Discover Auckland

Auckland / Tāmaki Makarau – the “City of Sails” – is one of New Zealand’s most vibrant locations. Located near the top of the North Island, it is the largest city in New Zealand and home to one-third of the population. Bustling and cosmopolitan, it is culturally diverse and the largest Polynesian city in the world.

There is much to explore in Auckland. Relax on stunning beaches, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island or walk up one of the many volcanoes that form part of the “ring of fire” to take in the view.

Welcome to Tāmaki Makarau, our home.

Tourism locations

The Viaduct

The Viaduct is home to Auckland’s marina. Transformed in the 1990s for the hosting of the America’s Cup, today it features bars, restaurants and cafes. In the Viaduct you will find the Maritime Museum, which includes exhibits on NZ’s maritime history and exploits, including the America’s Cup story, plus sailings that can be booked on heritage vessels.

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The Sky Tower

The Sky Tower, located above the Sky City Casino, is Auckland’s highest building standing at 353 meters high. Check views of Auckland’s 53 volcanoes and harbour at the Orbit 360° revolving restaurant, the SkyBar, or if you are brave, attempt the SkyJump or the SkyWalk.

Waiheke Island

Hop on a ferry from downtown to check out the beaches or wine tasting on Waiheke Island. There are around 30 wineries on Waiheke, which offer boutique dining and wines.

A list of wineries can be found here.

Maungawhau | Mt Eden

Tāmaki Makaurau is a part of the Pacific ring of fire and is home to 53 dormant volcanoes. The most recent eruption was 600 years ago, meaning that these maunga (mountains) now provide fantastic views of the city. Maungawhau is located just to the south of the Cordis: 5 minutes on the 27H, 27T or 27W bus down Mt Eden Rd (stop 1870, Tahaki Reserve, from Grafton Bridge). Approximately half-way up the mountain is a café called Whau, where you will find information on the Māori history of the area.

Rangitoto

Rangitoto is one of the key symbols of Auckland: a symmetrical shield volcanic cone that can be reached by ferry from downtown (or for the adventurous, on an escorted day or sunset kayak tour from St Heliers beach with Auckland Sea Kayaks). Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of the approximately 50 volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field, forming over a 5-10 year period by about 1500AD, now with a peak at 260m that has views of the harbour and city. It has many walking tracks through the scoria and Pohutukawa forest, including to lava caves.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a popular destination for locals when the summer heat hits, boasting a selection of bars and cafes and a long sandy beach with views of Rangitoto Island. Mission Bay is approximately a 15-minute drive from downtown Auckland. Catch any 27 bus down Symonds St to Commerce St, and then the TMK bus (TamakiLink) to Mission Bay, past Kelly Tarlton’s

Devonport

Devonport’s historic beachside village is a short ferry ride away from downtown Auckland. Nestled in between three volcanic maunga (Takapuna, Takaranga and Takararo), the village was originally home to Māori ‘pā’ (forts for defense). Today, it has a beautiful light sand beach and cafes. You can also take a walk around North Head, which features military installations built to protect New Zealand against a perceived threat of Russian invasion in the late 1800s.

‘K’ Road

Originally a ‘pā’ – a fortified Māori fort for defense – this street now has a reputation for being one of Auckland’s most vibrant and eclectic streets. The area has vintage shops, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife. It is located around the corner from the Cordis hotel.

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Ponsonby

Located a short walk from Karangahape Road, Ponsonby is known for its boutique shopping, cafes and restaurants.

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

Along Auckland’s waterfront to the east of the city centre, you will find Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium and Takaparawhau / Bastion Point, a site of significant protests in the late 1970s by Māori against forced land alienation, now the site of a memorial to a former prime minister; Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei’s Marae (meeting house), and reserve land that is accessible to the public with sweeping views over the city and harbour.

Galleries and Museums

The Auckland City Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Auckland Museum are well worth the visit for local and international art and stories of exploration and discovery.

The Cordis has a free shuttle hourly to Downtown, and occasional stops at the Auckland Museum, otherwise a 25 minute walk

Further Afield

Auckland’s west coast beaches are very different to those on the eastern coast: wild surf, sweeping cliffs plunging to the Tasman Sea, and walking tracks throughout. Karekare is memorable for those who watched the film The Piano; its northern neighbour Piha has its own surf rescue TV show; while Muriwai at the northern end is famous for its gannet colony and Blokart sailing. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to any of these beaches.

To the north of Auckland is Matakana’s farmers’ market; the spectacular Tawharanui beach and bird sanctuary (kiwi can frequently be spotted at night-time); and Goat Island marine reserve where you can rent snorkeling gear to swim with the plentiful fish. Matakana is reachable by bus route 997 from Warkworth, but the other destinations require a vehicle.

Beyond Auckland is Hobbiton (a Lord of the Rings tourism destination), the thermal wonderland Rotorua to the south, and the Bay of Islands to the north, all about a two to three-hour drive, with Rotorua and Paihia reachable by InterCity bus.

Hobbiton

Bay of Islands

Rotorua