Trips to Auckland
Auckland offers culture and beautiful nature
Auckland, also known as Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is a vibrant and diverse city that combines beautiful nature with urban sophistication. It intertwines many different cultures and offers visitors a wealth of food, music, art and cultural experiences.
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, home to almost a third of the country’s population. There are many scenic spots, including Waiheke Island, also known as ‘Wine Island’. Whether you’re looking for world-class shopping, excellent dining or beautiful views of harbours, islands, native forests or black-sand beaches, Auckland has it all.
Adventurous Auckland travellers can enjoy exciting activities such as skydiving or whale watching, while nature lovers can hike near an ancient volcano or stargaze at the International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the remote Great Barrier Island. Indeed, Auckland is a truly unique destination for its wide range of experiences.
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Things to do in Auckland to suit all tastes
On your trip to Auckland, you should explore Maori history and traditions, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum is a good place to do that. You should also visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmak, where you can explore modern and traditional world-class art exhibitions.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of a sunset is to barbecue on Rangitoto Island. Rangitoto Island is Auckland’s most famous landmark. Rangitoto is a volcanic cone formed by the eruptions of a dormant volcano, located just off the coast of the city centre. The island is quickly accessible by ferry from central Auckland, where you can hike to the top of Rangitoto for spectacular views. You can also take a kayak trip to watch the sunset.
If you want to spend a fun day in Auckland, head out to sea for a whale and dolphin safari. Nearby Hauraki Bay has a stunning coastline, world-class vineyards, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches and an active volcano. Whether you’re interested in dolphin watching, luxury dinner cruises or racing on an America’s Cup yacht, there’s a marine adventure to suit every taste and budget.
Want more excitement for your trip? Consider trying skydiving with Skydive Auckland. Alternatively, you can opt for a SkyJump from the famous Sky Tower, or if you just want to admire the scenery from high above, you can balance on the edge of a building 192 metres above the ground. If you’re looking for something even more exciting to do, you can climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge or take a bungee jump to the Waitemata Harbour.
Shopper’s Auckland
If you’re looking for a trendy and unique shopping experience in Auckland, you should head to downtown Queen Street: there you’ll find several boutiques and department stores, while Ponsonby Road offers an array of trendy items, vintage treasures, stylish interiors and artwork.
On a busy Saturday morning, head to Britomart Market in Takutai Square, one of Auckland’s most popular markets. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this market is a must-see if you want to experience the Auckland shopping experience at its best.
Day trips from Auckland
You can also experience the charm of Waiheke Island, known as the ‘wine island’, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland city centre. You can spend a relaxing weekend, a day or just a few hours enjoying a wine tasting tour or a delicious lunch at one of the island’s many wineries and vineyards. Enjoy the stunning views and explore the island’s beaches, restaurants and other activities.
On Auckland’s west coast, you can experience the rugged beauty of the beaches. An hour’s drive from the city centre, you can explore the wild and rugged beaches where the Tasman Sea meets long, black sandy beaches. Admire the impressive cliffs at Muriwai Beach or watch the spectacular waves at the popular surfing beaches of Piha and Karekare, which make a stunning backdrop for films like The Piano.
If you want to take a magical night trip during your trip to Auckland and see the clear dark sky and stars, Good Heavens Dark Sky Experiences on the Great Barrier Island will do it for you. As the first international Dark Sky Sanctuary, this place offers a rare opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe. Here, travellers can enjoy the lush native forest, hike the Aotea Track or relax on Medlands Beach.
Tourists should also visit beautiful Matakana, where beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards and a vibrant arts community await. Be sure to visit the Matakana Village Farmers Market to sample fresh organic and seasonal produce. You can head to the riverside to enjoy the delicacies.
Public transport in Auckland
Auckland’s public transport is easy to use, and you can travel to your destination by train, bus and ferry. You can use your HOP card to pay for your travel on buses, trains and ferries.
If you are travelling by train or ferry, you can also buy a paper ticket with cash. You can buy your AT HOP card online or in person at vending machines and many kiosks.