Auckland
New Zealand
- Safety rating
- 8.5/10
- Best time to visit
- December to March for summer — warm, long days, outdoor activities. June to August for winter sales and fewer tourists. October to November for spring blooms and quieter sights.
- Population
- 1.7M
Overview
Auckland — Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori — is New Zealand's largest city, built across a volcanic field between two harbours. A Pacific-facing multicultural city with a booming food scene, the base for exploring the Waiheke Island wine trail, and the gateway to Northland and the Bay of Islands.
Top attractions
Sky Tower, Waiheke Island, Auckland Museum, Viaduct Harbour, Piha Beach, Waitomo Glowworm Caves (3hr south), Rainbow's End, Muriwai Gannet Colony, Auckland Botanic Gardens
Getting around
AT Metro trains and buses connect most areas. Ferries serve the inner harbour and Waiheke Island. Rideshares work well. Renting a car makes coastal day trips much easier.