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Auckland Musts: Do, Eat, See & Pack
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items Discover the best things to do, eat, and see in Auckland, New Zealand; plus what to pack for your trip. From top attractions and hidden gems to local eats and travel essentials, this guide helps you make the most of your Auckland adventure.
Sections
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Auckland Must Dos
Auckland Must Eats
Auckland Best Walks
Auckland Packing List
Auckland Must Dos for Kids
Auckland Reading List
Auckland Must Dos
Discover the top things to do in Auckland, New Zealand — from iconic landmarks and scenic walks to hidden local gems, dining spots, and cultural experiences.
Great views over Auckland and the harbour
Sky Tower
Waiheke Island for the wineries
Your guide to Waiheke Island | Waiheke.co.nz
Climb the volcano that is an Auckland icon
Rangitoto Island: Places to go in Auckland
Beautiful gardens that are adjacent to Auckland Museum
Auckland Domain Wintergardens
One of the most beautiful buildings in Auckland
Auckland War Memorial Museum
For the Lord of the Rings fans
Wētā Workshop Unleashed | Auckland
The gannet colony at sunset is stunning
Muriwai Gannet Colony - Auckland - New Zealand
Piha is a famous black sand beach!
Piha - Things to see and do - North Island - New Zealand
Lovely little village across the water from Auckland CBD. The ferry journey offers fabulous views over the city
Devonport Village
Nice spot to relax, restaurants and lovely views
Welcome to Mission Bay | Mission Bay The Promenade
Auckland Must Eats
Discover the best places to eat in Auckland, New Zealand — from hidden local gems and trendy cafés to fine dining spots and street food favourites.
Great for takeaway baked goods or a lovely sit down meal
Amano
Another icon that is part of a great chain of restaurants
alma
Another Auckland icon, making burgers until the early hours for years!
The White Lady - Auckland
The reviews don't lie!
Burnt Butter Diner
One of the best places to find fried chicken in Auckland
Peach’s Hot Chicken
The sandwiches are legendary and reminds me of a Deli in New York
Federal Delicatessen
Tacos for days!
Broke Boy Taco
The best baked goods in Auckland, love their cinnamon donuts! Have been a regular since they first opened.
Daily Bread — Britomart
Auckland Best Walks
Discover the best walks in Auckland, New Zealand, from scenic coastal trails and volcanic summits to peaceful bush tracks and urban strolls with incredible views.
One of my favourite walks in Auckland, just over an hour with views over the West Coast
Mercer Bay Loop Walk
Great walk around the regional park and overlooking Tiritiri Matangi
Shakespear Regional Park
Stunning walk and you can have a swim under the waterfall
Kitekite Falls Track – scenic walks in west Auckland
Karekare Falls is an easy less than a 10 minute walk however the road in and out is terrible
Karekare Falls
Karekare Falls offers a short 10 minute walk or less to the falls
Karekare Falls
One of my favourite walks in Auckland
Kitekite Falls Track – scenic walks in west Auckland
Auckland Packing List
Plan your trip with this essential Auckland packing list — from what to wear in New Zealand’s changing weather to travel must-haves for exploring the city and beyond.
This short puffer jacket from North Face is a wonderful colour while practical. Cold weather shouldn’t mean less time outdoors. That’s why we built the Women’s Hydrenalite™ Down Hoodie. Born to thrive where others hesitate, this bomber-inspired puffer redefines the boundaries between form and function. With 600-fill recycled do...
Women’s Hydrenalite™ Down Hoodie—Print | The North Face | The North Face
Love this sleeveless puffer jacket. Even during the summer months, it can get cold in the lower South Island.
Women’s Hydrenalite™ Down A-Line Vest | The North Face | The North Face
What to Pack for New Zealand Travel; always remember a rain coat as when it rain, it pours even during summer.
Bowlees Waterproof Jacket
Another great piece from North Face; great for winter, spring and autumn. We know puffy jackets. We basically invented them. The Women’s THERMOBALL™ Hooded Jacket is a modern update full of innovations that keep you warm from city to summit. An updated quilting pattern minimizes cold spots while all fabrics and fill are no...
Women’s THERMOBALL™ Hooded Jacket | The North Face
A raincoat is a necessity for all seasons, 4 seasons in one day! When the weather turns, we turn to the Antora. With practical design elements inspired by our iconic Mountain Jacket, this highly versatile rain shell sets the new standard for everyday reliability. Engineered for an easy transition from rainy sidewa...
Women’s Antora Rain Jacket—Print | The North Face
Love this stunning bright green cropped fleece top for travels to New Zealand. Super stylish and practical for drinks and dinner out or doing short hikes in New Zealand. A fleece is a must for travel in NZ all year round
Women’s Extreme Pile 2 Pullover | The North Face
A longer raincoat is stunning, a necessity for New Zealand travels. Trekking to work or hitting the trail, the Women’s Daybreak Mid Rain Parka is up for the challenge. 100% recycled, waterproof DRYVENT™ fabric meets an adjustable waist and longer silhouette, so you never have to compromise between form and function.
Women’s Daybreak Mid Rain Parka | The North Face
Remember to take a fleece to keep you warm as the mornings and evenings can get cold even in summer in New Zealand!
Women’s Osito Lux Jacket | The North Face
Love this vintage inspired green cap. Make sure you bring a cap as the sun is so strong due to the lack of ozone layer. You even need a cap in the winter months to protect yourself.
Norm 5-Panel Hat | The North Face
Love this cap, another vintage inspired cap which is required for travel around NZ. In NZ, school children are not allowed outside to play without a hat on as the sun is so strong.
Norm SE Hat | The North Face
Good quality hiking socks are a must and you want to ensure that you can tuck your trousers into your socks due to sandflies and mosquitos in the South Island.
Hiking Quarter Socks | The North Face
You can't beat a beautiful pom pom beanie any day. This is perfect for the winter season in NZ for travelling
Women’s Oh Mega Fur Pom Beanie | The North Face
Make sure you grab yourself some great shoes or boots for hiking or short walks while in NZ. You don't want to hurt your ankles while travelling
Women’s Offtrail Hike LT Mid GORE-TEX® Boots | The North Face
Auckland Must Dos for Kids
Discover the best things to do in Auckland with kids — from family-friendly attractions and outdoor adventures to fun rainy-day activities and local hidden gems.
Must do for transport loving kiddos and adults
MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology
Great for the kids and they have a kiwi house
Auckland Zoo
Such a happy thing to do with kids, unlimited rides
Auckland Dockline Trams
Love this playground, a great fish and chip shop across the road and a bakery plus you might spot a pirate ship
Devonport Playground
The highest playground in Auckland
Hayman Park Playground
The most colourful playground in Auckland
David Lange Park
Nice spot right by the airport
Butterfly Creek - Family Fun | Book Your Visit Today!
Theme park for all ages
Rainbow's End
A nice little walk around to the museum and has a lovely cafe and playground for the kids
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
Auckland Reading List
Explore the best books about Auckland and New Zealand — from local authors and travel guides to novels that capture the spirit of the city and its people.
Grab yourself a Lonely Planet Guide for lots of tips and advice
Lonely Planet Experience New Zealand
Aotearoa, the New Zealand story. Learn about the history with your kids before travelling to NZ.
Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story : Bishop, Gavin
Travel for Kids through New Zealand
Travel for kids: The fun way to discover New Zealand by Dinobibi Publishing ...
Explore Aotearoa - another books for the kids when travelling to NZ
Explore Aotearoa: North Island Colouring
North Island, New Zealand - if you are only travelling one island, then this Lonely Planet guide will be a good source of information for your travels
Lonely Planet New Zealand's North Island|Paperback
Fodor's Essential New Zealand - great guide.
Fodor's Essential New Zealand|Paperback
Whether you're seeking your next adrenaline-fix, the best place to taste traditional Maori cuisine, or the perfect geothermal pool to unwind in, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that New Zealand has to offer.
DK New Zealand|Paperback
If you like Frommers for your guide book, here is the one for New Zealand
Frommer's New Zealand|Paperback
Travel to New Zealand to taste the islands' unique cuisine, discover Maori culture, and drive through "Middle Earth" landscapes—with National Geographic experts as your trusted guides.
National Geographic Traveler: New Zealand, 3rd Edition|Paperback
Auckland Accommodation
Discover the best Auckland accommodation options — from luxury hotels and boutique stays to cozy Airbnbs and budget-friendly places with local charm.
Interncontinental Auckland - 5 star hotel in the central City and across the road from the ferry terminal. Great location!
Hotel in Auckland City | InterContinental Auckland
A stunning 5 star hotel in the viaduct
Boutique 5 Star Hotel on the Water's Edge | Park Hyatt Auckland
The oldest luxury hotel in Auckland
5-Star Hotel in the heart of Auckland | Cordis, Auckland
Cordis is one of the oldest luxury hotels in Auckland
5-Star Hotel in the heart of Auckland | Cordis, Auckland