Auckland Flights and Travel Guide

Known as the “city of sails,” cosmopolitan Auckland is renowned for its nautical lifestyle, boasting more boats per capita than any other city in the world. The focal point of New Zealand's biggest city, is the aptly-named Waitemata Harbour, which means “sea of sparkling waters” in Maori. The picturesque area, which hosted the 2000 and 2003 America’s Cup, is lively by day with yachts and water sports. The harbour bustles at night when locals flock to the bars, clubs and restaurants that have sprouted in the redeveloped Viaduct Basin during the last decade. It's a great place to enjoy local seafood and produce, sample Asian-Pacific cuisine and try award-winning local wines.

Auckland enjoys an awe-inspiring setting, surrounded by volcanic hills and lush forests and located on a narrow peninsula with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Many visitors book flights to Auckland to use the city as a base from which to explore. From Stanley Bay, you can reach more than 100 beaches within an hour's drive.

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Auckland Climate

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When to Fly to Auckland

Peak Season:

The peak tourist season is during summer, especially around the school holidays from Christmas to end of January. Easter, May Labour Day weekend and school holiday periods during the year are also busy.

Off Season:

Although cooler than the peak season months, November and April are much quieter and hotel rooms and cheap flights to Auckland are easier to find.

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Getting Downtown Auckland

After disembarking from flights to Auckland, there are plenty of options for travellers to reach the city centre. Airbus services leave regularly from the airport (every 20 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes at night) for the centre (NZ$15 one-way). Shuttle buses  are cheaper. Taxis cost about NZ$40.

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Getting Around Auckland

Central Auckland is easily explored on foot and you can also rent a bike or scooter.

The Link bus service covers most places in the city centre, with some free buses servicing the major tourist attractions. Ferries connect the north shore suburbs and the Hauraki Gulf Islands.

Auckland's public transport makes driving unnecessary and parking downtown is scarce. You are better off renting a car if you want to explore the suburbs.

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Auckland Insider Information

• Don't miss the chance to sail in the harbour. There's an almost overwhelming choice of vessels able to take you out– including the Louis Vuitton boat from the America's Cup. Trips to Hauraki Gulf take just over two hours and you can enjoy stunning views of the city as you head out. Many yachts will let you help with the sailing. Advance bookings are not usually necessary.
• Historic Victoria Park Market – located in a heritage-listed industrial site distinguished by its tall, red-brick chimney – is home to many artisan and craft boutiques. The market also has many restaurants, cafés and eateries when you ready for a break from shopping.
• The Stardome, Auckland's spectacular Observatory and Planetarium, is in the One Tree Hill district. On a clear night, you can see the stars through one of Stardome’s telescopes.
• Dine overlooking sweeping city vistas at the revolving Orbit restaurant, on the top of the Sky Tower. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch or dinner and diners get free entry to the observation level (normally $25). Book in advance, especially for the best views at sunset.
• For impressive (and free) views of the city, head up Mount Eden, a volcanic cone near the centre of town that is popular for picnics, walks and a peep into the volcanic crater.
• Some of New Zealand's oldest vineyards are in the area surrounding Auckland, perfect for winery tours.
• The world's first harbour bridge bungee jump still operates on the Auckland Harbour Bridg

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