Auckland, New Zealand

The vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most populous and popular destinations. Its towering skyline, lively culture and rich history offer plenty to discover during a stay in this stunning city.

6 hours in… Auckland

Auckland offers a seemingly unlimited array of exciting things to see and do, whether you’re an intrepid explorer, budding wine connoisseur, culture-vulture or someone who simply loves to relax. For the best possible experience on a cruise to Auckland, decide beforehand what it is you want to get from your visit to the city and plan accordingly.

A guided sightseeing tour of Auckland is a fantastic way to appreciate all of the city’s major landmarks in one convenient trip, and you might find that you can prearrange a sightseeing trip as part of a shore excursion programme. Some of Auckland’s most famous and impressive landmarks include the soaring Sky Tower and majestic Harbour Bridge, while visitors who delve a little further will discover a host of other marvellous attractions, from theme parks and casinos to zoos and parks

Auckland is also a fantastic city for shopping, dining and drinking and you’ll find a wealth of wonderful districts catering to all of these needs. From elegant restaurants and casual diners to massive shopping malls and charming markets, you’ll find something to suit every taste in this multi-national city.

Boats docked in Auckland’s scenic harbour

Been before?

Despite Auckland’s built-up city centre, it is encircled by plenty of astonishing natural beauty, and a trip just outside of the city will be rewarded with spectacular views and the chance to appreciate a wealth of stunning scenery.

The Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland spans over 16,000 beautiful hectares of lush woodland and scenic coastline, with around 250 kilometres of bush walk trails on offer, ranging in difficulty from easy to expert. Intrepid travellers who head out to navigate the winding tracks of this incredible park will be astonished by their surroundings, which will include sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, cascading waterfalls and dramatic cliff faces. Auckland is also renowned for its 48 incredible volcanic cones, many of which can be scaled on foot for amazing views across the region.

Not only this, but you’ll also have chance to observe New Zealand’s fabulous collection of wildlife during a stay in Auckland. The city’s surrounding regions offer ample opportunity for bird-watching, as well as boat trips to see whales and dolphins in the waters off shore.

Can’t keep away?

Waiheke Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and long history of wine production, so if you have a little more time in Auckland, why not take a 30 minute ferry ride from the city to enjoy a day of Waiheke wine tasting. Although just a short journey by boat, the island’s peaceful atmosphere and quaint scenery will seem far from what you have experienced in Auckland, and is well worth visiting, especially for budding wine connoisseurs looking to get a taste for the local vintages.

Don’t even bother!

New Zealand has incredibly strict quarantine laws when it comes to organic materials, which means you could be slapped with a huge fine if you bring in any outside food items – even if you do so by accident – so make sure to double check you haven’t left half a sandwich or a piece of fruit in your bag before arriving in Auckland. Some types of food and drink are allowed in, but they will have to be declared beforehand, so don’t get caught out or it could easily cost you a packet.