ville
Auckland
Auckland is the international gateway and New Zealand's largest city — built on 48 extinct volcanoes between two harbours, dominated by the Skytower (328 m, 3rd tallest tower in the southern hemisphere), surrounded by paradise islands (Waiheke and its vineyards, Rangitoto volcano, Victorian Devonport) and wild beaches (Piha, Karekare).
Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori, 'Tāmaki desired by a hundred lovers', referring to the many iwi that disputed the region for its resources) is New Zealand's largest city with 1.7 million inhabitants (one-third of the national population). Built on a narrow isthmus between two seas — the Pacific Ocean to the east (Hauraki Gulf) and the Tasman Sea to the west (Manukau Harbour) — Auckland is also one of the most volcanic cities in the world, erected on the Auckland Volcanic Field which counts 48 extinct monogenetic volcanoes. Several emblematic hills of the city are ancient volcanic cones: Mount Eden (Maungawhau, 196 m), One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), Mt Wellington (Maungarei), Rangitoto (the youngest, formed just 600 years ago).
The Skytower (328 m total height, opened 1997) is Auckland's emblematic building — 3rd tallest tower in the southern hemisphere, observatories at 186 and 220 m, glass floors for the brave, Orbit 360° rotating restaurant at 190 m. The thrill activities: Sky Walk (harnessed walk on the outer walkway, NZD 165), Sky Jump (harnessed controlled-descent jump from 192 m, NZD 285 — one of the highest urban jumps in the world).
The ferries from Britomart terminal (city centre) are Auckland's signature experience. Devonport (12 min, NZD 10 return) is a charming Victorian village on the north shore. Rangitoto Island (25 min, NZD 40 return) is a dormant volcano (the most recent in the volcanic field) — 2 h round trip hike to the summit through pohutukawa forest. Waiheke Island (40 min, NZD 50-60 return, Fullers or SeaLink ferries) is Auckland's vineyard island — 30 boutique vineyards across 92 km².
The wild west coast (45 min by car from centre) is another major asset: Piha (iconic black volcanic sand beach, surf, Lion Rock), Karekare (beach where the opening scene of Jane Campion's The Piano was filmed), Muriwai (gannet colony observable September to March).
On the cultural side, the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Domain park, NZD 30) houses one of the world's best Māori and Polynesian collections. The Maritime Museum and Auckland Art Gallery (free) complete the offering. Auckland is also New Zealand's most diverse city — over 200 ethnicities live together. It's the world's largest Polynesian city — the Pasifika festival in March (free, Western Springs Park) is one of the cultural highlights of the year.
What we love
- ✅International gateway: country's main airport (flights Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles)
- ✅Spectacular ferries: Waiheke vineyards, Rangitoto volcano, Victorian Devonport
- ✅Skytower 328 m: 3rd tallest tower in the southern hemisphere, Sky Jump for the brave
- ✅Cultural diversity: world's largest Polynesian city, Pasifika Festival in March
- ✅Wild beaches at 45 min: Piha, Karekare, Muriwai and its gannets
What to know
- ❌Urban sprawl: very extended city, significant intra-urban distances
- ❌Heavy traffic at peak hours (country's most congested city)
- ❌No spectacular intra-urban landscapes like Wellington or Queenstown
- ❌High hotel rates in high season (NZD 200-400/night)
Situation
Où se situe Auckland ?
Ouvrir la carte en grand sur OpenStreetMap →Frequently asked questions
Combien de jours faut-il à Auckland ?+
Vaut-il mieux dormir au centre-ville ou ailleurs ?+
Comment se rendre à Waiheke Island et que faire sur place ?+
Faut-il faire le Sky Jump depuis la Skytower ?+
Que valent les plages de la côte ouest (Piha, Karekare, Muriwai) ?+
Quel budget prévoir à Auckland ?+
Que faire à Auckland un jour de pluie ?+
Our verdict
Auckland is the practical and pleasant gateway to New Zealand — the country's largest city, dynamic and multicultural, with the iconic Skytower, spectacular ferries to Waiheke (vineyards), Rangitoto (volcano) and Devonport (Victorian village), and wild beaches at 45 min (Piha, Karekare, Muriwai). It's also a sprawling city that doesn't rival Wellington or Queenstown for immediate architectural or scenic wow. Plan a minimum of 2 days on site in any New Zealand itinerary: 1 day centre + Skytower + Auckland Museum, 1 excursion day (Waiheke for vineyards, Devonport for Victorian charm, or west coast for wild beaches).
Nearby
"Été austral, pic touristique, vacances scolaires NZ."
Expert on Auckland · 1 contributions
South-East Asia Desk — Mowando·Editor