5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Auckland, New Zealand

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Morning:

• Arrive at Auckland Airport and take the SkyBus or a taxi to your accommodation
• Check-in to your hotel or hostel (see recommendations below)
• Start your day at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki - a must-visit for art lovers (free admission, open daily 10am-5pm)

Afternoon:

• Take a short walk to the nearby Queen Street, the main shopping street in Auckland
• Visit the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city (entry from $32.50)
• Grab lunch at Dante’s Pizzeria - a popular spot for delicious Italian food

Evening:

• Explore the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area, known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife
• Enjoy dinner at The Sugar Club, a stylish restaurant with great views of the harbour (booking recommended)

Day 2: Island Getaway to Waiheke Island

Morning:

• Take a ferry from Auckland’s Ferry Terminal to Waiheke Island ( approx. $30 return)
• Visit the famous Waiheke Island Wine Cellar, offering wine tastings and stunning views
• Explore the beautiful beaches and scenic lookout points on the island

Afternoon:

• Stop by the charming Ostend Beach, known for its clear waters and white sand
• Enjoy lunch at The Oyster Box - a seafood restaurant with great views (booking recommended)

Evening:

• Return to Auckland and enjoy dinner at The Grove - a popular spot for modern New Zealand cuisine

Day 3: Explore the City’s Coastal Regions

Morning:

• Visit the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), showcasing the country’s transportation history (entry from $19.50)
• Take a short walk to the nearby Western Springs Garden - a beautiful park with gardens and a lake
• Grab lunch at The Little Muffin - a cozy café with great food

Afternoon:

• Explore the trendy Grey Lynn area, known for its boutique shops and cafes
• Visit the iconic Auckland Museum, located in the Wintergardens (free admission, open daily 10am-5pm)

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at Cassia - a restaurant serving modern Indian cuisine

Day 4: Explore Rangitoto Island and Auckland’s East Coast

Morning:

• Take a ferry from Auckland’s Ferry Terminal to Rangitoto Island (approx. $50 return)
• Hike up the summit of Rangitoto for panoramic views of the city
• Visit the Rangitoto Volcanic Complex - an interesting geological site

Afternoon:

• Stop by the beautiful Ohanera Point, a scenic lookout point on Auckland’s East Coast
• Enjoy lunch at The Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant - a seafood restaurant with great views (booking recommended)

Evening:

• Return to Auckland and enjoy dinner at The Sugar Club (if you didn’t get a chance earlier in the trip)

Day 5: Last Day in Auckland

Morning:

• Visit the iconic Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, showcasing marine life from around the world (entry from $29.50)
• Take a short walk to the nearby Viaduct Harbour area
• Grab brunch at The Fish Shack - a popular spot for seafood and great views

Afternoon:

• Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring Auckland’s city center
• Depart for the airport and head home, bringing back memories of your amazing trip to Auckland!

Recommendations for Accommodation:

• Hotel DeBrett: A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Auckland
• Sky City Hotel: A modern hotel with great views of the city
• Haka Lodge: A popular hostel with a lively atmosphere and great location

Transportation:

• SkyBus: An affordable and convenient way to travel between the airport, city center, and popular destinations
• Auckland Transport: The official public transportation system in Auckland, including buses and ferries
• Taxi: A quick and easy way to get around the city, but can be more expensive than public transport

Tips:

• Be prepared for variable weather - it’s not uncommon for Auckland to experience rain showers
• Don’t miss out on trying some of New Zealand’s famous seafood and wine
• Take your time exploring the city and its many attractions - there’s always something new to discover!

Things to Know:

• Auckland is a relatively safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
• Some attractions may have limited hours or be closed due to weather conditions - check ahead of time to avoid disappointment
• New Zealand uses the NZD (New Zealand Dollar) - you can exchange currency at airports, banks, or currency exchanges

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an amazing trip to Auckland!