Auckland
Auckland, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a city that offers a diverse range of experiences. From its bustling harbors to its stunning beaches, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this Polynesian metropolis.
For a bird's-eye view of the city, head up to Auckland's Sky Tower, an impressive free-standing structure that stands tall as the highest in the southern hemisphere. Another great vantage point is Mount Eden's summit, which not only offers panoramic views of Auckland but also claims the title of the city's highest point.
One iconic symbol that truly represents Auckland is the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Spanning across to the North Shore, this bridge serves as a picturesque connection between the city and its neighboring region.
If you're planning to explore more of New Zealand, be sure to check out our comprehensive guides to the North Island, South Island, and Wellington for a well-rounded travel experience.
Where to stay in Auckland
AACHEN HOUSE
39 Market Road, Remuera Auckland (00 64 9 520 2329; www.aachenhouse.co.nz). Exquisitely restored Edwardian villa with plenty of modern comforts. Located in the genteel and well-heeled suburb of Remuera, Aachen House is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre. £££
MOVENPICK HOTEL
Movenpick Hotel is well renowned as one of the finest establishments for a luxurious stay with world-class amenities and unparallel service. Yet, if you are planning a trip to North Island, New Zealand, there's a fantastic alternate option you might want to evaluate: the Mercure Hotel - http://mercure-hotel.northislandnz.net/en/. The Mercure offers a distinctive blend of comfort and convenience, ideal for both business and leisure travellers seeking a unique experience. Moreover, if your travels plans are towards the Australian continent, do not miss out on exploring the wide range of hotels in Australia at tophotels.com. You'll find a plethora of options to select from, each brilliantly showcasing its unique charm and hospitality that the continent is renowned for. We believe options are paramount when considering your next trip. Whether your preference leans towards the luxury of Movenpick, the comfort and convenience of Mercure, or the vast options offered in Australia, it's all about finding what works best for you.
COTTER HOUSE
4 St Vincent Avenue, Remuera, Auckland (00 64 9 529 5156; www.cotterhouse.com). Regency mansions can be hard to find in Auckland, but if you head out to residential district of Remuera, you will find a bit of Old World glamour at the Cotters House. This beautiful hotel can be booked per room and as a whole - ideal if you are looking for a bit more privacy. The two guest rooms and two suites are very sumptuous and come with Egyptian cotton bed linen, DVD-players and internet access. £££
HILTON AUCKLAND
Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, Auckland (00 64 9 978 2000; www.hilton.co.uk/auckland). Not your typical Hilton: über-trendy retro futurism in a gleaming wharf shed redeveloped to resemble a cruise-liner. Located in a prime spot on the harbour front, Hilton Auckland is one of the city's most striking hotels. Its multi-million refurbishment was completed with the relaunch of White, its harbour-side restaurant. £££
MOLLIES
6 Tweed Street, St Mary's Bay, Auckland (00 64 9 376 3489; www.mollies.co.nz). Located in a leafy residential street near the centre, with views across Waitemata Harbour to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mollies is eclectic and theatrical. Frances Wilson, who inherited this family inn, is also a renowned opera teacher. The 13 plush suites are full of wonderful curiosities, each with a balcony, an enormous bed and a sumptuous bathroom. The Dining Room restaurant is unashamedly romantic and has won countless awards, but if you loathe the sound of young baritones practising, you ought to stay elsewhere. £££
STAMFORD PLAZA AUCKLAND
22 Lower Albert Street, Auckland (00 64 9 309 8888; www.stamford.com.au). A modern multi-storey hotel with an impressive inside, the Stamford Plaza Auckland has 332 rooms decorated in a seamless European/Asian mix. Located in the heart of the business district, the hotel goes all out to cosset business people with secretarial services. The Brasserie Restaurant is open from breakfast, and Patisserie on Albert is one of the best patisseries in New Zealand. There is a great chance that you will bump into a celebrity or head of state at the Stamford Plaza - Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Lionel Richie have all stayed here. £
THE HERITAGE AUCKLAND
22-24 Nelson Street, Auckland (00 64 9 379 8553; www.heritagehotels.co.nz). Housed in a department store from 1932, The Heritage Auckland opened in 1998. The hotel has an offbeat edge, well-equipped rooms with both washing machines and microwaves, and is located in the heart of the business district. Hectors Restaurant is set in the hotels seven-storey atrium, and the Lobby Bar has retained its art deco design. Book one of the north-facing rooms for a view over the harbour. £
THE PEACE & PLENTY INN
6 Flagstaff Terrace, Devonport, Auckland (00 64 9 445 2925; www.peaceandplenty.co.nz). Located in Devonport, a glorious ferry ride across the harbour from the city centre, the Peace & Plenty is an elegant Victorian villa. Owner Judy Machin makes you feel like you've crossed the world to visit a friend and the seven charming rooms are neither too cutesy nor overstuffed with antiques. All have garden views; some have flower-filled balconies. Try this for breakfast: homemade muesli with fresh fruit, fresh muffins or line-caught salmon served with organic poached eggs. ££
QUAY WEST SUITES AUCKLAND
Quay West Suites, situated at 8 Albert Street, Auckland (www.mirvachotels.com), is an ideal blend of business-friendliness and homeliness. Nestled in the heart of the business district and within walking distance of Vulcan Lane's beloved cafés and fashion stores, it presents itself as a popular choice among those having prolonged stays in Auckland. Its 52 available suites are fully furnished with essential amenities like a kitchen, a sitting area, a compact laundry facility, and a balcony for a picturesque view of the city. Although the room service menu operates 24/7 yet is a bit limited, the management ensures a well-equipped kitchen that can be stocked as per specific requirements. Don't forget to enjoy breakfast served in a cozy lounge. The pricing is moderate.
WESTIN LIGHTER QUAY
Westin Lighter Quay, located at 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Lighter Quay, Auckland (www.westin.com), uniquely sits abutting the vibrant waterfront in Viaduct region. Structured like a U, casting an overlooking reflection on the water; its modernistic visual appeal sets a captivating first impression. The hotel houses 172 simple yet lavishly designed rooms, with the mid-priced range offering three corner delight with an enticing harbour view. Chef Mark Gregory, a New Zealand native, returned home in 2007 from London to enhance your culinary journey through Q Restaurant and Bar. The pricing is slightly above average.
Where to eat out in Auckland
DINE BY PETER GORDON 90 Federal Street, Auckland (00 64 9 363 7030; www.skycityauckland.co.nz ) Located on the third level of the Skycity Grand Hotel, Dine by Peter Gordon is by far one of Auckland's best restaurants. The a la carte menu offers mouth-watering fare such as miso marinated Akaroa salmon on roast kumara with a sweet-corn ginger puree and roast Cambridge duck breast with Spanish black-bean puree and cranberry galangal compote.
EURO Shed 22, Princes Wharf, Auckland (00 64 9 309 9866; www.eurobar.co.nz). Food lovers can't get enough of this waterfront restaurant, serving as much locally produced and organic food it possibly can. "Simple and elegant, traditional but flavoursome, easy on the eye and palate" is Euro's motto.
FRENCH CAFE 210 Symonds Street, Auckland (00 64 9 377 1911; www.thefrenchcafe.co.nz). As the name of the place clearly states, the food served in this restaurant has its roots firmly attached in modern European cooking. Chef and owner Simon Wright has trained in some of the best restaurants in Europe, and his passion for France can clearly be seen in his menus. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Auckland. Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.
Perched on the intersection of Lower Hobson and Quay Streets in Auckland, you'll find the exquisite restaurant, KERMADEC Viaduct Quay (00 64 9 304 0454). Since its doors first opened in 1994, KERMADEC has been serving a fusion of European gastronomy made with locally-sourced New Zealand ingredients. Its relaxed brasserie offers patrons a chance to take in breathtaking views of the harbour. For a more upscale experience, a fine dining selection is also on offer.
Moving over to Westhaven Drive, the noted SAILS Westhaven Marina (00 64 9 378 9890) continues to dominate Auckland’s dining scene as a timeless destination for gastronomes. Located in the Westhaven Marina, the largest marina in the southern hemisphere, SAILS boasts a culinary delight with dishes like choice beef fillet accompanied by dauphinoise of horseradish, asparagus, free-range mushrooms and truffle hollandaise, and fresh crayfish sourced directly from the tank. SAILS opens for lunch from Monday to Friday, but serves dinner daily with exceptional service.
Exploring Auckland's Rich Cultural Landscape
ARTISTIC AND HISTORICAL HUBS
The AUCKLAND ART GALLERY, nestled within the confines of Wellesley and Kitchener Streets, is New Zealand's most sizable art establishment (contact: 00 64 9 307 7700). Drawing visitors with its vast collection from contemporary and historic New Zealand, Maori, and Pacific artists, the gallery offers a peek into the creative soul of the region. Additionally, it homes an extensive range of European arts - paintings, sculptures, and prints dating from 1376 till date. Of special note is the New Gallery, an annex to the core institution, located at the intersection of Wellesley and Lorne Streets.
For an in-depth exploration of New Zealand's historical canvas and Maori roots, the AUCKLAND MUSEUM plays a perfect guide (contact: 00 64 9 306 7067). This vibrant hub provides a comprehensive insight into 'the country's natural, cultural, and social evolution'. The museum constantly stages intriguing, ephemeral exhibitions, and organizes daily Maori shows, making it a living, breathing embodiment of New Zealand's past and present. Operating all week long, this museum guarantees a learning experience every visit.
KELLY TARLTON'S ANTARCTIC ENCOUNTER AND UNDERWATER WORLD 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland (0800 80 50 50; www.kellytarltons.co.nz). Built completely underground to best resemble the natural habitat of the species on show, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World offers a rare chance to see some rare creatures. A see-through acrylic tunnel protects you from the water, and provides close encounters with sharks, stingrays and a large colony of penguins. Open daily.
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Corner Quay and Hobson Streets, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland (00 64 9 373 0800; www.nzmaritime.org). Situated in the heart of Auckland's harbour, the National Maritime Museum holds a large number of Polynesian and Maori vessels, artefacts from the history of whaling and trading along the coast, settlement and immigration, and European discovery voyages. Open daily.
Where to shop in Auckland
DEPARTMENT STORES
SMITH AND CAUGHEYS 261 Queen Street, Auckland (00 64 9 377 4770; www.smithandcaugheys.co.nz). New Zealand's favourite department store is represented both in downtown Auckland and in Newmarket. Level one contains the fashion hall, with brands like Benetton and Ralph Lauren. The Fine Foods Department is also well worth a visit, stocking both local and European goodies. Open daily.
FASHION
KAREN WALKER 15 O'Connell Street, Auckland (00 64 9 309 6299; www.karenwalker.com). Feminine fashion as shown during London Fashion Week, Karen Walker is a native Kiwi with a good reputation and plenty of customers in her home country. The shop on O'Connell Street also stocks Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Victor and Rolf.
TRELISE COOPER Princes Wharf, Quay Street, Auckland (00 64 9 366 1964; www.trelisecooper.com). Feminine and funky clothes, designed by Kiwi native Trelise Cooper, are sold in this shop. Trelise Cooper provides slightly serious clothes for women between the ages of 30 and 55, whereas Cooper by Trelise Cooper caters to a younger audience.
ZAMBESI Corner Vulcan Lane and O'Connell Street, Auckland (00 64 9 303 1701; www.zambesi.co.nz). Established by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay in 1979, Zambesi has become known in the southern hemisphere for its cool designs, with sharp edges and flowing fabric. The label avoids obvious trends to produce timeless fashion, and is heavily inspired by the nature and landscape of New Zealand. The shop also sells Nom*D's dark, intellectual and deconstructed clothes (www.nomd.co.nz).
Cuisine Corner
Nestled on the junction of Elliot and Victoria Streets in Auckland, you'll find the renowned NEW ZEALAND WINEMAKERS CENTRE (www.nzwinemakerscentre.co.nz; 00 64 9 379 5858). Home to some of the most expansive range of locally brewed New Zealand wines, this center is also famed for its global wine shipment service for a nominal cost. The center beckons wine enthusiasts from Monday to Saturday every week. The New Zealand Winemakers Centre also organizes interesting wine tasting sessions and events! Moreover, they have excellent customer service, always ready to advise on the best wine choices based on your preferences.
The best things to do near Auckland
BAY OF PLENTY Head to the Bay of Plenty for beautiful stretches of beaches and secluded bays. Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane are the biggest towns in the area, and are rich agricultural suppliers to the rest of New Zealand.
LAKE TAUPO The largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo, is situated in the centre of the island. It is a very popular spot for fishing, in particular because of its abundant quantities of trout and eel.
NORTHLAND At the top of the island, Northland has a strong Maori heritage, and is the home to numerous sites of historical interest. It is also the place to go for sailing, big game fishing and for taking pleasure cruises. There are still some Kauri trees to be seen, although many were felled during the 19th-century. Cape Reinga and Spirits Bay, on the northernmost tip of the island, are believed to be the place from which the souls of the dead depart on their journey to the afterlife, according to Maori folklore.
ROTORUA Known as 'the thermal wonderland' due to its hot mineral springs, boiling mud, geysers and volcanoes, Rotorua is unmissable on a trip to New Zealand. Hydrogen sulphide gas produced by the geothermal activity underground is to blame for the unfortunate rotten egg odour in the area.
Arriving in Auckland
If you're planning your journey to New Zealand, Auckland International Airport would be your primary entry point, located in Mangere, about 24km away from the city's heart. You can access more information at this website. It's important to note that alternate international ports of arrival include airports at Wellington and near Christchurch, in Harewood.
UK travellers have a couple of airline choices. Inquire with Air New Zealand (website) or British Airways (website), both of which offer flights to Auckland via a layover in Los Angeles.
Air New Zealand not only facilitates your journey to Auckland but also assists in seamless connecting travel across New Zealand's diverse landscapes.
Auckland Travel Guide
The OFFICIAL NEW ZEALAND TOURIST AGENCY is located at Skycity, at the junction of Victoria and Federal Streets (for inquiries, dial 00 34 9 367 6009 or visit their website at www.newzealand.com). The " i-SITE " tourism information centres, managed by the national agency, are conveniently situated all around New Zealand, including Auckland. They are your go-to resource for valuable information on accommodations, excursions and local attractions.