Auckland, New Zealand
we arrived in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and a vibrant hub of culture, dining, and waterfront beauty. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland offers a unique mix of urban life and stunning natural surroundings.
Our first stop was the Auckland Harbour, where sailboats glide across the sparkling waters and ferry trips take you to nearby islands. For city views, the Sky Tower offers panoramic sights of the skyline, Hauraki Gulf, and surrounding volcanic hills — a perfect introduction to Auckland’s geography.
We explored Viaduct Harbour, full of lively restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood, before taking a short ferry ride to Waiheke Island, a paradise of vineyards, beaches, and charming villages. Back in the city, neighborhoods like Ponsonby and Devonport provide boutique shopping, galleries, and historic architecture.
Auckland perfectly balances city energy with outdoor adventure. Whether you’re sailing, exploring island escapes, or wandering quirky city streets, there’s something for every traveler here.
Our time in Auckland was the perfect mix of urban energy and natural beauty. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland offers endless things to see and do for every kind of traveller.
We started by exploring the vibrant waterfront, wandering through the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, where we enjoyed great food, local wines, and a lively atmosphere. The Sky Tower was a must — offering incredible panoramic views of the city and harbour, and for the brave, the SkyWalk and SkyJump provided an extra adrenaline rush!
We spent time in Auckland Domain and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where we learned about New Zealand’s natural history and Māori culture. Shopping and dining in Queen Street, Ponsonby, and Parnell gave us a taste of Auckland’s trendy urban scene.
For nature lovers, Mount Eden (Maungawhau) was a highlight — a short climb rewarded us with sweeping views of the skyline and the Hauraki Gulf. We also took the ferry across to Devonport for boutique shopping, beach walks, and stunning views back toward the city.
Auckland’s surrounding areas were just as incredible. We made time to visit the Auckland Zoo, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, and took a day trip to the Waitākere Ranges to explore lush rainforests and dramatic black-sand beaches like Piha and Karekare.
From adventure and culture to dining and coastal beauty, Auckland truly had it all
2025-02
25 things to do in Auckland:
Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic city views.
Explore Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Stroll around Viaduct Harbour.
Wander through Auckland Domain and Wintergardens.
Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting.
Relax at Mission Bay Beach.
Walk or cycle the Tamaki Drive waterfront.
Discover Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium.
Hike up Mount Eden (Maungawhau).
Explore Ponsonby Road for cafes and shopping.
Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
Take a sailing tour in the Hauraki Gulf.
Experience the nightlife in Britomart.
Discover wildlife at Auckland Zoo.
Explore Rangitoto Island volcanic landscapes.
Shop at Queen Street and surrounding boutiques.
Enjoy street art in K’Road (Karangahape Road).
Relax at Western Springs Lakeside Park.
Try local delicacies at Auckland Night Markets.
Take a scenic flight or cruise over the Hauraki Gulf.
Visit One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie).
Explore Matakana Village & Farmers’ Market.
Kayak or paddleboard in the Waitematā Harbour.
Discover Muriwai Beach and Gannet Colony.
Enjoy a day trip to Hunua Ranges Regional Park.