Located in the north of the island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, a remarkable place surrounded by scenic landscapes, black sand beaches and volcanic cones. Millions of tourists travel here every year to admire the panoramic views and explore the great outdoors.
This is Auckland in a nutshell:
What to eat
Seafood!
In Auckland, and pretty much all over New Zealand, you can find some fantastic fresh seafood dishes, like bluff oysters and green-lipped mussels. If you have the time, we recommend you spend a day discovering Auckland’s beaches. In some areas you can even go diving to catch your lunch!
What to drink
L&P
Even if you’re not a fan of sugary drinks, you must try some Lemon & Paeroa, a peculiar tasting lemonade sold only in New Zealand.
Where to have lunch
Fergburger
Love burgers? Then you must try Fergburger! This place has the biggest burgers in town and some of the most creative sandwich names we’ve seen in a while. Get a “Bun Laden” burger if you’re keen on trying the New Zealand beef, or try their “Holier than Thou” sandwich if you prefer tofu. There’s something for everyone!
Where to go for a cocktail
Sky Lounge
Head over to Auckland’s Sky Tower and have a drink at Sky Lounge, the bar with the best panoramic views in the city. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the sights.
Best Museum to visit
The Auckland Art Gallery
Who doesn’t love art? Stop by the Auckland Art Gallery and spend an afternoon admiring contemporary pieces by local artists such as Gregory O’Brien and Reuben Paterson.
Must – sees
One Tree Hill and Auckland Bridge
Aside from visiting the Sky Tower, we suggest you go on a walk up to One Tree Hill, the city’s most impressive volcano. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go bungee jumping off the Auckland Bridge!
Must – dos
Day trip to Rangitoto Island
Sign up for a sunset tour to Rangitoto Island. This experience includes two hours of kayaking, one hour of hiking and a BBQ dinner on the beach. Catching the sun set over Auckland as you kayak back to the city is an incredible sight you wouldn’t want to miss.
When to travel
September – November
New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means the seasons are reversed. If you’re relatively flexible, we suggest you visit Auckland in spring (September-November). Avoid the months of January and February to skip the high season.
One item you should bring with you
Insect repellent
A trip to New Zealand means spending a lot of time outdoors – whether you go swimming, hiking or kayaking, make sure you take a good insect repellent with you.
How to get there
Air New Zealand offers connecting flights to 26 destinations in New Zealand, including daily flights from London Heathrow to Auckland (via Los Angeles).
Some fun facts about Air New Zealand:
– The airline services 56 airports within New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, China, Japan, Canada, USA and the UK, and operates more than 4,000 flights each week.
– Air New Zealand carries 13 million passengers to, from and within New Zealand each year.
– 6.5 million glasses of New Zealand wine are consumed in-flight each year, making Air New Zealand the largest single server of wine in New Zealand.
– There are 6 all black aircraft in the Air New Zealand fleet, celebrating their long running support for the All Blacks – New Zealand’s world champion national rugby team.
– 200 endangered New Zealand birds, reptiles and invertebrates are transferred on Air New Zealand domestic flights each year as part of the airline’s partnership with the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
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