While not being the capital of New Zealand, Auckland is the most populous city of the island country and the centre of commercial activities. It sits on a volcanic field (48 volcanoes) near the northern tip of the north island, on a latitude that allows for a relative warmer climate. The strategic location on an isthmus of land makes it one of the few cities in the world to be served by two ports, one on the Pacific coast and another on the Tasman Sea shoreline.
It’s no one’s priority to visit cities when in New Zealand. However, Auckland has its charms and may be given an exception. The city’s outline is very “americanised”: a central financial district boasting some skyscrapers and one iconic structure (the Sky Tower in this case), surrounded by densely packed residential areas.
We spent 24h in the city, distributed by two different days. We arrived by mid-afternoon of day one and left by mid-afternoon of the next day, so it’s possible to do our plan on one single full day.
Day 1: Auckland Museum
We dedicated the first day to scratch this museum off our list. It’s relatively far from the centre and it’ll steal you a fair share of time in order to see it decently.
But why visit?… Well, this is probably the best museum to visit in Auckland if you’re willing to attend to a comprehensive class about the roots and history of this insular country. The main entrance hall on the ground floor already makes a fantastic first impression with the Maori room and shrine.
Other rooms showcase other Polynesian artefacts and traditions from fellow South Pacific islands, and facts and curiosities about the fauna and flora of New Zealand.
The exposition continues chronologically in the upper floor with the English colonial period, the unwarranted Maori participation in the WW, and at last the long-awaited independence. The top floor also presents a brief exposition about the geolocation of Auckland and the almost certain future volcanic eruption that will eventually damage or affect the city in some way.
- Estimated duration of visit: 2h30
- Entrance fee (for foreigners):
- Adults: 28NZD
- Children: 14NZD (5-13 y.o.); free (<5 y.o.)
Day 2: a walking circuit
On our second day we went for a walking tour across the city that resembles the suggestion from the “Lonely Planet” guide.
But first, we went for an early walk on the best viewpoint around: Maungawhau / Mt. Eden. From here you can observe several volcanic cones and witness the risky location of Auckland, right in the middle of a volcanic field. It may be also the best place to get a snapshot of the financial centre and the Sky Tower (cover image)
- Expected duration of visit: 30-60min
Next stop: downtown! Our walking itinerary started in Myers Park, a compact green space featuring some public artworks. We crossed this park from south to north, with the Sky Tower on the background. Continuing north, we eventually reach Aotea Square and the city’s town hall, a multi-purpose hall that also hosts plays and other events.
We proceeded north through Queen St., turned right on Wellesley St. and then left to Lorne Street. On the right hand side you’ll notice a staircase that features a mural honouring the women that fought for equal suffrage rights in New Zealand. After this mural you’ll come across Albert Park, another quaint green area featuring well organised gardens and punctuated with statues. We spent a little time here and continued east to see the intricate and detailed clock tower of the University of Auckland, a mandatory spot for architecture lovers.
Up next: Auckland’s Sky Tower, the most recognisable landmark of the city. A towering concrete structure looking down on the city from a height of 328m. We felt that a visit was a must-do and went for it. There are two floors from which we can enjoy a panoramic 360º view on the city plus some activities to choose from. Visitors can do the sky jump (a base jump by wire from the top floors) or the sky walk (a small stroll on a 1,2m-wide platform at 192m up).
- Estimated duration of visit: 1h (without the side activities)
- Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 9h30 – 18h
- Friday and Saturday: 9h30 – 20h
- Entrance fee: 40NZD (35NZD online)
- Sky Jump: 235NZD
- Sky Walk: 160NZD
Our circuit could not be finished without a visit to the famous Auckland Fish Market, where we went for a late lunch. A bunch of restaurants and take-aways compose this quintessential experience in New Zealand’s biggest city. Fish and chips is a national dish (obviously imported from the UK) but other more intricate dishes are also present in any menu.
And that sums up our time in Auckland, our last stop in New Zealand’s northern island and definitely a must-visit city to include in your NZ itinerary.