Auckland/Central

ChewyPineapple

Kahuroa

Nick-D

• Auckland Art Gallery

  phone: +64 9 307-7700
  address: corner Kitchener and Wellesley Sts
  The largest collection of national and international art in New Zealand, housed in a landmark building on the edge of Albert Park in the heart of Auckland. Regularly hosts touring international exhibitions and offers a calendar of talks, performances, film screenings and children's activities to complement its exhibition programme. Has a shop and café.

• Auckland Domain

  address: Park Rd, Grafton
  A large park (75 ha) on an extinct volcano. It has the War Memorial Museum on its highest point and also the historically important winter gardens with impressive flower bed displays, tropical plants and statues (free). There are scenic views of the Waitemata Harbour and islands of the Hauraki Gulf from in front of the museum.

• Auckland War Memorial Museum

  phone: +64 9 309-0443
  address: Auckland Domain, Parnell
  Despite the name, this is not primarily a war museum – it is a general museum and one of the best in New Zealand. It stands in an imposing position in Auckland Domain. It includes excellent displays of Māori and other Polynesian peoples' arts and crafts, the geography of the Auckland region, and daily Māori cultural performances (ground floor). The top floor records names in stone, sobering tombs and lists of war events and their locations. There's a planetarium and a cafe. The museum was constructed in the 1920s as a memorial to those who fought and died in wars. The cenotaph in the grounds below the museum entrance is the focal point for annual ANZAC Day remembrance services.

• Auckland Zoo

  phone: +64 9 360-3800
  address: Motions Rd, Western Springs
  The zoo has the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, with 120 animal species, over 750 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands (an African savannah) set in 17 hectares.

• Holy Trinity CathedralLarge modern Anglican cathedral that opened in 1965 and can seat 1100 people. Next to it is St Mary's Church, the largest wooden Gothic church in the world, built in 1886 and moved to the present site in 1982.

• Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

  address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei
  It's on the scenic Tamaki Drive and is the home of Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It includes a trip through a transparent tunnel while the fish and sharks swim all around you, and tanks of rays with feeding-time talks.

• MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology)

  address: Great North Rd, Western Springs
  An interactive museum with over 300,000 items. Look out for the WWII Avro Lancaster Bomber and the Solent Flying Boat in the Sir Keith Park Memorial Aviation Collection. Has a special exhibition on the history of cardiac medicine in New Zealand, which runs till Jan 2018.

• Mount Eden

  address: 250 Mt Eden Rd (vehicle entrance)
  The highest natural point in Auckland at 196 m above sea level, this volcanic peak provides 360-degree views from beside the 50-metre deep crater at its summit. There are numerous pedestrian entrances from surrounding streets to the hill's walkways.

• New Zealand Maritime Museum

  phone: +64 9 373-0800
  address: corner Quay and Hobson Sts, Viaduct Harbour
  Many interesting exhibits chronicle New Zealand's maritime history, including actual yachts from the America's Cup and interactive displays and machines. There is an Auckland harbour cruise on an old-style cargo scow that takes about 1 hour and costs extra (adult $25).

• One Tree Hill

  address: 670 Manukau Rd (main entrance)
  The second highest peak in the city at 182 m above sea level, this volcanic cone offers panoramic views of the city. An obelisk on the summit marks the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, a founding father of Auckland city. The summit has not had a solitary tree, for which it was known, since 2000. Terraces where the structures of a fortified Maori village (pa) once stood are still visible on the slopes. The peak is surrounded by One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park, the largest parkland on the Auckland isthmus, where you can see cattle and sheep grazing within a major city. There is a children's playground near the Stardome (see below).

• Sky Tower

  address: corner Victoria and Federal Sts
  At 328 m, this is the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering views of up to 80 km away and fine dining in the Orbit revolving restaurant.

• Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

  address: 670 Manukau Rd, One Tree Hill Domain

Historic homes

• Alberton

  address: 100 Mt Albert Rd, Mt Albert (entrance from Kerr-Taylor Ave)
  An 18-room mansion started in 1863. It was the centre of social life for its area during the late 19th century.

• Ewelme Cottage

  address: 14 Ayr St, Parnell
  Built in 1863–64 as a home for a vicar's family. Much smaller than Alberton and Highwic.

• Highwic

  address: 40 Gillies Ave (entrance from Mortimer Pass)
  Home for a very large family (21 children, although the older ones would have left before the youngest was born) built from 1862.

• Pah Homestead / Wallace Arts Centre

  address: 72A Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough
  An art gallery with a very substantial collection in a mansion built 1877-79. A collection of New Zealand art is displayed as the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre. The large Monte Cecilia Park surrounds the house and was once its grounds.

• Auckland Bridge Climb

  address: 105 Curran St Extension, Westhaven Marina
  If you have a head for heights, you can walk up the arch of the Harbour Bridge. Bungy jumps from the bridge are also available.

• Auckland Sea Kayaks

  phone: +64 21 192-4939
  address: St Heliers Central Boat Ramp, 384 Tamaki Dr
  Sea kayaking tours including to the islands of Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe and Motukorea (Browns Island). Auckland is a unique sea kayaking location. Tours suitable for all experience levels. Tours launch at St Heliers - free pickup from downtown.

• Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari

  address: Viaduct Harbour Basin
  Explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park during a 4.5-hour marine eco-safari on a purpose-built vessel, the ‘Dolphin Explorer’. They have years of experience and guarantee that you will see marine mammals – or your next trip is free.

• Eden Park

  address: Kingsland
  New Zealand's top sports stadium, which mainly hosts the unofficial national winter and summer sports of rugby union and cricket. Watch the national rugby team, the All Blacks, beat all comers here (as of the end of 2017, they have not lost a game here since 1994). Event tickets often include free train travel to and from the park – be sure to get off the train at Kingsland Station (not Mt Eden Station).

• Explore NZ

  phone: +64 9 359-5987
  address: Viaduct Harbour Basin
  Waitemata Harbour sailboat cruises on a boat from the Pride of Auckland fleet. Also offer a 2-hr Sailing Experience on an original America's Cup yacht. Other activities are available.

• Manukau coastal walks between Onehunga and Blockhouse BayThe track is 9 km long in total, but meets the roads in many places, so you can easily do just part of it. It includes areas of native forest.

• Rangitoto IslandA dormant volcano island that stands prominently near the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour. Climb to the summit for fantastic views of the harbour and Auckland city. Take a picnic or have a swim. There is a guided tour that will take you most of the way up the volcano (on a very bumpy road in a tractor trailer) for about $30. There are no shops on the island, so buy any food and drink you need before you go. Toilets are available at the harbour.

• Rent skates in Okahu Bay and take a scenic skate along Tamaki Drive.

• Sky JumpA cable-controlled base jump from a height of 192 m on the Sky Tower. Also the Sky Walk, a walk around a 1.2 m walkway with no hand rails.

• Wynyard Loop tramA short tram loop. Operating hours and length of loop in operation depend on the redevelopment in progress in the area.

Beaches

Parks

• Albert ParkA central park, laid out in the 1880s, with floral displays and a floral clock, and two field guns from 1879.

• Myers ParkA park, which can be used as route between Queen Street and K Road (passing through St Kevin's Arcade), with a children's playground.

Flickr wrumsby

• La Cigale French Market

  address: 69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell
  The emphasis is on seasonal fruit and vegetables (organic or spray-free whenever possible), artisan baked bread, cheese, confectioneries, oils, spices and home made preserves and jams.

• Pauanesia

  address: 35 High St
  Collaborates with local designers, artisans, jewellers and ceramic studios to create unique home textiles, accessories, bags, jewellery and stationery that celebrate New Zealand nature and lifestyle.

• Victoria Park Market

  address: Victoria St West
  It used to have lots of craft stalls, then was renovated and reopened in 2013.

• The Warehouse

  address: 21 Elliott Street
  Value chain store for household goods, clothing and a small selection of food.

Ingolfson

Supermarkets

• Countdown Auckland City

  address: 76 Quay St

• Countdown Auckland Metro

  address: 19-25 Victoria St
  Small central supermarket.

• New World Metro Queen Street

  address: 125 Queen St
  Small central supermarket.

• New World Victoria Park

  address: 2 College Hill
  Large, fairly central supermarket.

Budget

• Hare Krishna Food For Life

  address: 286 Karangahape Rd
  Vegetarian meals, especially curries.

• No.1 Pancake

  address: Lorne St
  Korean pancakes.

Mid-range

• Al Volo Pizzeria

  phone: +64 9 302-2500
  address: 27 Mt Eden Rd
  Limited seating, but you can order from the Corner Bar across the street. No delivery.

• Bien Japanese Cuisine

  address: 55-65 Shortland St
  Sushi, teriyaki chicken rice bowl, eel, etc.

• Burger Fuel

  address: Parnell Rd, and Dominion Rd (Mt Eden)
  Delicious gourmet burgers.

• The Dominion

  phone: +64 9 623-2121
  address: 234 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden
  Bar, restaurant, and cocktail bar. Handy to Eden Park.

• Fatimas

  address: Ponsonby Rd in Ponsonby; and Anzac St in Takapuna
  Excellent kebabs and pitas, a step above typical post-clubbing fare.

• Fujisan

  phone: +64 9 357-0866
  address: 474 Queen St
  Cozy and delicious Japanese restaurant near the upper end of Queen St. Try the Teriyaki beef set.

• Mexicali Fresh

  phone: +64 9 307-2419
  address: Prince's Wharf
  Fast Mexican food on Auckland's waterfront. Mouthwatering but not for the health-conscious.

• Mezze Bar

  address: Little High St Arcade
  Serves tapas and other dishes. Often busy but worth the wait.

• Nishiki, Robata-Yaki Bar

  phone: +64 9 376-7104
  address: 100 Wellington St, Freemans Bay
  Great Japanese restaurant. Requires reservation for all days of the week. Great value for money.

• Richmond Rd Cafe

  address: 318 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
  Excellent, laid back, but very high standard café. Enjoy their great variety of food (their breakfasts are particularly good), their outstanding coffee or their delicious sweet selection, while soaking up the sun on the balcony. Although not the most central, it is a favourite with the locals, and is therefore regularly busy (particularly during the weekend). Suitable for small business meetings, family breakfasts, or can even be used as a good quiet working space during the day.

• Sushi Bento

  address: Parnell Rd, Parnell Village

• Valentine's RestaurantTraditional buffet restaurants in many locations around Auckland.

Splurge

• One Tree Grill Restaurant

  phone: +64 9 625-6407
  address: 9-11 Pah Rd (Greenwoods Corner), Epsom
  Enjoy outstanding, down-to-earth dining at this iconic restaurant, consistently rated in the top restaurants in Auckland. It specialises in contemporary New Zealand cuisine and offers an outstanding cellared wine list. One Tree Grill offers a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of inner city dining. Since 1996, it has been a staple part of the Auckland restaurant scene, having evolved from their small 40-seat suburban beginnings to the modern, up market restaurant it is today. Enjoy the best of Pacific Rim cuisine in a stylish setting. Outstanding cellared wines, innovative cuisine, thoroughly professional service – it offers a complete dining experience where it's the little things that make the difference.
• SkyCity entertainment complex, corner Federal & Victoria St, has a dozen restaurants for all tastes and budgets, including the authentic Spanish Tapas bar Bellota, the fine dining dine by Peter Gordon and the revolving restaurant Orbit.

• SPQR

  phone: +64 9 360-1710
  address: 150 Ponsonby Rd
  Modern Italian cuisine, dimly lit, loud music, great atmosphere, you may feel like you are in New York.

• Tyler St Garage

  address: Britomart precinct

• The Camel Bar

  address: Fort St
  Part of a hostel and has nightly activities including live music and quiz nights.

• Galbraiths Alehouse

  address: 2 Mt Eden Rd, Eden Terrace
  A brewery and pub, with a great selection of traditional beer and wine.

• The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe

  address: 6 Vulcan Lane, CBD
  A popular place with the after-work crowd. Serves traditional Belgian beers alongside mussels and frites.

• Shadows Bar

  address: Student Union Building, 34 Princes St
  Student bar with decent prices.

• Cassette Number 9

  address: Vulcan Ln
  A bar and club featuring different music nights.

• SkyCity

  address: corner of Federal & Victoria Sts
  Entertainment complex with a dozen bars & cafes including a Spanish tapas bar, Bellota.

• Northern Steamship

  address: 122 Quay St
  A Mac's brewbar with a unique and eclectic décor, including hundreds of antique lampshades.

• Bar Tabac

  address: 6 Mills Ln
  In a rustic heritage building in the back streets of downtown Auckland. Co-owned by musician Neil Finn of Crowded House.

Budget

• Auckland City YHA

  phone: +64 9 309 2802
  address: 18 Liverpool St
  Nice hostel, just off the top of Queen St, with a basic kitchen and an outdoor sun terrace. There is also Auckland International YHA a block away.

• Bamber House

  phone: +64 9 623-4267
  address: 22 View Rd, Mt Eden

• Base Backpackers

  phone: +64 9 358 4877
  address: Level 3, 229 Queen St
  Large centrally located hostel with bar and travel desk.

• BK Hostel

  phone: +64 9 307-0052
  address: 3 Mercury Ln
  Just 4 beds in the dorm rooms. Nice atmosphere, kitchen and laundry.

• Brown Kiwi

  phone: +64 9 378-0191
  address: 7 Prosford St, Ponsonby

• Choice Backpackers

  phone: +64 9 374-4237
  address: Wellesley St W
  Easygoing, friendly, cheap.

• Nomads Auckland

  phone: +64 9 300-9999
  address: 16-20 Fort St, City Centre
  Also Nomads Fat Camel a few doors down at 38 Fort St from $19 a night (09 301 0181 - bookings@nomadsfatcamel.com).

• Ponsonby Backpackers

  phone: +64 9 360-1311
  address: 2 Franklin Rd
  Located in an original 19th century villa right in the heart of Ponsonby.

• Queen Street Backpackers

  phone: +64 9 373-3471
  address: 4 Fort St, City Centre

• Verandahs Backpacker Lodge

  phone: +64 9 360-4180
  address: 6 Hopetoun St, Freemans Bay

Mid-range

• Eden Park Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +64 9 6305721
  address: 20 Bellwood Ave, Mt Eden
  A luxury inn in an historic Edwardian villa.

• Heritage Auckland

  phone: +64 9 379-8553
  address: 35 Hobson St
  Four-star plus hotel with restaurant and bar. Serviced apartments available.

• Quest Auckland

  phone: +64 9 300-2200
  address: 363 Queen St
  Close to Aotea Centre, the Town Hall, restaurants and shopping. 70 studios, one and two-bedroom serviced apartments all with kitchen and laundry facilities. One of a number in the Quest Serviced Apartments chain in Auckland.

• Grand Millennium

  phone: +64 9 366 3000
  address: 71 Mayoral Drive, cnr Vincent St
  A grand 4-star plus hotel built in 1989 with 452 guest rooms and suites, a bar, Straits Cafe, and Katsura Japanese restaurant. The lower-priced rooms when discounted are very reasonably priced for a hotel of its rating.

Splurge

• Auckland Waterfront Apartments

  phone: +64 21 972004
  address: Princes Wharf
  Luxury 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom serviced apartments with harbour views.

Flickr Percita

• Braemar

  phone: +64 9 377 5463
  address: 7 Parliament St
  Beautifully renovated 1901 Edwardian townhouse.

• CityLife Auckland

  phone: +64 9 379-9222
  address: 171 Queen St

• Cordis, Auckland

  phone: +64 9 379 5132
  address: 83 Symonds St
  Five-star luxury hotel, formerly called the Langham.

• Crowne Plaza Auckland

  phone: +64 9 302-1111
  address: 128 Albert St
  Four-star plus hotel with 352 guest rooms and suites.

• Hilton Auckland

  phone: +64 9 978-2000
  address: Princes Wharf, 147 Quay St
  A modern waterfront building with great views over the harbour. Quite close to the ferry terminals and a short walk to the Wynyard area.

• Pullman Auckland

  phone: +64 9 353 1000
  address: corner Waterloo Quadrant & Princes St
  Five-star hotel in the CBD with 340 rooms and self-contained apartments, free Wi-Fi, health club and spa, restaurant.

• Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

  phone: +64 9 978-4000
  address: 85–89 Customs St W, Viaduct Harbour
  Apartment hotel in the business and dining precinct at Viaduct Harbour.

• Sebel Quay West Auckland

  phone: +64 9 309-6000
  address: 8 Albert St
  A luxury apartment hotel in the CBD featuring balconies with harbour & city views.

• Skycity Grand Hotel

  address: 88 Federal St
  Five-star luxury hotel.

• Midcity Internet Cafe, 54 Wellesley St, opposite the ASB Bank (corner of Albert and Wellesley Streets). Open 24/7 and probably the best internet cafe in the city with the fastest and most reliable computers and network. Rates are $3 per hour, or $4 for a card with 2 hours access or $6 for 4 hours, which expires within 24 hours. A $5 refundable deposit is required for cards.