Feast your senses on a dazzling array of activities, eateries and stunning landscapes in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city of sails.

Widely known at the City of Sails, Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand for many, but don’t consider it just a transit point – take some time to acquaint yourself with this beguiling city. Fast-paced by New Zealand standards, the nation’s biggest centre covers 500 square kilometres – making it larger, geographically speaking, than London, and similar in size to Los Angeles. But, centred on an isthmus between two harbours, draped over 48 volcanic cones and bordered by rainforest in the west, this city is quite unlike any other. Combined with Auckland’s multi-cultural exuberance, the result is a colourful and modern Pacific city.

DESTINATION-NZ.COM HIGHLIGHTS

Catch a ferry to one of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, such as the wildlife sanctuary of Tiri Tiri Matangi, or Waiheke Island with its wineries and beaches. Brave the glass floors high above the city in Auckland’s iconic 328-metre tall Sky Tower, absorbing breathtaking views of city and harbours before losing your breath entirely as you leap 192 metres in a base-jump-by-wire. Cruise Tamaki Drive as it curves around the waterfront from the central city to the beaches and cafés of Mission Bay and St Heliers.

NOTABLE CULTURE

Coveted by numerous Maori tribes, Auckland earned the name Tamaki-Makau-Rau – ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’. Visit the Auckland Museum to view New Zealand’s largest collection of precious Maori artifacts.

MOMENT IN HISTORY

On 18 September 1840, the first Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta was held on Waitemata Harbour. In 1842 the date was changed to 29 January; today the event is one of the world’s biggest one-day sailing regattas.

THE ICONIC EXPERIENCE

Climb one of Auckland’s volcanic cones, such as Mount Eden (Maungawhau), One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) or the Auckland Domain (Pukekawa) for city views.

Plan your trip with a detailed map of this region and peruse our suggested travel itinerary. Read More Sights, activities and top picks to make planning easier. Read More