Auckland luxury vacations hand-crafted by our New Zealand specialists.
Auckland INTRODUCTION
Standing tall as New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city, Auckland is filled with life and fast-paced adventure.
A harbour city both in location and in heart, getting out on the water is practically mandatory, and rewards visitors with sparkling waves and stunning city views.
Set sail onto the glittering Hauraki Gulf while sipping local wines and spotting majestic marine life.
Then trade your sea legs for world-class art exhibits, designer shops and a robust range of restaurants.
While on solid ground, why not test your wits with some adrenaline-inducing adventure sports? Sky jump from 192 meters at the iconic Sky Tower, or graze the Pacific Ocean at New Zealand's only bridge bungy.
For the intrepid traveler, these daring activities give Auckland an unexpected edge, and offer a unique way to take in the city.
Auckland Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has plenty of attractions, sightseeing and activities in store. Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower, you can brave the Sky Jump from 192 meters above ground or walk the entire outside perimeter on a Sky Walk. Of course, it’s just as enjoyable to stay within the safety of an observation deck, where you can view 360 degrees up to 80km in every direction.
Sky Tower aside, Auckland has plenty else to do. The Auckland Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark, and echoes the tower with its offerings of bridge climbs and bungies. From here you’ll have views of the Viaduct Harbour, which is saturated with superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Take to the Auckland Domain to experience the city’s oldest park, or to the Auckland Art Gallery for an extensive collection of national and international works. Auckland also has a war memorial museum, aquarium and zoo.
Auckland Shopping & Dining
When it comes to shopping in Auckland, different areas yield different finds. While Britomart and Newmarket are the ideal areas to search for finds from top local designers, Lower Queen Street is the place to go for international names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior and Hugo Boss. Ponsonby and Parnell both add in more upmarket shops, Devonport brings a little bit of everything, and Karangahape Road (also known as K’ Road) is the spot for retro and edgy streetwear shops.
Similarly, dining in different districts of Auckland will give way to different experiences. Take your pick of creative dishes made by top chefs in the inner city, or choose one of many divine dishes served up with incredible views at the waterfront. The central suburbs bring in a diverse range from fancy fare to casual cafes, and the northern suburbs tempt a laidback atmosphere at the water’s edge.
Auckland Festivals & Sports
Every year, Auckland sees its fair share of exciting festivals and sporting events. Between music festivals like St Jerome’s Laneway Festival and Splore Music and Arts Festival, cultural festivals like Pasifika Festival and Auckland Lantern Festival, and artistic festivals like the NZ International Film or Comedy Festivals and Auckland Writers Festival, there’s plenty to enjoy. Don’t forget – fashion comes alive in late August for New Zealand Fashion Week, and Taste of Auckland in November has endless dishes from some of the city's top chefs.
Auckland’s sporting calendar is just as packed, with the ASB tennis classic in January, the Takapuna Beach Cup outrigger and paddle festival in February and the Round the Bays fun run in March. Seasonal sports are also a hot ticket, with rugby’s The Blues and Vodafone Warriors, basketball's SKYCITY Breakers and cricket’s Auckland Aces packing in the crowds.
