What to do in Auckland

One day in Auckland?

Here’s what Aucky Walky guide Local Liz recommends.  (See our local links too including where to eat and find free WIFI downtown.)

"Start with an early walk west along Auckland’s downtown waterfront across Te Wero bridge. Follow this by a big breakfast up Skytower (for the views) then jump on our mid morning Hello Auckland walking tour.

Later, catch a short ferry ride across the city harbour to Devonport’s cafes and art galleries, taking in the views of the city skyline. For lunch try a trim latte (milky coffee), a Kiwi meat pie and a slice of ginger crunch for a real taste of local! Late afternoon return downtown and hit the shops at Britomart or High Street for Kiwi fashion. An ice cream stop at legendary Giapo in Gore Street is just desserts.

If it’s raining, take a stroll through the Auckland Art Gallery, shop for souvenirs at Pauanesia on High Street or uber/bus over to the Auckland Museum. Book into the Maori cultural experience. Stroll through the Museum Domain and the Wintergarden glasshouses.

Try a Fort Street eatery for dinner or the Viaduct,overlooking Auckland’s harbour. Close to town are Ponsonby Central or K’ Road - where us locals like to eat. Try seafood like snapper fish or green lipped mussels. Our lamb is great too. And definitely leave room for a Kiwi pudding like apple crumble, pavlova or lemon meringue pie!" 

To help you decide where to eat in Auckland, here's a list of Auckland's top 10 restaurants (according to Trip Advisor 2017) - either located in the central city or CBD fringe. Or you could join us on our great-value Auckland food tour, check it out here. You'll leave full to the brim armed with the best places to eat and drink in Auckland.

Two days in Auckland

Great! Here’s some other local tips.  

• Climb a volcano. Either uber or catch the orange Outer Link bus from Auckland’s Wellesley Street to Mt Eden. Then walk up to the top of this extinct volcano for its great views. Or catch a 25 minute ferry out to Rangitoto from downtown Auckland for a climb or mini truck ride up to the top. Take plenty of water and lunch as there's no shops on this island.
• Visit Kingsland. Jump on a local train from downtown Britomart for a short ride to this hip inner city suburb for cafes, galleries and a slice of local life. Plus Eden Park the home of New Zealand Rugby. It's just a five minute walk from the Kingsland train station. You can then walk back to Queen St in half an hour taking in the cool vibe of Karangahape Rd.
• Take a road trip. Hire a car and head an hour north across the harbour bridge to Matakana (for lunch) and Omaha for one of the best beaches in the North Island. Or check out Piha, a West Coast surf beach and the KiteKite Falls - just 45 minutes away.
• Get your glow on. Jump on a day-long bus tour south to the spectacular Waitomo Caves - home of glow worms and underwater caves. Most tours also include a visit to Middle Earth -  Hobbiton (The Lord of the Rings).   
• Best of Maori. Book a cultural experience at Tamaki Hikoi, with the local Maori Ngati Whatua tribe or the Auckland Museum - both just 10 minutes from downtown Auckland.
• Shop hop. Take an uber or the green Inner Link bus from Customs Street to the Newmarket retail trip 15 minutes from the city centre and close to the Auckland Museum. Or jump on a southern line train from downtown to the biggest shopping mall in New Zealand, Sylvia Park. Check out where we like to shop. 
• Dine like a local.  If you’re a foodie then check out the top eating spots in Auckland central. Make a gastro plan before you land!
• Wonders of Waiheke. There’s a reason this harbour island regularly features in the world’s ‘best things to do’. Catch a 40 minute ferry from downtown then jump on the island bus. Or hire a car to take in the island’s glorious beaches, vineyards and short walks. You won’t get lost as there’s only one main road!

• Take a hike.  Check out these fabulous day walks near or in Auckland.

• Markets galore.  If you’re in Auckland on a Saturday then check out the Farmer’s Market downtown at Takutai Square or uber up to La Cigale French Market in Parnell - just 5 minutes from downtown. Our seafood market is downtown at Wynyard Quarter. Try some freshly caught fish and chips while you’re there.
• Catch a show, have a laugh. For a small country, we produce some of the world’s best theatre. Check out what’s on in Auckland when you visit.