Curator’s statement
Auckland is most likely where you’ll land if you’re flying internationally to New Zealand, and I highly recommend getting out of the airport and spending at least a day or two exploring (if not more)! The city is the perfect mix of urban energy, coastal scenery, and an incredible food scene. If you want to make the most of your time without worrying about logistics, I can help take care of everything—from hotels to tours and must-book restaurants—so your Auckland stop feels effortless and perfectly planned from the moment you land. If you’re short on time, this is how I’d do it.
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Things to do in Auckland
Views from Mudbrick Winery
Exploring Auckland
One of my favorite things about Auckland is how walkable and scenic it is (though there’s also great public transportation if you’d rather not walk).
Waterfront walk: Start at the ferry terminal and walk toward the Harbour Bridge viewpoint, then continue on to Ponsonby. You’ll get stunning views of the harbor and city skyline, and definitely rack up some steps along the way. Pro tip: Put Ferry Terminal to Harbour Bridge Viewpoint into Google Maps, then once there, switch your destination to Ponsonby.
Ponsonby: Such a cute, lively area with great shopping and food. One of my favorite stops was Service Denim, which even has a coffee shop inside (Auckland has amazing coffee—be sure to order a flat white). For food, head to Ponsonby Central, which has tons of options. I opted for Lulu’s and grabbed an açaí bowl, perfect on a hot day.
CBD Wandering: Spend some time walking around the Central Business District. Queen Street has great shopping, and you’ll see the Sky Tower standing above the city (you can admire it from below or go up for amazing panoramic views). Pop into the Auckland Art Gallery, which is free to enter and has an impressive collection. I also stumbled into a few random parks throughout the city that were incredibly peaceful—perfect for sitting, reading, and enjoying the warm weather.
Waiheke Island (non-negotiable)
If you do one thing in Auckland, make it Waiheke.
Getting there:
Take the ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island. Book the hop-on hop-off bus in advance. When you arrive at the ferry terminal, show your ticket and they’ll print both your ferry and bus pass.
Wineries to prioritize:
Mudbrick Winery: A must-visit—absolutely stunning views and fantastic wine! Head straight to the rooftop and stay awhile.
Stonyridge: Classic Waiheke vibes and a beautiful setting with great wines.
Tantalus Estate: A very elevated experience. I had lunch here (super fancy). The salmon was incredible as well as the other bites and wine.
Batch Winery: Another great winery, highly recommended by many.
Pro tip: Most wineries close around 5 pm, so plan your day accordingly.
End the day at Onetangi Beach, then grab ice cream at Charlie Farley’s, the perfect, low-key ending.
Places to eat & drink in Auckland
Everywhere I ate had incredible food, especially the seafood (think fresh salmon and oysters).
Remedy Coffee: A cute brunch spot with amazing coffee (flat white, of course). I loved the kimchi cheese toastie.
Daily Bread: Incredible breakfast, brunch, and sandwiches (with multiple locations). The halloumi bun was elite!
Depot: Amazing fish, oysters, and overall vibes. I had the whole fish and salmon tartare, which are must-orders!
Hello Beasty: Perfect for groups and sharing plates. The sashimi plate, Korean fried cauliflower, and prawn crab toast were unreal!
Amano: A great Italian spot with amazing oysters (yes, again) and a fantastic selection of local wines.
Need to know
Day trips if you plan to stay longer
Many of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences are outside the city. You can either rent a car or book a tour. Both are great options.
Rangitoto Island: Take a ferry to this volcanic cone for summit hikes with stunning harbor views or kayaking around the island.
Piha and west coast beaches: Dramatic black sandy beaches, Lion Rock, waterfalls like Kitekite Falls, and great surfing!
Hobbiton and Waitomo: Visit the Shire and take a boat ride through glowworm caves on a full-day guided tour.
Rotorua: Explore geothermal wonders and Māori culture on a longer day trip.
Bay of Islands: A full-day trip, giving you amazing scenery and boat cruises.
Best time to visit Auckland
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm, sunny, and ideal for beaches and Waiheke. Peak season with higher prices.
Fall (March–May): Still warm with fewer crowds; one of the best times to visit.
Winter (June–Aug): Cooler and quieter; great for food, wine, and city exploring.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists.
Final thoughts
Less than 48 hours in Auckland gives you a great feel for the city, but it will absolutely leave you wanting more. Many travelers continue on through the North Island or fly down to the South Island (which is also incredible). I had the best time in Auckland before heading to the South Island. I already know I need to go back to explore more of the city and the North Island. But whether it's a short stay or longer adventure, Auckland is 100 percent worth your time!
Travel Advisor
Casey Stein
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