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Auckland skyline and Sky Tower viewed from Waitemata Harbour
New Zealand · Auckland

Auckland, the City of Sails and Two Harbors

Built across a field of dormant volcanoes between two harbors, with vineyard islands, rainforest ranges, and a wine country weekend all within an hour of downtown.

4.7 (3.9k travelers)·Best for: sailing, wine, day trips
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Best Time to Visit
Dec – Feb
Flight Time
1 Stop (17h 50m)
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
Language
English

Overview

Auckland works best as a launch point as much as a destination in itself. The city is built across dozens of dormant volcanic cones, so a harbor view and a crater rim are often the same short walk.

Two or three days covers the city center, Devonport, and a volcanic cone or two. Build in a full day for Waiheke, and treat Rotorua or the Bay of Islands as an easy add-on if you have more time.

Auckland skyline and Sky Tower
Auckland
Auckland
Auckland
Auckland

Things to Do

Curated moments that make Auckland unforgettable

Sky Tower Observation Deck
From £32
Sky Tower Observation Deck
Glass floors and a 360-degree view over the harbor and volcanic cones
Waiheke Island Wine Day
From £110
Waiheke Island Wine Day
A 40-minute ferry to vineyards overlooking the Hauraki Gulf
Mount Eden Crater Walk
From £0
Mount Eden Crater Walk
A short climb up a dormant volcano for the best free view in the city
Hauraki Gulf Sailing Trip
From £85
Hauraki Gulf Sailing Trip
Auckland earned 'City of Sails' honestly. Get out on the water to see why.

Handpicked Stays

Hotels our travel experts vouch for

Rangitoto Island volcano viewed from Auckland
Limited Time Offer

Save on Auckland Escapes

Book by November 15 and add a Waiheke Island wine day to any 5-night Auckland itinerary.

12%Off Select Stays

Travel Guide

What our travel experts want you to know before you go

01
New Zealand's Seasons Run Opposite Yours
December through February is Auckland's summer, so plan around the Southern Hemisphere calendar, not your own.
02
The UV Index Runs High Here Too
Thin ozone over New Zealand means sunburn comes faster than it looks like it should, even on cool days.
03
Book Waiheke Ferries Ahead in Summer
Sailings fill up on weekends from December through February. Reserve your crossing time, not just a same-day ticket.
04
When to Go
December through February is summer and the busiest stretch. March and April trade a few degrees of warmth for thinner crowds and lower prices.