All citiesAuckland Things to do and walking itinerary
New Zealand Auckland travel guide
14 things to do in Auckland, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Auckland
- Sky Tower — observation and communication tower in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Auckland Art Gallery — art museum in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira — museum and war memorial in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Auckland Zoo — zoo in inner Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 150 min)
- St Patrick's Cathedral — cathedral in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium — public aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Holy Trinity Cathedral — cathedral in Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Auckland Domain — public park in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Museum of Transport and Technology — museum in Auckland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- University House — former synagogue in New Zealand (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Maungawhau / Mount Eden — scoria cone in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Aotea Square — public square in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 15 min)
- New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa — maritime museum in New Zealand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Civic Theatre — cinema and performing-arts venue in Auckland, New Zealand (visit ≈ 20 min)
2-day Auckland walking itinerary
Starting point: CBD / Viaduct Harbour. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.9 km · 10,660 steps · 1 h 45 min on the way): St Patrick's Cathedral → University House → Holy Trinity Cathedral → Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira → Auckland Domain → Auckland Art Gallery → Aotea Square
- Day 2 (≈ 1.6 km · 2,120 steps · 20 min on the way): Sky Tower
Where to stay in Auckland
- CBD / Viaduct Harbour: Harbourside restaurants, ferries and the Sky Tower.
- Ponsonby: A stylish area of cafés, boutiques and restaurants.
- Parnell: Historic villas, galleries and a rose garden.
- Devonport: A quiet Victorian village a 12-minute ferry ride away.
- Mount Eden: A calm suburb at the foot of a volcanic cone.
Getting from the airport to Auckland
- Auckland (AKL): AirportLink bus to Puhinui, then train to Britomart ≈ 50 min.
Getting around
The centre is walkable; buses, trains and ferries take AT HOP or contactless cards. Ferries to Devonport and the islands are the most fun.
Classic places to eat
- Federal Delicatessen: A New York-style deli with pastrami and desserts.
- Cassia: Modern Indian cooking in a basement room.
- Giapo: Creative ice creams served like sculptures.
- Prego: A beloved Ponsonby Italian restaurant since 1986.
- Dizengoff: Ponsonby’s long-loved breakfast café.
Romantic views
- Maungawhau / Mount Eden (Sunset): A 360-degree city view from the crater rim.
- Mount Victoria (Sunset): A Devonport hill facing the harbour and skyline.
- Mission Bay (Evening): A grassy beachfront with a fountain and Rangitoto views.
Football stadiums in Auckland
- Kiwitea Street: Home of Auckland City FC
Good to know before visiting Auckland
- Fine: Declare food, plants and muddy shoes or camping gear at customs; failing to declare brings instant fines.
- Fine: Freedom camping is only allowed in permitted spots; breaches are fined.
- Fine: Many town centres ban drinking in public.
- Warning: Traffic drives on the left.
- Warning: UV is intense and mountain weather changes fast.
- Follow local protocol at marae and Māori sacred sites.
- Emergency: 111
- Plugs: I, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't expected.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: New Zealand, Wikivoyage — New Zealand, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Auckland travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Auckland?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Auckland?
- Highlights: Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, Auckland Zoo and St Patrick's Cathedral. The map has 14 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Auckland?
- CBD / Viaduct Harbour: Harbourside restaurants, ferries and the Sky Tower. Other options: Ponsonby, Parnell, Devonport and Mount Eden.
- How do you get from the airport to Auckland city centre?
- Auckland (AKL): AirportLink bus to Puhinui, then train to Britomart ≈ 50 min.
- How do you get around Auckland?
- The centre is walkable; buses, trains and ferries take AT HOP or contactless cards. Ferries to Devonport and the islands are the most fun.
- What is the emergency number in Auckland?
- Emergency: 111.
- Do you tip in Auckland?
- Tipping isn't expected.
Nearby cities
Wellington · Queenstown · Nukuʻalofa · Suva · Sydney · Port Vila · Canberra · Melbourne
New Zealand travel guide: all cities · All cities