Sightseeing

Auckland has over 50 volcanoes, and one of the best is Rangitoto Island. Catch the ferry from downtown Auckland and walk to the summit for some of the best views of the harbour and city. It’s about an hour’s walk to the summit, and don’t miss the diversion to the lava caves — take a torch and have fun exploring these naturally formed tunnels.

Maungawhau Mount Eden, near the central city, and North Head in Devonport, are also fantastic volcanic cones worth visiting — both have short climbs and spectacular views of the city and harbour. Check out the impressive crater at Mount Eden and explore the ex-military tunnels on North Head.

One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park is another beautiful Auckland spot — climb to the summit, take high tea at The Cornwall Park Bistro, enjoy a stroll around the gracious park grounds, and visit the local sheep population that grazes the farms on the volcano’s flanks. You can tick off quite a few of the aforementioned spots if you take on the Coast to Coast Walkway, a 16 km walk from Onehunga on the Manukau Harbour (located on one side of the narrow isthmus Auckland sits on), to the Viaduct Harbour on the other side. When you get there, you’ll find a cool drink awaits you at one of the many bars and pubs on the waterfront.

Tours are another great way to see Auckland. Choose from five-star coaches, budget bus tours, luxury limousine rides, and electric bicycle tours. Choose to see the main attractions or join a special-interest tour, focusing on anything from walking to wine. There are also plenty of lovely spaces to wander through nearby, such as the Auckland Domain and Albert Park.

If you’re self-driving, the outer reaches of the city are not too far away. Visit the rugged west coast beaches of Piha, the city's most dramatic spot for a picnic or sunbathing session — with its volcanic black sand and jutting rock outcrops — or Muriwai Beach, where you can say hello to the gannets if they’re in town. For a relaxing stroll while exploring the countryside just north of Auckland, the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens makes a good break from the road. This manicured garden trail, set in a quiet valley setting, is packed full of native fauna and also hosts an ever-changing array of sculptures by New Zealand artists.

Enjoy idyllic coastal views and white sandy beaches where you can surf, snorkel, dive, swim, kayak or paddleboard. Indulge in wine tasting and follow the boutique Matakana Wine Trail and sample the local cuisine at the Matakana Coast cafes, restaurants and markets. Take in the stunning walking tracks around the Matakana Coast, cycle trails, activities and attractions.

Explore the green pastures of Duder Regional Park by foot or mountain bike. The views over the Hauraki Gulf are spectacular. If walking is your thing, you can also take the 5km coastal walkway which passes picturesque beaches and reserves along the coast between Beachlands and Maraetai. There’s plenty of gorgeous spots for a swim or a picnic.

West Auckland is home to rugged coastlines, wind-swept black sand beaches, waterfalls, native trees, and some of Auckland’s best vineyards and eateries.

Auckland is also the gateway to many other regions in the North Island. The world-renowned Hobbiton, located in Matamata, is a day trip away, as is Rotorua to the south and Puhoi to the north.

Our Concierge team is more than happy to make recommendations to help plan your trip.