Epic Experiences to Have in Auckland
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Auckland Harbour
Auckland
From world-class wineries to boutique shops and a scenic harbourside, make the trip over the Tasman to see how stunning the NZ city is with our Auckland travel guide. It’s a place with a booming food scene, beautiful natural escapes at its doorstep and super walkable streets to wander the days away.
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Places to stay
New Zealand always manages to perfectly balance inventiveness and innovation with old-worldly charm and hospitality, and Auckland’s accommodation options are no exception to this. If you’re looking to stay in the middle of the city, base yourself between the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland’s lower CBD near the vibrant Britomart area which is home to some of the city’s trendiest hotels like SO/ Auckland, Hotel Debrett or M Social.
After more of an traditional experience? Just outside the CBD, you’ll find the delightful B&B, Peace and Plenty Inn, in the pretty village of Devonport. With streets lined with gorgeous little cafes and boutiques, Grey Lynn and Ponsonby are the perfect places to find an Airbnb and settle into the local rhythm. For a beach retreat, escape to Waiheke Island where you’ll find chic boutique hotels like The Oyster Inn and high-end B&Bs like The Boatshed or secure one of the great beach houses the island has to offer.
The bustling urban feel of the city, proximity to breathtaking scenery and the ease with which you can get around make choosing a place to stay in Auckland an easy task.
Things to do
Mix and match great food, stunning scenery and independent cultural institutions all during your time in Auckland. What better way to start your day than with a spot of brunch at one of the many notable cafes in Auckland’s ever-burgeoning breakfast scene - Bestie Cafe, Good Day and Daily Bread are a few favourites. If all you’re after is a coffee fix, Remedy Coffee, Espresso Workshop and Wednesdays Espresso Bar will give you a new appreciation for all things short black.
For a sanctuary away from the buzz of the city, Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki is open all day every day to provide you with an artistic reprieve for the world outside. To pick up the pace, venture on an hour’s drive to The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park where you can explore the pristine bush, black sand beaches and native wildlife or take a scenic hike to pools of Karekare Falls.
For artisans, unearth the unique finds in the boutiques, such as Douglas and Bec, Lonely and Twenty Seven Names, which line Ponsonby Road. Spend your days anyway is this delightful city.
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Food and drink
To reap more of the rewards of the epic environment surrounding Auckland, pay a visit to one of the many stellar wineries nearby from Villa Maria, Soljans Estate Winery or West Brook Winery.
To dine, the city has countless options. Visit Chinoiserie for extraordinary Taiwanese-style eats, reserve a spot at the surprising and stylish Ortolana or set your sights on the delicious European-Japanese influenced degustation menu at Kazuya.
Waiheke Island
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland and you’ll find yourself on this jewel nestled in the Hauraki Gulf. On Waiheke Island, whisk yourself off to one of the islands many beaches like Big Oneroa, Palm Beach or Onetangi. Dust off the sand and head for a bite at Wai Kitchen orice cream at Island Gelato Company. If wine is your version of a treat, visit Man O’ War or Tantalus Estate for a tasting. The island’s olive oil is also a must try at Rangihoua Estate. End your day with an outstanding dinner at The Oyster Inn.
Getting around
From the airport: there are a number of options getting from the airport to Auckland city or Manukau city including bus, shuttle and taxi services.
In and around the city: best way to travel around Auckland is by hire car as there are plenty of self drive options and the roads are easy to navigate.
Passenger and vehicle ferries offer services between the North, South and other islands.
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