Voted among the top ten of the world's most liveable cities in 2024, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s signature beaches and island-studded harbours are an ill-kept secret. Yet, this is a city with a cosmopolitan heart, offering some of the best dining, entertainment, and shopping in the country.

Auckland’s cultural diversity, with one in four of its residents born overseas, has left its mark on the city’s character – particularly when it comes to cuisine. Here, you’ll find Asian, Polynesian, and Māori influences reflected in menus across the city, alongside a renewed love for native ingredients.

The city limits quickly give way to the breathtaking landscapes Aotearoa New Zealand is renowned for, including the Waitākere Ranges and surf-pummelled black-sand beaches.

Take in the views by walking around the edge of the city's tallest skyscraper or hiking to the summit of Mt Eden, the city’s highest dormant volcano. One of the best views of Auckland's harbour can be found at North Head Historic Reserve(opens in new window). This beautiful volcanic cone, sitting on the harbour's edge, has a fascinating history and secret series of tunnels.

Situated within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, Auckland’s waters are home to whale and dolphin populations, including the critically endangered Bryde's whale. Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari has a high-success rate, with a 95% chance of seeing either dolphins or whales.

Auckland boasts some of the best beaches in New Zealand. Located on the West Coast, Piha Beach is renowned for its black sand and distinctive Lion Rock, but also its choppy seas, so be careful if you enter the water. Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is a stunning coastal gem located on Auckland’s west coast, just a 45-minute drive from the city, that is also known for its dramatic black sand and rugged beauty. Mission Bay(opens in new window) is perfect for families with its calm waters, vibrant cafes, and stunning views of Rangitoto Island.

Visit one of Auckland’s stunning small islands. Waiheke Island is renowned for its vineyards, olive groves, and stunning beaches, making it a perfect getaway for wine enthusiasts and beach lovers. Rangitoto Island, with its distinctive volcanic cone, is a favourite for hiking and exploring lava caves. Great Barrier Island provides a more rugged adventure with its hot springs, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches. Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary, home to many of New Zealand’s native bird species.

The Auckland Art Gallery houses New Zealand’s largest art collection, spanning historic, modern, and contemporary works. These artworks plot a visual history of New Zealand, beginning with the first contact between Māori and European explorers in the 1600s through to contemporary art reflecting the experiences of Māori and Pacific artists.

True to its name, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is both a war memorial and a significant collecting museum. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing how war has impacted New Zealanders, alongside galleries filled with dinosaur bones and artefacts from Ancient Egypt. Other highlights include some of the world’s most important collections of Māori and Pacific artefacts.

In the evening, catch a show at the Aotea Centre(opens in new window) or the Auckland Town Hall(opens in new window).

Discover a food scene that is both expansively global and fiercely local. Influenced by traditions from across the Pacific, Asia, and Europe, chefs are increasingly embracing native ingredients, often plucked from the restaurant garden or foraged from the hills or coastline. The city’s proximity of volcanic soils and a bounty of seafood means there’s a pucker meal to be had on any budget.

For reasonably priced eateries, visit Nishiki for some of the best Japanese food you’ll ever taste, or Otto for handmade pasta dishes and other to-die-for Italian goodies. For cheap but excellent, head to Eden Noodles or FishSmith(opens in new window) for fish and chips that are a cut above.

Discreetly tucked away in an intimate, understated Parnell dining room, a quiet revolution is taking place. At Tala(opens in new window), Samoan cuisine is being transformed, as traditional and modern techniques are combined to create a sophisticated palette of flavours and textures like no other. On the waterfront is Hello Beasty(opens in new window), where Asian fusion meets slow-cooked New Zealand lamb, Hokkaido scallop, South Island scampi – and more.

For nightlife head to the Viaduct Harbour, Britomart or Wynyard Quarter; all are within walking distance of Queen Street. Karangahape Road (‘K Road’ to the locals) is known for its alternative bars, while trendy Ponsonby (about 10 minutes’ drive from downtown) is good for live music.

Queen Street is the inner city's main street, with everything from clothing to electronics, books and souvenirs. Nearby Britomart is full of designer fashion as well as international brands, all set within graceful heritage buildings. From here you can walk to High Street and Chancery, home to designer labels and cutting-edge local boutiques. Ponsonby, known as one of Auckland’s trendiest suburbs, is packed with funky fashion stores including local and international fashion designers, boutiques, quirky gift shops and designer homewares.

Newmarket (just a 7 minute train or 10 minute taxi from the CBD) is a shopper’s paradise with the glitz and glamour of top designer stores overflowing with international and local labels, as well as high street stores and great eateries. 

For more Auckland City travel information visit heartofthecity.co.nz(opens in new window) or aucklandnz.com(opens in new window). 

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