Can’t decide between inner-city luxury or immersion in nature for your next trip to Auckland? You’ve come to the perfect place.
Give us three days and a sliver of your attention, and we’ll prove that you can have it all when visiting our city—no harsh decisions between sneakers and stilettos needed.
Less than four hours from both Sydney and Melbourne, Auckland is home to an unbelievable patchwork of nature, wine, culture, shopping and—of course—dining. So with the help of Discover Auckland, we're breaking it all down into one easy itinerary for you to soak up every second.
Here’s how to spend a solid 72 hours in Auckland, according to a local.
Day 1: Indulge In A Splash Of Inner-City Culture
AM
Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Chances are you’re staying in downtown Auckland—and lucky you, the hotels here ooze charm. Check out eco-chic The Hotel Britomart, quirky and bold SO/ Auckland, and hidden Hotel DeBrett for a sumptuous nod to yesteryear (plus a ritzy statement elevator that’s worth the trip alone).
Suitcases shed, today calls for a sit-down brekkie. Sure, it’s a wonderful way to recoup after a flight, but it’s also a front-row seat to watching Auckland wake up. Sip a flat white at Le Chef’s outdoor tables or opt for a breakfast martini (we kid you not) at Kingi. If you're really in need of a feed, go all out at Cordis, Auckland's breakfast buffet.
People watching complete, it’s time to set your sights on some culture at Auckland War Memorial Museum. The indoor marae (Māori sacred meeting ground) welcomes you as you wander through three marble-clad storeys of exhibitions and treasures.
Then, back down the (gentle) hill to Auckland CBD you go. If time allows, stroll down to the quaint shops of Parnell and pop your head into Lamplight Books and Tango Vintage. If you're peckish, grab a bite at 269.
PM
It’s time for your second act, culture vulture: an afternoon at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, where you'll find an impressive contemporary and historic art collection.
Inspiration in tow, it’s time to hit Auckland’s best boutiques. Start beneath the fairy light-flecked Britomart precinct, where you’ll find leathergood darlings Deadly Ponies and the chic Playpark by Karen Walker boutique. Weave your way to Commercial Bay, where you'll find a nook dedicated to New Zealand labels like Wynn Hamlyn and Elle + Riley.
To wrap day one, join locals for Enzonis at Hotel Ponsonby (you’ve surely seen that grape garnish in your feed). Come dinner, eat in a stunning converted nunnery at Ada, or dial up the luxury with the menu at Paris Butter—an unabashedly creative showcase of local produce.
Day 2: A Slow-Paced Paradise—Waiheke And Wine
AM
We hope this morning finds you with a coffee and baked treat in hand; a pit-stop at Stolen Summer or Receptionist (the suit-wearing slingers of the best almond croissants around) will make sure of it.
Prep your sea legs, we’re sailing to Waiheke Island today. Getting there is a choose-your-own-adventure. Road tripping? Take your car over on the Sealink Ferry from Wynyard Quarter or Half Moon Bay in East Auckland. Going straight to the source? Book in with Explore Group for a scenic tour that’ll drop you at Man O’ War—one of the only private beachfront vineyards in the world (and home to a magical 2019 Pinot Gris).
Or, simply saunter down to Auckland’s main ferry terminal, hop on the Fullers360 ferry, nab an outdoor seat and watch the landscape change throughout 45 minutes of sailing.
Once on Waiheke, the world is your oyster. Speaking of, the main strip's Oyster Inn dishes up excellent seafood and photo opps (an Auckland essential). Don’t worry about tourist traps here; the island’s guided day excursions are chic and handpicked. Terra & Tide crafts gentle nature walks among Waiheke’s sweeping landscapes, and Ananda Tours offers bespoke food and wine explorations—even a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter adventure.
PM
Back in the city, to a day spa you go—an underrated way to unwind in the often busy Auckland. Try the nation’s first vino-therapy at SO/ Spa, or settle into the modern-day East Day Spa for a restorative lymphatic drainage. Pro tip: linger longer in East Day's heated marble tepidarium, your calves and lower back will thank you.
Feeling invigorated? It’s time to settle into Auckland city’s smoothest watering holes like Parasol & Swing for Viaduct Harbour views and punchy cocktails, The Nightcar for dystopian beauty and fabulous food, and Ground Wine Bar for the best by-the-glass local and international drops (plus a bottle to-go from upstairs at Cahns—for souvenir's sake).
Day 3: Uncover Unique Coastal Adventures
AM
Auckland's natural scenery changes dramatically from coast to coast. And that, dear traveller, is today's focus. Join Bush and Beach for a day out in west Auckland’s Waitākere ranges. Moody terrain, black sand beaches, rocky lookouts and maybe the odd gannet colony—it’s something to behold.
If logistics (or politely asking your guide) permit, it'd be rude not to have lunch or indulge in a tasting at West Auckland’s gorgeous (and oldest) vineyards. We vote Kumeu River for a crisp chardonnay, Babich for hilltop views, or Westbrook for a picture-perfect pond-side sip.
And if you can swing a second west Auckland stop, make it Go Jo Recycled Store: the largest trove of Kiwi-made vintage clothes from yesteryear.
PM
Let’s make this last lunch count. Go all out at Onslow (ask for a terrace table), try a three-course swish Indian feast at Cassia, a seafood tower at Queen's Rooftop and Wineshop, or a white tablecloth affair at SOUL Bar & Bistro.
Now to the other coast where we'll start at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium: Auckland’s underground, underwater oasis. Look up as giant stingrays envelop an over-arching tunnel, get up close with penguins (you can even book to hand feed them), or just sit and be hypnotised by luminous jellyfish.
Time for one last supper? Join in on a very important part of Auckland life—it's a borderline ritual. Head for a late-night feast at one of Dominion Road’s phenomenal spots, where you can grab a big bowl of noodles and free-flowing tea, and reminisce over three high-octane days well spent.