnic and a swim. On the mainland, Pūhoi is a charming little village less than 45 minutes from the city. Don’t mind a long drive? Head north to see glow-worms and walk the cave track at Waipū.

Getting around Auckland

Getting around Auckland is an adventure in itself. Buy an AT HOP card for discounted fares on buses, trains and ferries. The Metro trains let you zip around efficiently, and a bus service covers the city centre and suburbs. Taxis are safe and easy to find. Hire a car to explore the outskirts at your own pace.

FAQs about Auckland holidays

Auckland is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals and sense of community, and it has a relatively low crime rate. It also has an inclusive and respectful culture, making it an ideal destination for a holiday.
Whether you're a check-every-box traveller or a make-it-up-as-you-go explorer, the cost of your city break in Auckland will largely depend on how you want to experience it. You'll want to factor in everything from entry fees to dining out, on top of your Auckland flights and hotels.
With around 13 cm of rainfall, July is the rainiest month. If you're going on your Auckland holiday then, you might want to have a few indoor activities lined up. Enjoy a meal at one of the city's top dining spots, visit a museum, or shop till you drop at the local stores.
The best time to plan a trip to Auckland depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re looking for cheap holidays to Auckland, then visit in autumn, between March and May, or spring, between September and November. Both these seasons are off-peak and have fewer crowds, lower prices and mild weather. The peak season is summer, from December to February.
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the official currency. From tipping to buying souvenirs, having some cash on hand during your trip to Auckland will be useful.
July is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your Auckland holiday then and you can expect lows of 9ºC (48ºF).
English and Māori are the languages you'll encounter most while on your city break in Auckland.
Auckland isn’t just a good holiday destination – it’s a great one! This friendly city caters for all interests, whether that’s natural geographic history and volcano viewing, Maori culture, the great outdoors or family entertainment. Add to this the easy access to nearby islands and idyllic beaches, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable holiday to Auckland.
February is the hottest month in Auckland, with temperatures reaching highs of 24ºC (75ºF).
How many days your trip to Auckland should be depends on where you're arriving from and what you want to do. If you live close by, three to five days is enough to check out the leading sights. If you're travelling long-distance, it's worth going for a week or more to explore the city and nearby places.

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