Discover Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. It’s where sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication. Explore the emerald islands of the Hauraki Gulf by kayak, boat or on foot; stroll the ruggedly beautiful black sand beaches of the west coast or indulge in delicious food and wine at worldclass vineyards.
As well as hosting New Zealand’s largest city, the Auckland region features many quaint, diverse places. Don’t miss visiting Piha beach and Waiheke Island.
World-class shopping and phenomenal dining are never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches. Go skydiving or whale watching, hike an ancient volcanic cone, taste local award-winning wine, or stargaze from the International Dark Sky Sanctuary of remote Great Barrier Island.
Popular Auckland beaches and walking trails
Auckland offers a diverse range of scenery and the same goes for day walks in the area. All within a few hours’ drive – or ferry ride – of the CBD. Auckland’s wild west is renowned for its rugged beauty; this is where the Tasman Sea’s mighty surf crashes onto vast blacksand
beaches.
Enjoy nature walks, mountain biking, fishing and camping in the largest mainland forest within the Auckland region. You’ll find the best of both worlds in Auckland, with beautiful rainforests, parks and beaches all so close to the city centre. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park west of the city centre has more than 250 kilometres of walking and hiking tracks through lush native rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and along a magnificent coastline. Walk through the region’s largest native forest in the Hunua Ranges or explore the striking landscapes of some of Auckland’s 26 regional parks, such as Duder, Shakespear, Tapapakanga or Āwhitu.
You’re never far from the sea in Auckland. Bring your board to one of the black-sand surf beaches on the wild west coast – Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells), Muriwai and more.
Head north to the expansive golden sands and clear waters of Tāwharanui and Pakiri. Closer to the city centre, and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Auckland, visit Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St Heliers. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard, and refuel with some fresh fish and chips by the seaside.
Explore the Hauraki Gulf
The Hauraki Gulf is dotted with islands throughout its sparkling blue waters. Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of Auckland’s 48 volcanic cones and is home to the world’s largest pohutukawa forest. Just 30 kilometres from central Auckland, Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the most successful conservation projects in thecountry. Native birds flourish on the island.
For an exciting day trip, discover the history and sandy coves of Rotoroa Island, explore the open wildlife sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island or climb the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island for incredible views from the summit. If you have a few more days, travel by light plane or ferry to remote Great Barrier Island, famous for its rugged beauty and unspoilt wilderness.
Enjoy Auckland food and wine
Known as ‘the city of sails’, Auckland is home to waterfront restaurants, award-winning menus and bustling food hubs. Check out some of the best restaurants, markets and eateries in Auckland and Waiheke Island.
Just a quick ferry ride from central Auckland, Waiheke Island has over 30 wineries and cellar doors and produces premium red wines. Find the best wineries and cellar doors on Waiheke Island and the Auckland region.
Auckland has a talented crew of craft brewers. Find pints aplenty in the central city on a beer tour or venture to the suburbs to taste the finest Kiwi beers at the many breweries in Auckland. Auckland has an impressive variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit every taste and budget.
In the inner city you’ll find modern dining at Britomart, Commercial Bay, Federal Street and City Works Depot. Enjoy dinner and drinks or a casual bite on Auckland’s beautiful waterfront in the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter precincts.
Auckland has three main wine growing regions, where superb wine and stunning scenery go hand in hand. Visit Waiheke Island, known as ‘the island of wine’ for its 30 wineries and vineyards. North of the city discover Matakana’s boutique wineries set amid picturesque coastal countryside. In the west, Kumeū is home to Auckland’s oldest established vineyards and is surround by market gardens and organic produce.
Six Unique things to do in Auckland
- Set your sights on the stars at Aotea Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Scale the Sky Tower and experience the magic of Wētā Workshop Unleashed
- Pedal around Auckland’s epic cycleways
- Eat your way through Auckland’s renowned foodie scene
- Climb one of Auckland’s volcanoes
- Meet the wildlife on Tiritiri Matangi Island
