Is Auckland Worth Visiting? My Advice After Living Here!

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Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and there’s certainly a ton to do here, but at the same time, no one visits New Zealand to spend time in urban areas. So you may be wondering whether it’s worth visiting Auckland, or if you should skip it altogether. 

Well, I lived and worked in Auckland when I first moved to New Zealand, before I settled in my beloved Queenstown. And now, I’ve written this guide to help you get a better idea of what Auckland is all about, and whether or not it’s worth adding to your itinerary. Let’s get into it! 

What I love about Auckland

It’s a beautiful city

Auckland is a very scenic city, and I enjoy the mix of landscapes here. There are gleaming skyscrapers in the CBD, beautiful heritage buildings, and it’s located on the harbor’s edge so you can pretty much always see water. The city is also surrounded by beaches and volcanoes, so there’s plenty of natural beauty.

Outdoor adventure 

Auckland is a bustling city, but there are a ton of outdoor activities to enjoy here! It’s definitely not a concrete jungle. I loved living here because I got the big city experience while having hikes, kayaking, boat cruises, beaches, and whale watching right on my doorstep. 

Amazing restaurants

Auckland has an excellent food scene, and there’s truly something for everyone here. It was one of my favorite things about living in the city! So whether you love great coffee and brunch, fine dining, or global cuisine, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Ponsonby Area is the ultimate foodie hotspot, but there are incredible restaurants literally everywhere you go. 

It’s easy to get around the city 

Auckland has safe and reliable public transport, so it’s easy to get around the city without a car! You can get pretty much anywhere by bus or train, and the ferries are perfect for exploring the islands and harbor. Public transport here is very affordable, and I recommend getting an AT HOP card, as this will save you money on your journeys. 

A convenient start point for your trip

Most travelers fly into Auckland anyway, and there are tons of car, campervan, and motorhome rental companies based here. And since it’s a major, well-connected city, you can pick up any supplies you need for your trip here. Plus, you’ll find much cheaper prices for road trip necessities here in the city than you will once you hit the road! 

Related Read: If you’re planning to road trip, check out my Two-Week North Island Itineraries for the best routes starting from Auckland!

5 Best Activities in Auckland

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Did you know that Auckland is one of the best spots to go whale watching in New Zealand? You can actually see whales here any time of year, which is pretty rare.

I had so much fun on this whale-watching tour and with 1,400+ glowing reviews, it’s one of the top experiences in Auckland. 

There are six different species of whales that live around here. I was lucky enough to see a Bryde’s whale and a humpback whale on my tour! And thanks to the guide’s expert commentary, I could tell them apart.

This tour takes off from the Viaduct Harbour, so it’s really convenient from Auckland CBD. We sailed on a catamaran, which is typically more stable than other boats (just in case you get seasick!). The tour costs $209 NZD and if you don’t see any whales or dolphins, they have a whale-sighting guarantee, so you can come back and take another tour at no charge!

Book the top whale watching tour in Auckland here!

Auckland Sky Tower

The most iconic building in Auckland’s skyline, the Sky Tower, stands at a whopping 1,076 feet (328 meters) tall and is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. But, the best photos can be taken from the top of the tower, where you will be treated to 360-degree views of the city, the harbor bridge, Mount Eden, and even as far as Waiheke Island!

I recommend spending 2 hours on the three observation levels of the towers taking photos, and getting your bearings on the sprawling city below. To save time queuing (the lines can be really long, especially at the weekends), pre-book your admission ticket to the Sky Tower here for as little as $48 NZD. 

Buy Sky Tower tickets in advance and you can get FREE cancellation too!

Head up Mount Eden

A 20-minute bus ride (or an hour’s walk) from the CBD will have you at Mt Eden, a dormant volcano where you can hike up to see the large crater at its summit!

FYI – the crater is the cone of the volcano from when it last erupted! One of the best views of the city is from up here.

The hike to the top of Mount Eden is on my list of the best hikes on the North Island. It’s a loop trail that’s just over 2 km (1.3 miles) and takes about 40 minutes to complete. It’s an easy hike along a paved path and is achievable by most.

Explore Rangitōtō Island

Rangitoto Island is a gorgeous day trip right off the coast of Auckland. This is actually a volcanic island and is the largest of the 48 dormant volcanoes in the region.

You can reach Rangitoto Island in a quick 25-minute ferry ride from downtown. Ferry tickets are $53 NZD round trip. Once you’re there, walking to the top of the dormant volcano is one of the top activities. The summit track is actually an easier hike than it sounds, as it’s pretty flat and spans 7 km (4.3 mi). You’ll walk by black lava caves, so bring a torch so you can explore them for yourself!

However, I think the best way to get to Rangitoto is by taking this guided sea kayaking tour! Led by a professional guide, they will take you across the harbor to Rangitoto, no matter your experience level, and then hike to the summit with you. The day ends with a beachside BBQ – what a lovely day! This tour is 6.5 hours and $245 NZD. 

Spend some time in Ponsonby

Easily the coolest neighborhood in Auckland – Ponsonby is filled with hip bars, busy restaurants, and quirky boutiques. But what I love the most about this area is that one street behind the main street (Ponsonby Road) are historic Victorian villas with manicured gardens – it’s the perfect mix of old-world charm with the hipster Ponsonby Road. 

One of the best things to do here is eat good food, and the first place you must visit is Prego, an Italian restaurant famous in the Auckland region. It’s one of the most popular places to eat in Ponsonby, so expect to queue – you can’t book a table in advance!

If you’re after a great, strong coffee, head to Sol’s Place! I love the cozy interior, and their food is just as good as the coffee.

And no visit to Ponsonby is complete without a visit to the market! Ponsonby Central has a great atmosphere and a ton of awesome food stalls, but my favorite has to be Olas Arepas! Arepas are maize dough buns with yummy savory fillings like pulled pork or shredded beef.

This food tour of Auckland is perfect if you want to get a taste of the food in Ponsonby. For $275 NZD, it includes a guided wine tasting, plenty of food and drink samples, lunch, and a visit to a farmer’s market where you’ll get to sample a ton of delicious artisan goods. I think it’s a great introduction to Auckland’s food scene and a really fun way to spend a morning in the city! 

Tips for Visiting Auckland 

When is the best time of year to visit Auckland?

In terms of weather, December to February is the best time to visit, as these are Auckland’s summer months. However, I do like the spring and fall here, as there are fewer tourists in the city so the attractions are quieter and the weather can still be very pleasant.

How many days do I need in Auckland? 

As much as I enjoyed living in Auckland, you only really need 1-2 days here, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of traveling around New Zealand. A couple of days is plenty of time to get a feel for the city, enjoy its scenic surroundings, and eat your way around some of Auckland’s best restaurants! I have tons of ideas on how to spend one or two days in the city. 

What’s the best way to get around the city?

To be honest, you don’t need a rental car in Auckland! If you’re road-tripping, I recommend picking up your vehicle at the end of your time here and making use of the city’s convenient and affordable public transport network. Trains, buses, and ferries can get you everywhere you need to go, and there are guided tours that can take you further afield.

Related Read: If you want to add on a tour or two during your time here, I narrow it down to the top 10 tours in Auckland here!

Why you shouldn’t visit Auckland 

There are so many bucket-list-worthy places to visit on the North Island that I just don’t think it’s worth spending much time in a big city. Auckland is great, but it’s not the best use of your time when there are fjords, national parks, volcanoes, and the Southern Alps to explore! It’s a nice city, but it’s not the highlight of visiting New Zealand.

Is Auckland Worth Visiting?

Yes, it is, but only for a day or two. You’ll probably fly into Auckland anyway, so if you have enough time, it’s worth spending a day or so checking out of the city and getting things together for your road trip.

One of my favorite things about living in Auckland was actually all of the fantastic day trips available, so it makes a fantastic base for visiting places like Waiheke Island and Hobbiton. I’ve actually done Hobbiton tours from Auckland, so that’s worth doing!

However, I do not recommend skimping on other must-visit destinations to spend time in Auckland. If you’re short on time, I would say skip Auckland and focus on other, more remarkable parts of New Zealand – there sure are plenty of them! 

Where to Go After Auckland

Rotorua

Rotorua is famous for its volcanic landscape, and it’s the best place in New Zealand to see bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. It’s also steeped in Maori culture, so it’s a fantastic place to learn about New Zealand’s indigenous history. 

Honestly, there is so much to do in Rotorua, from whitewater rafting to exploring glow worm caves and visiting all of the thermal parks, of course. If, like me, you love adventurous activities and dramatic landscapes, then Rotorua is a must-visit, and worth dedicating more time to than Auckland. And since Rotorua is a 3-hour drive south of Auckland (check out my road trip guide for that drive!), it’s a logical next step on a North Island road trip. 

Tip: If you’re going this way, book a private hot tub at Secret Spot in advance! It’s the best hot tub experience I’ve ever had set in a forest with water from a natural spring.

Northland 

The literally-named Northland is a beautiful, subtropical region that’s full of beautiful places to visit. I definitely consider Paihia one of the best destinations in New Zealand, since it’s home to fantastic walks, wineries, boat trips, and wildlife – basically, everything I need for a good time!

Meanwhile, Whangarei is home to beaches, waterfalls, and lots of history. You can even visit Cape Reinga, one of the northernmost points in the country, and go sandboarding on the dunes. 

It takes 2-3 hours to drive from Auckland to Northland, depending on where you go. Trust me, road-tripping through this region is absolutely epic!

Taupo 

Taupo is 3 hours south of Auckland, and it sits on the edge of New Zealand’s biggest lake. It pretty much showcases all of the best things about the North Island: volcanic scenery, waterfalls, and amazing hikes.

I think of it as a bit of an adventure hub, too, with some of my favorite tours in Taupo being jet boating, skydiving, and bungy jumping. It’s rich with adventure and beauty, and definitely worth visiting after you leave Auckland! 

Where to Stay in Auckland

Auckland is a huge city, so deciding where to stay in Auckland can be a challenge. Luckily, I’ve stayed in Auckland countless times (and even lived here) so I know the best areas to stay. Below are my favorite hotels/hostels in Auckland to suit all budgets and travel styles:

$$$ – The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity is an Auckland accommodation unlike any other. Treating you to a lavish stay right in the heart of the city, this five-star hotel is exactly where you want to be if you’re after luxurious rooms and city views. 

Rooms are around $400-$500 NZD, but you’re definitely getting quality with that price tag! Check availability and book this hotel on Booking.com.

$$ – Marsden Viaduct Hotel

One of the Auckland hotels with the best views, the Marsden Viaduct Hotel puts you right on the harbor without breaking your budget. This world-class accommodation is within walking distance to the Wynyard Quarter and the restaurant and bars in the Viaduct Harbour, so you’re pretty much in the center of it all. 

You can get a room for around $300 NZD a night during the summer, and it’s cheaper during other seasons. Book this stay on Booking.com.

$ – The Attic Backpackers

The Attic is one of my favorite budget-friendly accommodations and it’s actually pretty cozy. You have some chill-out areas a few steps away from the room for chatting with friends and watching TV. There’s also a spacious outdoor covered deck to enjoy the sun in. Both dorm rooms and private rooms are available.

You can book The Attic online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

For more detailed info on the best areas to stay in Auckland and the best hotels, check out my blog!

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Thanks for reading!

I hope this blog helped you decide if visiting Auckland is worth it for your trip! You may be flying into Auckland anyway, so I say take a day or two to see the city and then take advantage of all the amazing destinations close by to explore beyond city limits.

For help planning your dream trip to New Zealand, have a look through all my blogs on the North Island and the South Island. You can also let me know if you have any questions below!

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