Auckland, New Zealand is a popular destination for those interested in exploring all that New Zealand has to offer. It is the largest city in New Zealand and rich with history and culture.
It’s known as the “City of Sails” based on the overwhelming amount of yachts and sailboats that occupy its harbor.
My husband and I spent over 2 weeks traveling through different parts of New Zealand as part of an epic honeymoon trip throughout Oceania.
We found that spending a day in Auckland, New Zealand was a good amount of time to experience all of the must-sees. It’s quite the vibrant city that stole our hearts as we stopped there on our way to Rotorua.
Given that it is located only 2 hours driving from Rotorua and that it has a large international airport, it is the ideal city to fly into on your way to other, smaller regions in New Zealand’s North Island.
But don’t let that fool you – Auckland is no fly over city! While it doesn’t have the same jaw dropping landscape like some of the other cities in New Zealand, Auckland has its own unique charm to it that is absolutely worth a visit. We’ve crafted the ideal itinerary for a day exploring the City of Sails.
FUEL UP FOR A DAY OF EXPLORING
Start the day in Auckland, New Zealand with coffee and a light breakfast near the harbor at Koel Cafe. Auckland’s main harbor, Waitemata Harbour, is perfectly situated between the cityscape, with some of the city’s most notable high-rise buildings surrounding it.
Viaduct Harbour is the area of the harbor where you’ll find the best restaurants, fun nightlife, and is often bustling with people. Heading there in the morning is a great way to check out the area before it becomes inundated with crowds. You can walk along the waterfront while you enjoy your breakfast.
TAKE THE FERRY TO WAIHEKE ISLAND
Once you are all fueled up, catch the ferry to Waiheke Island, which picks up at Viaduct Harbour. Waiheke Island is dubbed the ‘wine island’, and is one of the best spots you will find for a day of winery hopping. A round-trip ferry ticket is only 89 NZD and includes access to the hop-on, hop-off winery shuttle which will come in handy once you are on the island.
HIT UP THE WINERY & BEACHES
Waiheke Island is famous for its charming wineries and beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon, away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s city life. We will save that for the evening!
While the sun is still out, explore top wineries like Goldie Estate, Stonyridge Vineyard, and Te Motu. The convenience of having the hop-on, hop-off buses makes it super easy to see multiple wineries and stay for as long or as little as you’d like. There are even a few breweries in the area to check out!
The beaches on the island are a short walk from many of the wineries. Consider stopping there for lunch and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many eateries nearby, while you enjoy a view of the bluest water.
Waiheke is also a hub for artists – you can see some of the artsy expression in the different craft and boutique shops throughout town.
Have you fallen in love with Waiheke island yet?
“But what if we don’t drink wine?”…….
Auckland is also a great city to try out some water activities due to its proximity to the Hauraki Gulf. So if wineries aren’t your thing, you can swap out that activity for sailing or snorkeling/wildlife cruises.
HEAD BACK TO THE CITY FOR FINE DINING
One of our favorite things about spending the day in Auckland, New Zealand is just how multicultural and diverse the city is. It’s one of the most diverse cities in the world, which shows up in beautiful ways through its exquisite blend of culinary creations.
There are plenty of options to satisfy what you’re craving!
Mr. Morris is a dynamite option that will set the stage for an evening of culinary delights. It’s definitely a splurge meal because prices are expensive. Consider going for appetizers and drinks before your main course.
Another great option is Hello Beasty. It’s Asian Fusion which is a popular cuisine in Auckland and this is known to be one of the best!
For a more budget friendly option, check out Cotto Restaurant. It’s a casual dining spot that specializes in homemade pastas and hardy portions!
ENJOY COCKTAILS WITH THE CITY VIEWS
Cap off your perfect day with drinks at Sugar Club Bar atop the Skytower. It’s an iconic landmark, boasting 53 stories for a breathtaking panoramic view.
For a more relaxed vibe, consider Panacea Speakeasy or Caretaker. Both will delight you with their specialty cocktails perfect for those that really appreciate the art of a good crafted drink.
And there you have! The perfect day in Auckland, New Zealand. If you are looking for other New Zealand cities to explore, Queenstown is one of our all time favorites! Check out our detailed guide on all things Queenstown.