From volcano walks to incredible food and wine, there is a lot to see and do in Auckland. For many Australians, New Zealand’s capital is close enough that we could spend a long weekend there but how do you decide what to see and do for your three nights?
Friday
Organise your flight so you arrive in time for lunch and collect a car at the airport so you can get around easily. New Zealand is world famous for its food and wine so what better way to start? Popular areas for dining include the Britomart precinct, Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.
Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying a guided walking tour of the city or exploring one of the many museums. If you’d prefer to go for a drive head to the Brick Bay Wines and Sculpture Trail. All pieces here are for sale and it is an ever-changing exhibit. The Trail is open until 5pm and last entry is at 4pm.
That night, how about a harbour yacht cruise so you can sit back and enjoy Auckland’s twinkling night skyline?
Saturday
You can head to one of Auckland’s four wine districts including Northland, which is home to around 100 vineyards and wineries and includes some of New Zealand’s oldest established vineyards. Northland is about four hours from Auckland and offers beautiful scenery with its unspoilt subtropical environment.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to town, Waiheke Island is only 30 minutes by water taxi from Auckland and is a fashionable place to visit. Spend the day exploring small galleries, boutiques and wineries, most of which specialise in Cabernet based wines. There are also plenty of places to enjoy some authentic New Zealand cuisine.
Sunday
Auckland has some incredible walking and hiking and is one of the only places on earth outside the tropics where rain forest exists. A trip here wouldn't be complete without spending at least half a day exploring the region by foot and there are options for all ages and fitness levels. You can do a self-guided walk but if you want to learn about the history and geology of the area while enjoying the view we recommend joining an organised tour.
And that’s it. This itinerary will only scratch the surface of Auckland for you. If you've been there before, would you recommend anything different? Leave your suggestions in the comments box below.
