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Auckland Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 4-6 days

Best Time: Summer months from December to February Read More

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"The Kiwi City of Volcanoes"

Auckland Tourism

Auckland is one of New Zealand's oldest and most historic cities apart from it being the largest and most populous, making it one of the country's most important tourist hubs. Situated by two large harbours, Auckland combines natural beauty and city scapes, drawing in visitors for leisure and business alike all year round.

Auckland has a plethora of activities and attractions on offer for every kind of traveller, giving visitors the luxury of choice in terms of experiences. It is world-renowned for being home to a number of volcanoes, islands and mountains. To add to its beauty, the city is dotted with beautiful green parks, gardens and lakes. You can head to one of the numerous viewpoints around the city for a beautiful view of the natural landscapes with the gorgeous modern skyscrapers, making Auckland’s cityscape a treat to the eye. With New Zealand’s reputation for adrenaline activities, Auckland is a hub for adventure sports. Due to the proximity to the water and the massive harbours, the city is known worldwide for its love affair with boats and the ocean, so much so it is called the 'City of Sails' and has dominated America's Cup in recent years. This is well captured in the Maritime Museum of Auckland, which is just one of the several museums in the city dedicated to the fields of art, national and natural history, and even plant and animal history.

Auckland also offers a great assortment of adventure activities, the most famous being the bungee jump from the harbour bridge and the Sky Tower. The same two places also provide quite stunning vantage points of the city. The city is the site of various cultural events throughout the year, like the Auckland Festival, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, and the New Zealand International Film Festival, to name just a few.

Must Know Before You Travel to Auckland

1. Customs check is tough when entering New Zealand, and Auckland is no exception. There are strict laws on prohibited items that cannot be brought from international shores. Read the form carefully about what to not carry on your trip to avoid any inconveniences and delays after landing. 

2. Payments are mostly done through cards in Auckland and seldom through cash or other means. Be sure to carry an international credit card or payment card.

3. The weather can be unpredictable. Even though it might look like a cloudy day, it can quickly turn sunny, making it easy to get sunburnt if not careful. Make sure to pack sunscreen and protective sunglasses, and headgear.

4. New Zealand follows the left-hand drive system. Learn the basic rules if you plan on renting a car when in Auckland.

5. Internet access is not widely available in New Zealand, which also holds true in Auckland. Sometimes cafes or other public spots might not offer WiFi or have weak coverage. It is recommended to bring along or subscribe to a cellular plan with strong internet coverage in the country.

Top Hotels In Auckland

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Popular Neighbourhoods in Auckland

1. Britomart

Located in downtown Auckland, Britomart is where first-timers to the city usually stay and explore. Ideal for a short stay in the city, it is home to many shopping boutiques, restaurants and trendy cafes and is a convenient area of the city for tourists to spend some leisure time. Takutai Square, within Britomart, is a large public space that hosts many events, gigs and the Saturday Market.

2. Takapuna

In northern Auckland, Takapuna is one of the coolest neighbourhoods, popular for its amazing beaches and fantastic open roads for cycling, walking or running. Tourists can also enjoy their days at the beach, sit back, relax by cafes or pubs overlooking the shore, and enjoy the sunsets.

3. Grey Lynn's

An artsy part of Auckland, Grey Lynn is where one learns to live like a local in the city. A robust residential neighbourhood, it is home to many houses, villas and B&Bs that host seasonal renters and couch surfers. One can expect to find many local cafes, small pubs, wine bars and Asian food shops around most corners.

4. Ponsonby

An upscale neighbourhood in Auckland, Ponsonby's main strip is where visitors can find high fashion outlets, designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants and classy art galleries. One can visit boutiques by local designers and try out their latest collections.

3 Day Itinerary for Auckland

Day 1 - A Cultural Day in Auckland's CBD

On your first day, head to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, a famous art gallery. After that, spend some time taking a leisurely stroll in the nearby Albert Park. Next, visit the Auckland War Memorial and learn about New Zealand's fallen soldiers and its history as part of the two world wars. After that, head to Queen Street, explore the numerous shops, eateries and bars, and spend the rest of the day enjoying some fine food and drinks.

Day 2 - Trip to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a 40-minute ferry ride away from the city. On the island, try your hand at some ziplining, forest hikes or sailing. There are beautiful beaches across the island to spend a leisurely afternoon. Vineyards and wineries on the island also offer private and group tours with personalized tasting menus for brunch or lunch. Enjoy your day, and head back to Auckland in the evening.

Day 3 - Sightseeing and A Special Dinner

Head to the iconic Sky Tower and soak in the sights from above. If brave enough, try your hand at Bungee Jumping. Then visit the nearby parks such as Cornwall Park and enjoy some leisurely strolls. You can also have a mini picnic if you bring along snacks and drinks. In the afternoon, head to the top of Mount Eden and enjoy some fantastic panoramic views of Auckland. Later, head to Missions Bay, and choose from the several restaurants and bars to have a quiet dinner in the evening.

Currency and Money Exchange in Auckland

There are several companies which offer currency conversion options throughout Auckland.

  • Lotus Foreign Exchange, Travel Money NZ, No 1 Currency and City Forex are some of the most reputed exchange centres in Auckland.
  • Currency can be obtained through simple ATM withdrawals as well, though it is best to withdraw substantial amounts since most cards charge per transaction on international withdrawals. 

Travel Tips for Auckland

  • Remember to pack good and comfortable walking shoes, as there are many trails to hike through near Auckland.
  • Auckland's public transport system is not very punctual. Be mindful of using them. when in a hurry. 
  • If you're interacting with the indigenous Maori. Be very respectful towards food and elders.
  • In the Maori language, the word 'Tapu' refers to sacred, so it's best to avoid touching items so labelled.
  • Tipping culture in Auckland doesn't really exist. You can always tip if you like the service you have been provided. However, it is not expected or obligatory.

Daily Budget for Auckland

Auckland is not an overly expensive city. That said, it is one of New Zealand's most important cities, so don't expect very cheap prices either.

  • For a low-budget visit to Auckland, you can expect to spend around NZD 100 - 120.
  • Going higher, a mid-range budget can lie around NZD 150 - 200
  • A luxurious trip to Auckland can be anywhere north of NZD 250 - 270.

Languages Spoken in Auckland

English is Auckland's official language which is understood and spoken by nearly the entire population. Maori, the language of the indigenous people, is also spoken in some parts and communities in the city.

History of Auckland

The Maoris had lived in and around Auckland for more than 20,000 years before the Europeans finally arrived in the 19th century. However, by the time the Europeans came, the Maoris had shifted inland due to a lack of modern weapons and fear of raids. Colonial rule in Auckland was established as late as 1840, and the land was obtained from a Maori himself.

Auckland was declared capital in 1841 and held on to that status till 1865. There have been severe conflicts between Pakehas (Europeans New Zealanders) and Maoris throughout the 19th century over land and resources. The Maoris felt that they were being alienated from their own land and being stratified away from the benefits. Although the Maoris were compensated, and some of their titles and businesses were restored, there remains severe contention to this day regarding what is actually the just way to deal with what happened back then.

In modern times, the expansion of the city area was largely due to the dominance of the motor car, which dramatically increased the area that could be accessed. In more recent times, Auckland has become the economic hub of the country after the reforms took place in the 1980s. Today, the city is the main source of tourism-based income for the entire country.

Nightlife in Auckland

Auckland is full of bars and nightclubs to help you have just the right night. Though two of these areas are most reupted - Ponsonby Road has many great bars and nightclubs, with the most happening crowd to be around, with Ponsonby Social Club and Revelry as great options. You will also find many options in Britomart, which houses great atmospheric bars and restaurants for a great night out as well. Ortolana and Orleans are popular bars in Britomart.¾

Shopping in Auckland

Auckland is a huge metropolitan city, so of course, options to shop are many. The entire city is dotted with several shopping malls, with the newest addition Sylvia Park, also the largest mall in Auckland. Queen Street is a hotspot for avid shoppers. High end fashion boutiques can be found on High Street. At the same time, Newmarkett, Parnell and Ponsonby are great if you're looking for an 'inexpensive yet totally worth it' experience, selling items like clothes, accessories and ornaments.

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FAQs on Auckland

What are the places near Auckland?

The top places near to Auckland are Hunua ranges which is 37 km from Auckland, Bastion point which is located 5 km from Auckland, Gisborne which is located 350 km from Auckland, Rotorua which is located 194 km from Auckland, Tauranga which is located 155 km from Auckland

What are the things to do in Auckland?

The top things to do in Auckland are Sky Tower, Cornwall Park, Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo. You can see all the places to visit in Auckland here

What are the top hotels in Auckland?

There are 1348 in Auckland which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Auckland are Warblers Retreat, Ferrymead Gardens, Longview Villa, 6 Gunson Street, The Grange, Coast Retreat Muriwai - Walk to the Beach!. You can see all the hotels in Auckland here

How much does a package cost for Auckland?

The packages for Auckland start at INR 88840 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the local food in Auckland?

Local food in Auckland is diverse and all inclusive. The influx of Asians into the city also means that good oriental food can be found at many places. Various fruits and vegetables are readily used in dishes. Fast food joints such as KFC, McDonald's etc. are also present in more than one location.The indigenous Mauri cuisine concentrates on sea food and other meats such as lamb, mutton and pork. The dishes are cooked in earth ovens through the use of fire. The steam produced by the burning of the stones then cooks the food for several hours in the hangi.
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What is the best time to visit Auckland?

The summers are the on season period in Auckland. The warm temperatures mean that the entire city is out and about. The parks and gardens are lush and colourful, and the weather throughout the day remains pleasant. This is also an ideal time to visit the beaches, and conditions for visiting islands such as Rangitoto and Waiheke are optimal. Clear skies and good visibility ensures that view points such as the Sky Tower are fully operational as well.
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