We had a GREAT experience working with Dianne and her firm GoWalkAbout Travel. (…) She has deep knowledge of the accommodations, sights and adventures, earned over many years of experience, but happily finds the new and innovative.
Auckland, New Zealand
Tāmaki Makaurau (The Maori Name for Auckland), New Zealand, is the largest, most diverse, and most vibrant city in all of New Zealand. While most travelers to New Zealand are keen to get to the country’s scenic beauty and consider Auckland just a gateway for international flights, we disagree. Auckland is worth staying at least a night or two. Spend some time here upon arrival to recover from jet lag before renting a car. Flights from Canada and the USA tend to arrive early in the morning; we’ll have your hotel room reserved from the night before, so you will have a place to rest immediately.
Located in the northern part of the North Island, Auckland has two major harbours, creating an isthmus of the city. These harbors give the city a sparkle you can enjoy any way you wish, from a relaxing sail to a zip on a jet boat. You can even try your hand at piloting a real America’s Cup yacht!
Where Should I Stay in Auckland
Most travelers prefer to stay downtown, which is called the Central Business District, for easy access to the main sights and the most accommodation options. Viaduct Harbour is a hub of bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops located downtown right along the water, and many travelers find themselves there at one point or another. This area is where you’ll find many ferries heading to outer bays and islands, as well as the maritime museum and cruise ship terminal.
From Viaduct Harbour, it’s a short stroll to the Harbour Bridge, with a climb similar to the famous one in Sydney, but since you’re in New Zealand, of course, they also added a bungee jump! Or, from Viaduct Harbour, head up Queen Street through the heart of downtown. Stop at Aotea Square for some performing arts. Then head to the Sky Tower, the highest manmade structure in the country, with great views, a revolving restaurant, and another bungee jump from the top.
Just outside the central downtown are several fun neighborhoods to explore, including Ponsonby and Parnell, for unique, quirky shops and a different feel than the downtown. Devonport is a 10-minute ferry ride away on the north shore and is known for its lovely beaches, art galleries, and charming, quaint feel with historic Victorian homes.
Getting Around in Auckland, New Zealand
There’s no need for a hire car in Auckland, as there are plenty of ways to get around. Of course, our favorite way is on a small group tour, where you get the expert knowledge of a guide at a reasonable price. Any of the sights in and around Auckland are best experienced by a small group tour.
Find some nature in Auckland Botanic Gardens or Auckland Domain, the city’s biggest park and home to Auckland War Museum. Or, head farther afield. The West Coast, a half-day trip from downtown Auckland, has spectacular black sand beaches with rolling surf. Along the way from Auckland to the West Coast, you will find the Waitakere Ranges with subtropical rainforest, rare giant Kauri trees, and lovely hiking.
If traveling by water is more your style, take a ferry from Auckland to wild Rangitoto Island, New Zealand’s newest island, thanks to an asymmetrical volcanic cone. Head to Tiritiri Matangi Island for a protected bird sanctuary.
Waiheke Island is the most commonly visited island off Auckland and can be reached by ferry in just 35 minutes – it is definitely worth at least a day trip! Consider even staying a couple of nights at the beginning or end of your travels in New Zealand for a great way to relax and taste fine wine.
Waiheke Island has white sand beaches, tiny villages, cafes, excellent wineries, and some very luxurious, unique small accommodations. Don’t plan to rent a car here, either. Even the locals like to get around by golf cart or scooter! With plenty of ferries and easy access to downtown Auckland, Waiheke is easy to reach after your early-morning flight arrival, or before catching an evening flight home to the USA or Canada.
Our Favourite Activities In Auckland
Sail an America’s Cup yacht on the harbour
Catch a ferry to a nature-filled island-like Rangitoto or Tiritiri Matangi, or to charming neighbourhoods like Devonport
Cruise over to Waiheke Island for wine tasting and local charm
Day trip to the Waitakere Ranges and the black sand beaches of Auckland’s West Coast
Ride a jet boat under the Harbour Bridge
Bungee jump from the Harbour Bridge or the Sky Tower
Climb the Harbour Bridge
Visit the Auckland War Museum, Maritime Museum, Art Gallery, and Navy Museum
Enjoy upscale and quirky shopping, particularly in Parnell, Ponsonby, or Newmarket
Walk through Auckland Domain or Auckland Botanic Gardens
Explore dormant volcanoes within Auckland proper, like Mount Eden, One Tree Hill, Mount Victoria, or North Head
Dine on fresh seafood or lamb at some of the country’s best restaurants, especially on the downtown waterfront
Learn all about Auckland’s history, geography, flora, and fauna, as well as experience the city’s best viewpoints and sights on a small group tour.
Nearby Destinations
Waiheke Island — 35 minutes by ferry
Hobbiton — 2 hours by car
Coromandel Peninsula — 2 hours by car
Waitomo glow worm caves — 2.5 hours by car
Rotorua — 3 hours by car
Bay of Islands — 4 hours by car
What is the Weather Like in Auckland?
Being on the northern end of New Zealand, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) tends to be warmer than the mountainous southern Alps around Queenstown. Cloudy skies and rain are common, though not nearly as common as on the West Coast of the South Island, or at Milford Sound. Plus, the rain definitely does not ruin a day in Auckland. Remember that all of New Zealand, Auckland included, is known for its micro-climates. That means that while it is raining downtown, the islands offshore may be dry or vice versa. Plus, weather patterns shift quickly, so it could be dry anywhere in the city within a couple of hours.
What Our Past Travelers Have to Say
G’day Dianne. Thank you! You listened well and organized our trip extremely well. Pick up and delivery times were spot on. The hotels were all good to great. (…) I just wanted to let you know that we appreciated everything you did to arrange a wonderful trip.
42 Days, 2 Countries, 6 States, 1 Territory, 15 Cities/Locations, 14 Flights and not a single mishap. On top of that, we had a GREAT TIME! A TRIP OF A LIFE-TIME! Our six week adventure to Australia and Singapore was our most memorable vacation to date. (…) Dianne is a wonderful find and without hesitation we recommend her to family and friends. Dianne will certainly be organizing our next adventure.
(…) Dianne put together an incredible New Zealand trip for us – we travelled from one tip to the other, East and West included. I would have thought Dianne knew me from childhood as every spot we visited or stayed at – was exactly what I would have chosen myself (had I known the country). (…)
Dianne planned a fantastic honeymoon for us. (…) We gave her an idea of the things and activities that we like to do and she just rolled with it! We didn’t really know much about either place, so didn’t have too much of a preference of where we wanted to go, but with her knowledge she was able to send us to some amazing places. (…) Thanks for planning us a wonderful honeymoon!
(…) Everything went very smoothly, thanks to you and your organizational skills! We really appreciate everything you did for us! (…) I want to thank you (Dianne) for all the work you & your colleagues did to ensure that we had an enjoyable holiday.
(…) Dianne, there are so many things you did for us that I cannot list them all in a letter. However, I can say that I have never worked with a travel agent before who took as much time to deal with all the details – big and small. It was like we were part of your extended family and you took full responsibility for our wellbeing. I would recommend you to anyone looking for a great travel agent, and I wish you the best of success in the future.
(…) From the beginning, Dianne really stood out. She spent a significant amount of time on the front end learning what we were interested in and what we did not like about previous tours. (…) I would definitely recommend GoWalkabout Travel to any of my friends and family. Thanks again for our trip! We had a fantastic time!
It was a trip of a lifetime!! (…) Every thing was working like clockwork. (…) Thanks Dianne and it was a pleasure meeting you and you taking the time to meet us in Sydney.
We really enjoyed working with Dianne in planning our trip to Australia. She was very efficient and gave us great recommendations. Prior to our departure, she ensured we had everything we needed including packing tips, in order to have a great trip. We would highly recommend using her services.
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