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Auckland

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Piha Beach in Auckland.

© Scott Venning/Visit New Zealand

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Overview

Paris may be the city of love, but Auckland is the city of many lovers, according to its Māori name, Tāmaki Makaurau. Those lovers so desired this place that they fought over it for centuries.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • One Tree Hill monument in Auckland, New Zealand.

    One Tree Hill

    Auckland

    Maungakiekie was the largest and most spiritually significant Māori pā (fortified village) prior to British arrival. At the top of this volcanic cone (at…

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum.

    Auckland Museum

    Parnell & Newmarket

    This imposing neoclassical temple (1929), capped with an impressive copper-and-glass dome (2007), dominates the Auckland Domain and is a prominent part of…

  • The Arts House Trust

    Auckland

    Housed in a gorgeous 1879 mansion with views to One Tree Hill and the Manukau Harbour, this arts centre is endowed with contemporary NZ art from an…

  • A large lizard in its enclosure at the Auckland Zoo, New Zealand.

    Auckland Zoo

    Auckland

    At this modern, spacious zoo, the big foreigners tend to steal the attention from the timid natives, but if you can wrestle the kids away from the tigers…

  • Historic cannon on North Head Reserve overlooking Auckland.

    North Head

    Auckland

    North Head was a Māori pā and is still a fortress of sorts, with the navy maintaining a presence. It's riddled with tunnels, started at the end of the…

  • AUCKLAND,NZ - May 26 2013:Auckland Domain Wintergardens.The garden was officially opened to the public in 1982 and now holds a variety of more than 10,000 plants from all over the world.; Shutterstock ID 141472774; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Gillmore; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online-Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/ Online Design /LaurenGillmore/IYL

    Wintergarden

    Parnell & Newmarket

    The Wintergarden, with its fernery, tropical house, cool house, cute cat statue and neighbouring cafe, is in the Auckland Domain.

  • Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

    Auckland

    In this topsy-turvy aquarium sharks and stingrays swim over and around you in transparent tunnels that were once stormwater tanks. You can also enter the…

  • Western Springs

    Auckland

    Parents bring their children to this picturesque park for the popular playground. It’s a pleasant picnic spot and a good place to get acquainted with…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

With a thriving social scene alongside beaches and literal volcanoes, Auckland is quite the destination. Here are the best things to do when you arrive.

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Best Time to Visit

New Zealand's biggest city is a year-round destination with a regular schedule of events. Plan your visit with this seasonal guide.

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Things to Know

Follow these tips on health, safety, etiquette and the local language with this first-timer's guide to visiting Auckland.

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Transportation

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city, with a jigsaw of different forms of transport. Here are the best ways to get around Auckland.

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Free Things to Do

Free concerts in parks, snorkel off the beach, cycle the city center and more: we have your best no- and low-cost activities in Auckland.

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Best Neighborhoods

Auckland has lots to offer and it's worth venturing beyond the center to discover its neighborhoods. Here's our guide to the best of them.

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Day Trips

Experience local history, Māori culture, outdoor adventure, quality food and drink, and plenty more on these amazing day trips from Auckland.

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Money and Costs

How to visit Auckland, New Zealand when you haven't got an awful lot to spend.

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Traveling with Kids

New Zealand’s biggest city feels suburban and offers active, affordable family days out by the bucket load. Here's how to visit with kids.

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