Auckland Travelers Recommend

JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” movies were filmed in more than 150 locations across New Zealand. Many are on the South Island, but LOTR fans visiting Auckland can tour the lush Hobbiton movie set, alone or in combo with other top NZ sites. Here are your options.

Hobbiton Day Trips

Located a scenic two-hour drive from Auckland, in the bucolic hills of Matamata, Hobbiton was built on farmland that is now an extremely popular destination for fans of “The Lord of the Rings.” See Bilbo Baggins’ cozy hobbit home, hear stories of Middle-earth during the guided tour, stop into the Green Dragon Inn, and snap selfies on set. Much of the Hobbiton site is outdoors, so be prepared for the day’s weather.

Combo Tours

Some full-day Hobbiton tours from Auckland also visit Rotorua, a fascinating region with abundant geothermal activity, a vibrant main city, and Waitomo Caves—illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Visit the Te Whakarewarewa Valley, which features colorful, bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and terrace formations made from mineral deposits, in addition to  regular eruptions of the Pohutu Geyser. Or choose an overnight tour that gives you a chance to explore more of the region in depth, including its rich Maori culture and heritage.

Winter (June to August) can be rainy in Auckland, but the mild temperatures and fewer crowds also make it ideal for sightseeing in the city, and there are plenty of museums and indoor attractions to escape the showers. Here are some ideas for things to do in Auckland this winter.

• Check off Auckland’s top attractions aboard a hop-on hop-off bus —from the open upper deck, if the weather allows—and get a free ferry pass to boot.
• Spot humpback whales and southern right whales during their annual migration on a whale- and dolphin-watching cruise in the Hauraki Gulf.
• Choose a clear winter day to take in panoramic views of the city with skip-the-line tickets to Auckland’s Sky Tower.
• Discover Auckland’s foodie scene and taste New Zealand wines on a food-and-wine-focused walking tour of the city.
• Escape the cold with a visit to the Auckland Museum, including a Maori cultural performance.
• Make easy work of Auckland’s hills and glide up to the city’s top vista points on an electric-bike tour.
• Cozy up aboard a luxury yacht and admire Auckland’s glittering illuminations on an evening dinner cruise.
• Escape the city for a day trip to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo glowworm caves.
• Marvel at New Zealand’s marine life without getting wet at Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE® Aquarium.

With three days in Auckland, there’s enough time to explore the city and harbors, amp up the adventure level with a choice of gravity-defying activities, and take an excursion to cultural and scenic destinations not far from the City of Sails. Here’s how to maximize a 3-day trip to this world-class metropolis on New Zealand’s North Island.

Day 1: Highlights and Harbors

Discover the vibrant city of Auckland on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and get acquainted with the highlights at your own pace. Visit Mt. Eden, browse the Parnell Village boutiques, ascend the Sky Tower, and stroll around Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park. Alternatively, opt for an aerial sightseeing tour by seaplane or helicopter, with guided narration about significant landmarks like the Auckland Harbour Bridge. You can also experience the city with a Maori guide and catch a cultural performance at the Auckland Museum. A must-do for families is a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World for a look at New Zealand wildlife. 

Once you’ve got the lay of the land, embark on a scenic harbor lunch or dinner cruise and take in spectacular views aboard a catamaran or sailing yacht. Alternatively, Waiheke Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf, is a popular destination for food and wine tours.

Day 2: Outdoor and Adrenaline Adventures

A proper New Zealand vacation requires at least one day in the great outdoors. A favorite family-friendly activity is whale-watching and dolphin-spotting in Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. You could also spend the entire day on the island of Tiritiri Matangi, a predator-free bird sanctuary, ideal for nature enthusiasts—take the ferry over, and then hike at your leisure or opt for a guided walk.

If an adrenaline rush is more your style, go straight to the top with the Auckland Harbour Bridge climb—the 360-degree views of the city are magnificent—or for even more of a thrill, take the plunge on a breathtaking bridge bungee jump. Sailing enthusiasts can join the crew of an actual America’s Cup yacht and try their hand at match racing. Yet another option is a jet boat ride on Waitemata Harbour, which spins you past the Sky Tower and other top city landmarks.

Day 3: Day Trips from Auckland

Subtropical islands, glowworm caves, historic sites, and pristine shoreline—there’s a lot within an easy day trip’s reach from Auckland. Head to Northland and cruise around the gorgeous Bay of Islands to the Hole in the Rock and back past Cape Brett Lighthouse. Or ferry over to the charming township of Russell and tour the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. 

On the rugged West Coast, you can take an eco-walking tour in the rain forest of the Waitakere Ranges. Thermal sands and camera-worthy coves are found on the Coromandel Peninsula, another stunning alternative in the North Island’s great outdoors. 

Lord of the Rings fans will want to head south to Hobbiton, where the Shire movie set and Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit hole await. On the way, take an underground boat ride through the illuminated grotto of Waitomo Glowworm Caves; end your tour in Rotorua or back in Auckland.

Rotorua is both home to New Zealand’s most active geothermal zone and considered a sacred place for the Maori people. Here’s how to visit from Auckland to see geysers and bubbling mud, then visit Maori cultural centers for dances and traditional feasts.

Day Tours

Many full-day tours to Rotorua visit the Whakarewarewa geothermal area in time to see the Pohutu Geyser spring to life; walk among the multicolored hot pools, steaming fissures, and bubbling mud; and stop at a Maori cultural center for dance performances, concerts, and traditional hangi feasts. Other highlights include the Waitomo Caves—illuminated by thousands of glowworms—and the Agrodome, where travelers can watch sheepdogs and sheep shearers in action.

Multi-Day Tours

A longer tour of Rotorua allows time to further explore this fascinating region. In addition to seeing the steaming features at Te Whakarewarewa Valley, many tours also stop at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for more colorful geothermal action. On a multi-day tour, you can also check out the subterranean glowworms at the Waitomo Caves, view “Lord of the Rings” movie sets on a visit to Hobbiton, learn about native culture on a visit to a real Maori village; hit the highlights of Rotorua’s city center, or take a spin on a jet boat on Lake Rotoiti.

Things to Know

• Rotorua is located about 150 miles (241 kilometers) from Auckland. 

• Tours typically include travel by bus, which takes about four hours one way, or via a short flight between Auckland and Rotorua. 

• Full-day tours generally last around 13 hours, departing early in the morning and returning to Auckland in the evening.

One of New Zealand’s most idyllic destinations, the Bay of Islands comprises 144 islands that boast sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, plus historical significance. Here are a few ways to experience it all from Auckland.

Day Trips

You can take a guided Bay of Islands day tour from Auckland that combines a boat cruise with visits to historical sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Treaty House, and a traditional Maori meeting house. Boat cruises offer the chance to look for penguins, whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine critters. Around Cape Brett, take in dramatic scenery such as the Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island, Grand Cathedral Cave, and the Cape Brett Lighthouse. 

Multi-Day Trips

Choose a multi-day tour to explore the Bay of Islands more thoroughly. You can travel to New Zealand’s northernmost point, Cape Reinga; visit nearby Ninety Mile Beach; cruise around the islands; and go snorkeling or hiking. For the ultimate North Island journey, take a five-day tour that includes top attractions such as Whangarei Falls, Waipoua Forest, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and Paihia. 

Things to Know

• From Auckland, the journey to the Bay of Islands takes about three hours by road. Paihia is set about 142 miles (228 kilometers) north of Auckland.

• Full-day tours typically include admission fees and last 10 to 12 hours, so prepare for a long day.

• Known as “the winterless north,” the region boasts a semitropical climate that allows for year-round outdoor activity. You can go snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, diving, or boating; look for native wildlife; and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

• The region is significant to New Zealand’s colonial history as the site of the first permanent European settlement, as well as where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840—which established British sovereignty and led to the formation of the nation of New Zealand.

Whether you’re planning a quick stopover or spending a few days in town, Auckland has plenty of family-friendly fun. From catamaran harbor tours to mazes and ziplines, here are some kid-approved things you won’t want to miss while visiting the City of Sails.

• Board a catamaran at Viaduct Harbour, and search for whales, dolphins, petrels, and penguins in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
• Visit the Sky Tower observation decks, and watch daredevils on the SkyJump and SkyWalk; children ages 10 and up can do the latter activity.
• Head to the Odyssey Sensory Maze, and wander through a challenging course of optical illusions, sound effects, and mysterious scents.
• Hop on a sightseeing bus for a narrated city tour, then take a boat cruise on Waitemata Harbour or ride the ferry to Devonport for ice cream.
• Include the family on an e-bike ride to Silo Park in summer to check out the food trucks, outdoor cinema, and live entertainment.
• Learn about Auckland’s geology during a guided walk to volcanic sites, and snap panoramic photos of the harbor and city.
• Ferry to Waiheke Island, and ride a zipline on a 3-course canopy tour.
• Take a scenic drive through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set, and look for Hobbit Holes and more on a small-group tour.

Two days in Auckland allow for more in-depth experiences around the City of Sails. Sightseeing tours pave the way with an introduction, while various outdoor activities—on water, on land, or in the air—showcase other perspectives. From wildlife to arts and culture, Auckland has it covered. Here’s how to make the most of a 48-hour stay.

Day 1: Auckland Overview

Morning: A sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour helps you get your bearings, and provides easy access to neighborhoods and top attractions. Gaze over the city and harbor from the Sky Tower or Mt. Eden, take the family to the Auckland Zoo, shop in Parnell Village, or sip suds on a craft beer walking tour.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon with a bit more adventure. Consider a walk around the Sky Tower’s outdoor observation platform, or splash into Waitemata Harbour on a jet boat ride. Alternatively, a seaplane or helicopter tour takes you above the city, harbor, and volcanic islands for a bird’s-eye view of the Hauraki Gulf.

Night: It’s time to relax with a luxury sail aboard a yacht or catamaran. Book a dinner cruise on Waitemata Harbour and admire the glittering skyline after sunset while you dine; most cruises depart from Viaduct Harbour. See the illuminated Sky Tower from the water, then finish with a drink at the Sky Lounge.

Day 2: Nature and Culture

Morning: Six species of whale frequent the waters of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Start today with a dolphin- and whale-watching cruise—and don’t forget your camera. Alternatively, ride a ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a bird sanctuary where you can take a guided walk and spend as long as you’d like.

Afternoon: Retrace your steps to a landmark like the Auckland Museum and learn about the Maori, the original inhabitants of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Watch a cultural performance and discover the significance of the haka, or war dance. Children and adults alike will find exhibits on Pacific and European cultures informative.

Night: Go farther afield on your final evening in Auckland with a scenic ferry ride to nearby Waiheke Island. Explore your culinary options and pair dinner with fine wines from this popular destination’s top vineyards. It’s an easy, memorable escape from Auckland’s bustling city nightlife.

Auckland is near many award-winning wineries and boutique winemakers in the North Island. One of the most popular stops is Waiheke Island on the Hauraki Gulf, but there are plenty of other destinations including the Kumeu wine region. Here's what you need to know about how best to experience New Zealand wine harvest season.

When to Go

As seasons in the Southern Hemisphere run opposite to those in the north, wine grape harvesting typically takes place between February and April. The harvest itself lasts only a few months, but Auckland's temperate climate means it's well-suited for wine tasting year-round. Wine tours within the city can take up an afternoon, but day trips to the nearby wine country—including Matua Valley, Henderson Valley, Matakana, and Muriwai—are ideal.

How to Go

Tours often cater to small groups and include premium tastings at several boutique wineries such as Mudbrick on Waiheke. Travel to the island of Waiheke, distinguished by spectacular harbor views and gourmet food pairings, by ferry or seaplane. Wine estates dot the west coast enclave of Muriwai near its namesake beach, while Matakana is a coastal getaway north of Auckland. Varietals such as pinot gris, gewürztraminer, and pinot noir are popular mainstays at the Kumeu River Winery. In addition to sipping vintages during a guided tour, you’ll benefit from local knowledge about wine production.

Things to Know

• Most wine regions around Auckland are located within easy reach, from 12–45 miles (20–70 kilometers) away.
• Guided tours typically provide round-trip hotel transport, allowing you to consume alcohol safely and without the worry of navigating city or highway traffic.
• Select tours include lunch or a gourmet platter sourced from artisan food producers. 
• Depending on the winery you choose, you may taste pinot gris, gewürztraminer, pinot noir, syrah, chardonnay, rose, sauvignon blanc, riesling, and malbec on a tour.

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, set between two staggeringly beautiful harbors. Whether your passion is America’s Cup sailing, relaxed sightseeing cruises, spying the city from towering heights, or stylish wining and dining, you’ll find it in Auckland. Here’s how to experience the best of this North Island hub in just one day.

Morning: Sightseeing from Above and Below

Start the day with a hop-on hop-off bus tour that introduces you to the city’s top attractions, creating your own itinerary and setting your own pace. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk around or even leap from the exterior ledge of the Auckland Sky Tower’s observation deck, which boasts panoramic views from 630 feet (192 meters) above ground. An Auckland Harbour Bridge climb is another option for thrill seekers. Or simply discover the best of what Auckland has to offer with a guided sightseeing tour—transport options include vehicle, amphibious duck, seaplane, and your feet.

Afternoon: Get Out on the Water

After lunch is the perfect time to get out onto the water and experience firsthand why Auckland is dubbed the City of Sails. Nature lovers can cruise through Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, home to myriad wildlife, including many species of whales, dolphins, and birds. Adventurers can jet boat around Waitemata Harbour or race a sailing yacht, America’s Cup–style. If you’re seeking a more leisurely activity, opt for a gentle sightseeing cruise or a ferry ride to neighboring islands with plenty of hiking, shopping, and dining all within easy reach. If you’re a landlubbing brew lover, go for a craft beer walking tour instead.

Night: Dinner Cruises and City Lights

Perhaps the best way to see Auckland’s shimmering skyline is—you guessed it—from the water. To admire the sparkling city lights and landmarks while you eat, book a dinner cruise on Waitemata Harbour. Embark from Viaduct Harbour and glide into the sunset on an intimate sailing yacht. Alternatively, ride a round-trip ferry to nearby Waiheke Island, renowned for its wineries, and indulge in fine dining and wine tastings. Then marvel at that same Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge you started your day with, now illuminated at night.

The rocky coves, sandy bays and ancient kauri forests of the Coromandel Peninsula are among New Zealand’s most enchanting landscapes, curling off the east coast of the North Island into the Hauraki Gulf. Just across the water from Auckland, it’s a popular day trip destination. Here are your options for tours.

Day Tours

Exploring the Coromandel Peninsula on a day tour from Auckland gives you plenty of time to take in the highlights. A typical tour itinerary might include hiking to the summit of Mt. Paku, enjoying magnificent views from Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei), visiting Waiau Kauri Forest and Waiau Waterfall, or stopping at Hot Water Beach, where you can dig into the sand to reach the bubbling thermal waters. For those who want a more personalized experience, small-group tours and private, customized tours are also available.

Multi-Day Tours

With time to spare, a multi-day tour means you can venture farther afield and experience more of the North Island. Discover towns, beaches, and natural wonders at your own pace on a self-drive tour of the Coromandel Peninsula. Or take in the star attractions of the North Island on a private tour from Auckland to Wellington, stopping at the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua, and Tongariro National Park along the way.

Things to Know

The Coromandel Peninsula lies between Auckland and the Bay of Plenty, about a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland.

Full-day tours from Auckland typically last from eight to 12 hours.

Bring comfortable walking shoes and your swimsuit; hiking, kayaking, and swimming are popular activities around the peninsula.

Multi-day tours typically include accommodation, breakfast, and round-trip transportation.

Auckland has nearly 2,000 eateries, ranging from fine dining restaurants to cheap market stands, with culinary options to please any traveler’s palate and budget. The North Island harbor city is a showcase for fresh-caught seafood and farm-to-table cuisine. Here’s an introduction to a few foods and activities in the City of Sails.

Must-Try Dishes

Though it’s still easy to find traditional Kiwi fare (think minced lamb and shepherd’s pie), Auckland takes much of its inspiration from the Pacific Rim with Asian- and Polynesian-influenced cuisine. Multi-ethnic night markets and food truck stops offer street food like beef bulgogi and pork belly buns, while oyster bars are plentiful alongside seafood hot spots doing creative fusion: soft-shell crab burger, anyone? Gourmet restaurants complete the culinary scene; try manuka honey–glazed lamb ribs followed by locally sourced, artisan-made ice cream. Pavlova is not to be missed with its crisp meringue topped with fruit and whipped cream.

Must-Do Experiences

• Follow a guide through the Auckland Fish Market or Otara Market and sample specialty products, including baked goods, sourced by local food purveyors.
• Stroll around the street food stalls of Queen Street or pair gourmet food with New Zealand’s award-winning wine on nearby Waiheke Island; there are multiple itineraries to follow.
• Visit local watering holes, from classic pubs to cozy bars, on a tasting tour of craft beers or cocktails made with seasonal ingredients.
• Delight in a 3-course dinner served during a sailing cruise on Waitemata Harbour.

Centered around two main harbors, the North Island’s largest city is punctuated by the Sky Tower. A sprinkling of diverse museums informs visitors about New Zealand’s seafaring history, transportation, and flora and fauna. Here are our top picks.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Housed in a grand neoclassical building, the war memorial exhibits are located on three expansive levels of the Auckland Museum. Go to learn about the indigenous origins of Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand), and its colonization by European settlers.

**How to Visit:**Join a city sightseeing tour, or go on your own and add on a Maori cultural performance.

Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

MOTAT features a century’s worth of New Zealand’s transportation systems, from 19th-century fire engines and steam trains to a variety of aircraft. Ride the working tramway, and browse technological artifacts at the Victorian village. 

**How to Visit:**Book a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour and make the museum one of your stops.

Wintergarden Pavilion

Situated in Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, the Wintergardens showcase native and exotic tropical and temperate plants in two Victorian-style glass greenhouses established in 1913. The New Zealand ferns are a highlight.

**How to Visit:**Join a small-group city sightseeing tour.

Odyssey Sensory Maze

Meander through a dozen different rooms that make up this sensory maze. Fun for visitors of all ages, a variety of sound effects, optical illusions, and mysterious scents challenge your brain.

**How to Visit:**Save time and money by prebooking your admission.

SEA LIFE® Kelly Tarlton’s

Jellyfish, stingrays, and king penguins are all part of the magic at this aquarium. Explore nine themed zones, visit the Antarctic Encounter, wander under a shark tunnel, and touch starfish at the rock pool.

**How to Visit:**Upgrade your admission for a shark diving experience.

Sculptureum

Walk along the Garden of Creative Diversity at this inspiring sculpture museum, about an hour’s drive north of Auckland in Matakana. Indoors, you’ll see galleries mixed with plants, from glassworks to modern masterpieces.

**How to Visit:**On weekends, check out gallery highlights on a guided tour.

Auckland has a flourishing culinary scene as diverse as its population, and foodies will find everything from Asian-inspired street food and traditional Maori dishes to gourmet cuisine and artisan delicacies. Whether you want to sample New Zealand’s most famous exports or indulge your sweet tooth, here’s our list of must-try dishes in Auckland.

Roast Lamb

New Zealand is world famous for its lamb, and roast lamb is a restaurant menu staple. Head to one of the city’s bistro-pubs for a traditional roast lamb dinner, served with mint sauce, root veggies, and roast potatoes.

Kiwi Burger

Every country puts its own twist on the humble hamburger, and New Zealand’s version is the Kiwi burger—a classic beef patty served up with a fried egg, a slice of beetroot, and all the trimmings. One of the most popular places in Auckland to try it is Burger Burger, but it’s so popular that even McDonald's does its own version.

Asian Cuisine

With restaurants serving everything from Japanese sushi to Korean noodles and Indian curries, Auckland is an excellent place to enjoy Asian cuisine. Head to the Food Alley food court on Albert Street to taste exotic dishes and street foods from around the globe.

Seafood

As an island nation, it’s hardly a surprise that New Zealand’s fish and seafood is top-notch. Visit Auckland’s Fish Market to find local delicacies such as paua (sea snail), kina (sea urchin), and Bluff oysters; splurge on a delicious crayfish at one of the harborside seafood restaurants; or tuck into classic fish-and-chips.

Pavlova

Summer in New Zealand means pavlova, and the sweet dessert springs up on menus all around the city. Comprised of crunchy meringue topped with thick whipped cream, strawberries, and kiwifruit, it’s the perfect sugar rush (and the traditional Christmas dessert).

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

Another must for dessert lovers is New Zealand’s ubiquitous ice-cream flavor: hokey pokey, a vanilla ice cream with chunks of honeycomb and swirls of toffee. You’ll find hokey pokey ice cream everywhere, but the Giapo Ice Cream Parlour in Auckland reputedly makes the best in the country.

Auckland city offers a bit of everything: nature, views, culture, and wining and dining, but the city covers quite a bit of ground. Experiencing its best sights and attractions requires some advanced planning. 

If you’re short on time in Auckland, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a convenient way to get around. These stop at many of the city’s most popular attractions, including museums, galleries, and wildlife centers.

Seeking a day trip outside the central city? Check out West Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges, with the famous windswept beach at Piha. Or take a ferry over to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, covered in vineyards, for the feel of rural New Zealand but with views of Auckland’s skyline across the sea. 

See below for a few more of our recommendations for the City of Sails.

With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, fall (March to May) is a great time for sightseeing in Auckland, exploring the surrounding islands, and enjoying the outdoors along the coast. Here are our top picks for autumn activities in Auckland.

• Get your bearings and see the city’s top attractions aboard an open-air hop-on hop-off bus, with a free ferry pass included.
• Discover Auckland’s colorful neighborhoods on a walking or electric-bike tour of the city.
• Experience the thrill of the famous America’s Cup sailing competition with a cruise on an authentic America’s Cup racing yacht.
• Ride the ferry to Rangitoto Island to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or sea kayaking.
• Spot bottlenose dolphins on a cruise around the Bay of Islands on a day trip from Auckland.
• Hike to the summit of Mt. Wellington, Mangere Mountain, or One Tree Hill for a spectacular view over Auckland.
• Learn about New Zealand’s Maori history and cultural heritage on a Taupua Experience tour of Auckland.
• Sample seasonal delicacies, delicious seafood, and New Zealand wines on a food- and wine-tasting tour.
• Admire the North Island’s fall foliage on a road trip to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set.

Auckland is a city with a range of natural and cultural attractions to keep couples happy. Whether you’re on a first date, a honeymoon, celebrating many years together, or need a quick romantic escape from the kids, there's a romantic attraction to suit your needs in Auckland. Read on to find out more.

Private Sightseeing Tours

If you want to see the sights while spending quality time with your significant other, book a private sightseeing tour. You can do this in a comfortable private car or even on the back of a Harley Davidson motorbike.

Cruise the Auckland Harbour

Auckland is known as the City of Sails, and it’s easy to see why once you get down to the waterfront and onto the water. Auckland Harbour, and the Hauraki Gulf that lies just beyond, is dotted with many islands and volcanoes, making an attractive backdrop for a cruise by motorized boat or yacht.

Take a Scenic Flight

Cruises are beautiful and relaxing, but if you want to up the wow factor, take a scenic flight over Auckland. Soaring over the tall buildings of the city, the jagged coastline, and the many islands in the harbor is a singular experience. 

Go on a Wine Tour

Auckland’s climate is ideal for grape cultivation and wine making, and there are many wineries on the outskirts of the city. West Auckland, Waiheke Island, and the Matakana area north of Auckland are beautiful spots that offer fine dining options to match the wine, as well as romantic views.

Summer (December to February) is Auckland’s high season, and there are plenty of ways to make the most of the sunshine. Whether you want to party at a summer festival, hit the beach, or escape to the surrounding islands, here are our top picks for what to do in Auckland this summer.

• Discover Auckland’s most popular attractions aboard an open-air hop-on hop-off bus, with a free ferry pass included.
• Spot landmarks such as Sky Tower and Waiheke Island on a helicopter flight over Auckland.
• Take a surf class at one of New Zealand’s top surf beaches, Piha Beach, known for its striking black sands and dramatic coastal cliffs.
• Admire the Auckland skyline from the water on a sightseeing cruise around Auckland Harbour.
• Get your adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge or a Skywalk or Skyjump experience from Sky Tower.
• Hop between city beaches on a waterfront bike tour.
• Sample New Zealand street food and experience the city by night on a tour of Auckland’s night markets.
• Avoid the high-season crowds with a special early access tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from Auckland.
• Escape to Waiheke Island to enjoy outdoor activities such as ziplining, hiking, and wine tasting.

Spring (September to November) is the ideal time to explore Auckland, with crisp sunny weather perfect for sightseeing in the city, hiking along the coast, and exploring the surrounding islands. Here are some ideas for things to do in Auckland this spring.

• Climb aboard an open-air hop-on hop-off bus and explore the city’s top attractions; a free ferry pass is included.
• Admire spectacular aerial views of Waiheke Island on a seaplane flight, then enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the island.
• Spot rare birds such as the New Zealand robin, saddleback, and takahe on a guided wildlife walk on Tiritiri Matangi Island.
• Visit regional highlights such as the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and the Waitomo glowworm caves on a day trip from Auckland.
• Celebrate Halloween with a spooky, nighttime Ghost Tour of Auckland.
• See the colorful spring flowers at the Hamilton Gardens on a day tour from the city.
• Explore Auckland’s atmospheric neighborhoods with a local guide on an electric-bike tour.
• Make the most of the warm weather and discover Auckland’s growing craft-beer scene on a beer-tasting tour.
• Get your adrenaline pumping and challenge yourself to an Auckland Harbour Bridge climb.

New Zealand is a magnet for lovers of fine wine, but you don’t have to travel to the country’s sauvignon blanc–producing powerhouse, Marlborough, to find a delicious bottle. Here’s what you need to know about the excellent wine regions that sit within easy reach of New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland.

Must-Try Varietals

The Auckland region is home to three wine-growing areas, all easily accessible during day tours from the city. Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride from the city, has its own warm microclimate, and some stunning beaches to boot. Intense fruit flavors are the order of the day here, with local vineyards producing cabernet blends, syrah, and Montepulciano, as well as chardonnay, viognier, and pinot gris.

Kumeu in West Auckland is one of the region’s older wine-growing areas, with European immigrants believed to have planted the first vines here almost 100 years ago. A wide range of varietals are grown, with cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot all proving popular. To the north of Auckland sits the younger wine-producing region of Matakana, which specializes in Bordeaux-style reds made from merlot and cabernet franc, as well as Italian-style reds such as sangiovese and Montepulciano.

Must-Do Experiences

• Fly over the scenic Hauraki Gulf by seaplane, landing for lunch and a wine tasting on a vineyard.

• Take a side trip to the black-sand beaches of the North Island’s west coast, such as Muriwai, during a wine tour of Kumeu.

• Take the ferry to Waiheke Island for a wine-tasting tour.

• Explore behind the scenes and find out about winemaking techniques on winery tours.

• Perfect your palate during tutored wine tastings of Auckland wines.

• Pair wines with locally made gourmet goodies, such as honey, olives, and chocolate, on small-group wine and food tours of Matakana.

New Zealand’s North Island is best known for its gorgeous beaches, lush countryside, and dramatic volcanic topography. But, from mid-June to late October, the mountainous terrain also provides plenty of powder for skiers. Here’s where to hit the slopes around Auckland.

Whakapapa

On the northwest slopes of Mt. Ruapehu, Whakapapa is New Zealand largest ski area. Surrounded by stunning scenery of Tongariro National Park, it’s renowned for its spectacular views, excellent ski school, and huge variety of slopes, making it the perfect place for first-time skiers. Most visitors drive from Auckland and opt to stay in the resort town of Ohakune.

Turoa

On the southwest slopes Mt. Ruapehu, Turoa has pistes to suit all levels. Beginners can take a lesson at the ski school or go sledding at the Happy Valley beginner zone. Advanced skiers and snowboarders can tackle drop-offs and steep chutes on black runs, or get their adrenaline pumping at the freestyle terrain park. Ski passes also offer access to neighboring Whakapapa.

Manganui

Best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, the Manganui ski area in Taranaki is about a 5-hour drive from the city (or you can take a 45-minute flight to New Plymouth, followed by a 1-hour transfer to the resort). The ski field here is on the slopes of Mt. Egmont and receives about 120 inches (304 centimeters) of natural snow annually, with plenty of backcountry trails.

Snowplanet

For a year-round powder fix just minutes from downtown Auckland, Snowplanet in Silverdale is New Zealand’s only indoor snow dome. With custom-made pistes and plenty of fresh snow, it’s the ideal place for winter fun without heading into the mountains. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and a kid’s snow play area.