How to spend a week in Auckland

Multicultural and multifaceted, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has diverse offerings to suit different types of travellers. You can be walking through native bush one day then exploring islands or dining on world-class cuisine the next.

With so much to see and do, it can be helpful to plot an itinerary to ensure you can tick off as many city highlights as possible. We’ve pulled together a few popular recommendations that will help you experience the many different sides to Aotearoa’s largest city.

Stay in the heart of the city

Having somewhere comfortable to return to after a day out-and-about can make all the difference to your Auckland experience. In fact, some hotels are an experience in themselves, with day spas and incredible restaurants to indulge in during your stay. 

If you love being in the centre of the action, SkyCity Hotel gives you easy access to over 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as theatres and the casino. Schedule some time to enjoy a bit of pampering at East Day Spa, a haven of calm in the heart of the CBD, and conveniently located at The Grand by SkyCity.

Get a front-row view of Auckland’s waterfront at chic Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. A stay here will put you within easy walking distance of Viaduct restaurants and nightlife, as well as Fullers360 ferry services and the Commercial Bay shopping precinct.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Lylo Auckland keeps things simple with quirky sleeping pods. You’ll have a private space to sleep but enjoy the benefits of shared social spaces. Those who want a bit more space but are still keen to keep accommodation costs down will find great value at Ibis Budget Auckland Central. Located just off Queen St, you’ll be strolling distance to city highlights, transport options and some of Auckland city’s best places to eat and drink.

See popular city attractions

Wētā Workshop is a name synonymous with Kiwi creativity, and at Wētā Workshop Unleashed you get the chance to go behind the scenes of the world of filmmaking. This is a family-friendly activity, where you’ll navigate enchanting and interactive environments while encountering realistic monsters, giants and aliens along the way.

Kiwis’ love for rugby is celebrated at the All Blacks Experience, offering a memorable opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand’s identity.

Waiheke Island is usually on every visitor’s Auckland must-do list, and for good reason. Renowned for wine, food and art, as well as stunning beaches and a range of outdoor activities, you can find a unique blend of luxury, relaxation, culture and adventure all packed within the island’s 92 square kilometres. If you’re keen to indulge in the island’s world-class drops, a great way to make your way around top wineries is to jump on a Waiheke Wine Tour. For something a bit special, ditch the ferry and instead chopper across for lunch with Heletranz while experiencing incredible harbour views from above.

Explore Auckland’s outdoors

As a city built on an isthmus, you’ll never be far from the sea in Auckland. Fullers360 makes it easy to explore highlights of the Hauraki Gulf, including the city’s volcanic icon, Rangitoto Island. It’s just a 25-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland to the island. There is a safe and relatively easy summit walking track, which will reward you with spectacular views back to the city.

The more adventurous may prefer to paddle there under their own steam with Auckland Sea Kayaks. Their sunset tour to Rangitoto is a particularly special way to experience the Waitemata Harbour (and its aquatic inhabitants) up close.

While it’s easy to take a self-guided tour of Auckland’s best beaches, you might want to sit back and enjoy the journey with Bush and Beach. Their Wilderness Experience Nature Tour will give you a great taste of Auckland’s infamous west coast, featuring stunning scenery of rainforest and Piha’s unique black sand surf beach. 

Venture a little further afield to stay on Aotea Great Barrier Island for a few days exploring the island. The island is just a half hour scenic flight away. Its remote location means the island offers a dark sky sanctuary; you’ll be blown away by what you can see without any light pollution. With Good Heavens Stargazing Experiences you can marvel at the incredible starry sky from atop a sand dune, 90 km from the bright lights of central Auckland. It’s as magical as it sounds!

Get cultural

If you’re in Auckland for a cultural fix, Auckland War Memorial Museum houses Māori and Pacific collections, as well as key social and military history collections. Maritime history buffs can delve deeper into Aoteroa’s sea-related stories at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, with interesting exhibitions that cover our past, present and future connections with the ocean.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, including outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists. Browse through the gallery’s four floors at your own pace, or join a tour for extra insight.

If you’re visiting over the weekend, the city’s Saturday markets are a great way to experience local life in Auckland. As one of the city’s oldest markets, Ōtara Flea Market is also one of its most iconic. Explore a vibrant melting pot of cultures, with great food, live music, street performers and a festive atmosphere. Parnell’s Farmers Market is also a great place to head on an empty stomach. Grab a pastry and a coffee and stroll through stalls to sample goods from artisan makers and local producers.

Hit the shops

A visit to Auckland wouldn’t be complete without a bit of retail therapy. Britomart and Commercial Bay are downtown shopping precincts that boast boutique stores featuring both local and international designers. Explore popular Ponsonby Road, a bustling food and retail strip where you can choose from high fashion, street wear and pre-loved fashion stores. If you’re on the hunt for a few bargains, try Dress Smart, the country’s largest outlet mall, or hunt through the numerous second-hand stores along one of the city’s thrifting hot spots, Karangahape Road. Mānawa Bay is a new premium outlet shopping destination right on Auckland Airport’s doorstep. There are over 100 outlet stores where you’ll find great bargains.