Auckland
New Zealand
Sky TowerPhoto: Jorge Royan · CC BY-SA 3.0
Auckland War Memorial MuseumPhoto: Iswzo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Waiheke IslandPhoto: NASA image created by Jesse Allen, using Landsat data provid · Public domain
Rangitoto IslandPhoto: Bruce Hayward · CC BY-SA 4.0
Volcanic cones (Maungawhau / Mount Eden)Photo: Ferdinand von Hochstetter (1829-1884) · Public domain
About Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, built on a narrow isthmus between two harbours on the North Island. Its many yachts have earned it the nickname "City of Sails".
The city sits on a volcanic field of dozens of extinct cones, and hills such as Maungawhau (Mount Eden) make fine lookouts. The Sky Tower, Auckland Museum and the Hauraki Gulf islands of Waiheke and Rangitoto are the main sights.
How many days do you need?
Three days is a good start: one for the centre, the waterfront and the Sky Tower, one for the museum and the volcanic cones, and one for a ferry trip to Waiheke or Rangitoto.
Where to stay
- CBD and Viaduct Harbour — Close to the ferry terminal, restaurants and train stations.
- Ponsonby — Cafés and boutiques, a short bus ride from the centre.
- Devonport — A quiet, historic seaside suburb linked to the centre by ferry.
From the airport to the city
Auckland Airport (AKL) is about 13 miles south of the city centre. AirportLink buses run from the airport to Puhinui station, where trains continue to Waitematā (Britomart) and other central stations. Taxis and shared shuttles are also available.
Getting around
Buses, trains and ferries use the AT HOP card. Ferries leave the downtown terminal regularly for Devonport, Waiheke and other islands; the trip to Waiheke takes about 40–45 minutes.
Good to know
- The weather can change quickly; carry a rain jacket.
- Traffic drives on the left in New Zealand.
- New Zealand enforces strict biosecurity rules: declare food, plants and outdoor gear on arrival. Most visitors need an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) or a visa before travelling.
Useful links
- Tourism New Zealand (official tourism site) newzealand.com
- Auckland Transport (public transport) at.govt.nz
- Auckland Airport aucklandairport.co.nz
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: November–April. The warmest month is February (average high 75 °F); the wettest is July (5.1 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 73.9 | 2.77 | Ideal |
| February | 75.0 | 2.52 | Ideal |
| March | 72.1 | 2.98 | Ideal |
| April | 68.2 | 3.43 | Ideal |
| May | 63.0 | 4.74 | Good |
| June | 58.8 | 4.72 | Cool or rainy |
| July | 57.2 | 5.12 | Cool or rainy |
| August | 57.7 | 4.22 | Cool or rainy |
| September | 60.1 | 3.79 | Good |
| October | 62.8 | 3.34 | Good |
| November | 66.7 | 2.44 | Ideal |
| December | 71.1 | 3.22 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Day after New Year's DayJanuary 2
- Waitangi DayFebruary 6
- Good FridayMarch 26
- Easter MondayMarch 29
- ANZAC DayApril 25
- King's BirthdayJune 7
- MatarikiJune 25
- Labour DayOctober 25
- Christmas DayDecember 25
- Boxing DayDecember 26
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar ($)
- Dialling code+64
- Plugs & voltageType I · 230 V · 50 Hz
- Emergency111
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.