Auckland Vacation & Tourism Guide

20c7dcf147d0c53f62921f391df01f11 photo by Sonic Pod

Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand and its largest city. Almost entirely surrounded by water, and covered with volcanic hills, the city has a spectacular harbor and infinite possibilities. Wherever the visitor may be at any given moment, there is the assurance that within 30 minutes or less he or she could be cruising the harbor, playing a round of golf, swimming at a beautiful city beach, or even walking in subtropical forest. Whether stopping for a week or month, Auckland will provide a most fulfilling experience

Great Recommendations from Real Travelers

1. The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay Star_rating-5

Real Traveler Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 23 reviews from 3 sources

from $125.22
The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay
Based on 23 reviews from 3 sources.
Service: Rating of 4.9 out of 5
Location: Rating of 5.0 out of 5
Room: Rating of 4.9 out of 5
  • "It is a very beautiful hotel - top class." — source Expedia

    "It was one of the best hotels I have stayed at around the world." — source Expedia

2. The Langham, Auckland

The Langham, Auckland
Star_rating-5
from $168.07

3. The Quadrant Hotel

The Quadrant Hotel
Star_rating-4
from $93.37

4. Clarion Collection Re...

Clarion Collection Rendezvous Hotel Auckland
Star_rating-4
from $57.40

5. Hyatt Regency Auckland

Hyatt Regency Auckland
Star_rating-4
from $140.06

6. City Lodge

City Lodge
Star_rating-2
from $42.02

7. Hilton Auckland

Hilton Auckland
Star_rating-5
from $223.22

8. Base Auckland Central...

Base Auckland Central Backpackers (ACB)
Star_rating-2
from $17.50

9. Auckland Central Back...

Auckland Central Backpackers
Star_rating-2
from $11.48

10. Lantana Lodge Interna...

Lantana Lodge International Backpackers
from $14.35
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  • 1. Sky Tower

    Sky Tower

    At 328 meters, the Sky Tower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and the views from the top are spectacular. A few Plexiglas blocks allow the courageous to stand and look directly down to the street. There are sn... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Sky Tower

    Cognaut Cognaut in Arrival in Auckland said

    …Incredible view from the Sky Tower Arrival in Auckland, New Zealand!Flight was delayed an hour leaving from LA… continue reading »

  • 2. Sky Tower

    Sky Tower

     Real Travelers who've been to Sky Tower

    Cognaut Cognaut in Arrival in Auckland said

    …Incredible view from the Sky Tower Arrival in Auckland, New Zealand!Flight was delayed an hour leaving from LA… continue reading »

  • 3. One Tree Hill

    One Tree Hill

    Sadly, the eponymous pine tree at the summit had to be removed following several attacks on its 105-year-old trunk. Known by Maori as Maungakiekie, or hill of the kiekie vine, One Tree Hill (elevation 183 metres) is a 20,000-ye... more

     Real Travelers who've been to One Tree Hill

    saz saz in U2 Concert said

    One Tree Hillcontinue reading »

  • 4. Rangitoto Island

    Rangitoto Island

    At 260m, Rangitoto is Auckland's largest and youngest volcano. It last erupted 600 years ago and is covered in regenerating bush, (including some extensive Pohutukawa forests), and barren lava flows. Views from the summit are e... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Rangitoto Island

    Ronald & Yvette Ronald & Yvette in Jet Lag said

    …) and Ronald did not get enough sleep in the plane. So what do we do to keep awake? we visit Rangitoto Island! You can get… continue reading »

  • 5. Auckland Zoo

    Auckland Zoo

    Auckland Zoo has committed itself to improving the living quarters of New Zealand's largest collection of native and exotic animal species. Now you feel as though you are walking with the rare white rhinos on the Pridelands, sw... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Auckland Zoo

    … sting rays and other sea creatures. The  Atlanta aquarium is still better though. Next we headed to the Auckland Zoo, where… continue reading »

  • 6. Skytower

    Skytower

     Real Travelers who've been to Skytower

    Jackie & Dean Jackie & Dean in Another rainy Saturday said

    … dinner at one of the restaurants in the Auckland Skytower.… continue reading »

  • 7. Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

    Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

    Underwater passageways allow you to observe a huge variety of sea life in gigantic tanks. Large sharks, gliding stingrays and many species of fish found in New Zealand waters, are above and beside you as the moving floor carrie... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

    Saz & Bex Saz & Bex in Day five - Hop on/Hop off said

    … knew where we were and what we could see. We firstly got off at Kelly Tarlton's antarctic encounter underwater worldcontinue reading »

  • 8. High Street

    High Street

    From Queen Street walk up Vulcan Lane to enter Auckland's "fashion central." The narrow and sometimes cobbled streets and alleyways are home to some of New Zealand's top designer labels including Kate Sylvester, Karen Walker, Z... more

     Real Travelers who've been to High Street

    … your money shopping in Auckland, New Zealand, head to High Street, Newmarket and even Parnell.Newmarket, a… continue reading »

  • 9. Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb

    Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb

    The Auckland Bridge Climb is an exciting attraction. Walkers are guided underneath and over the top of the Auckland Harbor Bridge to a height of 200 feet above the water. The one and half hour adventure includes a full briefing... more

  • 10. Ponsonby Road

    Ponsonby Road

    Ponsonby Road runs the full length of the ridge west of the central business district. The sun sets behind "the strip", and its cafes, bars and restaurants have long made it the top evening spot in town. Over recent years Ponso... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Ponsonby Road

    Sal Paradise Sal Paradise in passing through said

    … to the immediate area where i was staying on Ponsonby road. The road reminded me of Upper street in London as it was full of restaurants… continue reading »

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  • 1. Bolliwood

    Bolliwood

    Bolliwood represents Indian fine-dining at its best, popular with locals and business visitors alike. The stark interior has won many awards for its simplicity and style, and it complements the fine cuisine with panache. The me... more

  • 2. Masala Cafe & Bar

    Masala Cafe & Bar

    Verona is an institution on Karangahape Road, offering some of the best contemporary cuisine to be found in town. The decor is inner city, eclectic cool. There are booths as well as small cafe tables. The clientele runs from "K... more

  • 3. Antoine's Restaurant

    Antoine's Restaurant

    One of the Parnell originals, this fine-dining restaurant opened in 1973. The surroundings are sophisticated and intimate, with tables indoors and on the vine-entwined veranda. Antoine's is popular for romantic dinners and for... more

  • 4. One 2 One

    One 2 One

    One 2 One (formerly Atomic Cafe) has been established for so long that they sell a custom T-shirt and branded coffee! Original brick walls, polished kauri floorboards and a collection of antique coffee pots lend character. Ther... more

  • 5. Tony's

    Tony's

    Tony's has been serving up its famous steaks since 1968 so they must be doing something right. Antique stoneware jugs line the windows, dark wood paneling covers the walls. The cosy dining room looks out onto a quiet, leafy squ... more

  • 6. Prego

    Prego

    Prego has style! It is undoubtedly one of the best quality venues in Ponsonby, both for the excellent food and friendly competent service. Elegant in design and style, it achieves a sophisticated but unpretentious air. Terracot... more

  • 7. Vinnies

    Vinnies

    Multiple awards attest to the quality of Vinnies. A light, spacious dining area is set off by starched white tablecloths and the smart dress of the waiting staff. There is a private dining room, a bar, and dining outside is pos... more

  • 8. Iguacu Restaurant & Bar

    Iguacu Restaurant & Bar

    Iguacu has prospered near the top of Parnell Rise for many years now. They must be getting something right. This is an inviting place; look for the gas flame welcoming you. Although large and busy, the restaurant retains a frie... more

  • 9. Euro Bar

    Euro Bar

    Euro is consistently rated amongst the best restaurants in Auckland. Looking out from the edge of Prince's Wharf over the Waitemata harbor, the dining room is crisp, minimalist and very trendy. Nearly all the produce used at Eu... more

  • 10. Portofino

    Portofino

    Brothers Gino and Kiro began the chain of Portofino Italian restaurants several years ago. The decor of Portofino Parnell is smart but minimalist, with dark wood paneling. Diners include businesspeople and families, as well as... more

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