Harbors, volcanoes and island day trips
Auckland
Auckland · City of sails between two harbors
New Zealand's largest city sprawls across a narrow isthmus between two harbors, dotted with dormant volcanic cones. Yachts fill the Waitemata Harbour, and ferries whisk visitors to vineyard islands and black-sand surf beaches nearby.
Top sightsSights
Sky Tower
The southern hemisphere’s tallest tower, with a SkyWalk.
Waiheke Island
A ferry ride to vineyards and beaches.
Mount Eden
A volcanic cone with 360-degree city views.
Viaduct Harbour
A waterfront of restaurants and superyachts.
Piha Beach
A wild black-sand surf beach west of the city.
What to eatFood
Green-lipped mussels
A large native mussel steamed with wine and herbs.
Fish and chips
A Kiwi beach classic wrapped in paper.
Hokey pokey ice cream
Vanilla studded with honeycomb toffee.
Good to know
- Take the ferry to Waiheke for a wine-and-beach day.
- Seasons are flipped — summer is December to February.
- A HOP card covers ferries, buses and trains.
Getting there
Auckland Airport (AKL) is the country’s main international gateway, linked by SkyDrive bus.
Next city
Queenstown