New Zealand’s buzzing metropolis, Auckland is full of life, opportunity and diversity. The city is praised for its splendid skyline, busy harbour, beautiful beaches, remarkable volcanic islands and impressive dining experiences. It has something and everything for foodies, adventure junkies, cultural enthusiasts and luxury lovers. Though the city is overly crowded, you will definitely find your best pick that will bring you back here again.
Best Time to Visit
November to March is the peak time as Auckland experiences warm weather during these months. However, March to May and September to November is a good time to visit, but it also rains between May to December. July and August are the cold months. Auckland experiences reversed seasons as compared to other countries, so it is advised to look after the weather and the festivals before planning the trip. For a wide range of
Auckland hotels choose Goibibo.
Places to Visit
The waterfront of Viaduct Harbour is a happening place lined with cafes and bars while the impressive Sky Tower in the city offers breathtaking views of the city. Auckland Domain and Silo Park are giant parks to hang out and play with your kids and friends. Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island and Mount Eden offer stunning landscape vistas. Waiheke Island is a gorgeous island for a day trip. Here you can enjoy the vineyards as well as adventure activities. Adventure lovers can try Auckland Bridge Bungy from Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Jump from Sky Tower, snorkelling at Goat Island and water activities at Mission Bay. The ever-rejuvenating Ponsonby area, Nuffield Street and Britomart are full of expensive designer boutiques, fine-dining restaurants and cafes. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Wintergardens, Toi o Tamaki Art Gallery and Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary are interesting places to visit with friends and family. Hauraki Gulf is another entertainment-packed place to visit. Otara Flea Market and High Street are popular shopping places.
Food and Restaurants
Wynyard Quarter, Jervois Road, Ponsonby quarter and Britomart are lined with restaurants and bars. In Auckland, you will find plenty of cuisines varying from the Mediterranean to Asian. If you are a fan of Asian food, then you can go to Dominion Road. Culinary dishes at Elliott Stables, pancakes at No. 1 Pancake, juicy burgers at Velvet Burger, Giapo’s ice cream, Depot, Little Bird are the locals’ favourite haunt. You can taste wine at Waiheke Island as well. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs such as Bungalow 8, Face Club, Corner Bar and The Eagle Bar.
Transportation
Auckland has an excellent transport system.
Auckland Airport (AKL) is the main and busiest airport in New Zealand, located within a distance of 30 minutes from the city centre. The city is well connected to other international cities via air links. Visitors travelling from India to Auckland have several connecting flights serviced by popular airlines such as
Singapore Airlines,
Cathay Pacific,
Thai Airlines,
Korean Air and
China Southern.
The city has an efficient railway and road transport system. Auckland is conveniently connected to Hamilton and Wellington via long-distance buses and trains. The InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal is the terminal from which many intercity buses operate.
Public transport includes buses, taxis, shuttles, ferries and trains. Ferries can be used to travel to the nearby islands from the mainland. Rental bikes and cars can be used if you are looking for independent travel option. You can use AT HOP cards on buses, trains and ferries travel and get awesome discounts.