Auckland, New Zealand is for most travellers the gateway to a picturesque island in the Pacific Ocean. While Auckland may be overlooked as a destination and considered more of a stop over, it does boost some incredible nature and bucket list experiences. From top must-see sights to local advice, this comprehensive guide offers the perfect 3-day Auckland itinerary, ensuring the start or end to your New Zealand trip is one to remember.
I grew up on a small beach town two hours drive from Auckland but moved to the city over three years ago for job opportunities. I spent every weekend exploring this city and discovering all the best spots. Here are my top picks and recommendations for three days in the city of Sails.
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3 DAY AUCKLAND ITINERARY: QUICK TIPS
Short on time or just ready to jump straight into the action, here are my quick tips for hotels, tours, places to visit and more to make the most of your 3-day trip to Auckland.
Place to Stay | The Hotel Britomart
Best Time to Visit | January, February, March and April
How to Get Around | Rental Car, Taxi, Walking, Buses and Trains
Top Places to Visit | Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island, Piha and Muriwai
Insider Tips | For buses and trains use the AT app to plan your trip. You need to purchase a Hop card as most buses no longer take cash payments.
Best Experiences & Tours:
🐋 Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
(perfect for wildlife and whale lovers!)
⛵ America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour
(perfect for those who love sailing!)
🍇 Waiheke Island Scenic Tour With Wine Tastings
(perfect for wine lovers)
(for the best view of the city and harbour)
🏄🏼 Beginner Surf Lesson at Te Arai Beach
(for those wanting to try something new at some of the best surf spots in NZ)
Keep reading for my ultimate 3-day Auckland itinerary!
HOW TO GET TO AUCKLAND
Most travellers will fly into Auckland from overseas ports as it has the biggest airport in the country. Auckland International Airport is about a 20 to 30-minute drive from the city centre and relatively easy to navigate.
If you fly into Wellington or Christchurch there are direct flights daily to Auckland through Jetstar or Air New Zealand. Jetstar is the cheaper airline to fly but as with any cheap airline, there will be a fee for baggage. Air New Zealand tends to be more reliable and comfortable to fly with but does come with a higher price tag. Book your flights here with Kiwi.com.
Local Tip: Book flights in advance to avoid expensive flights in summer (December to February) and winter (June to August) Also check out Grab a Seat for last-minute cheap flight deals.
HOW TO GET AROUND AUCKLAND
Getting around Auckland can be easy if you know how. Renting a car, or using the buses and trains gives you the best flexibility to explore the city. Auckland is quite spread out as a city so while taking public transport is available and the cheapest option, renting a car is going to give you a lot more freedom. Some of the more remote beaches out west don’t have public transport lines.
Taxis are also used in the city and are great for rides home in the evenings or late at night. You can expect surges in peak times, especially around rush hour so try to avoid using it during those times. Uber and Ola are commonly used in Auckland.
Local Tip: For buses and trains use the AT app to plan your trip. You will also need to purchase a Hop card as most buses no longer take cash payments. Use this map here to find a place to buy and top up your Hop card.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AUCKLAND
The weather in Auckland is probably every local’s favourite or least favourite topic of discussion. We like to say in Auckland you can experience all seasons in one day. Rain, sunshine, wind, hail and back to sunshine all over a short period.
Auckland however does have a mild coastal climate, free from extreme temperatures. The summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are mild and wet. Rainfall is frequent year-round, peaking in the winter months of June, July, and August.
When planning a trip to Auckland, bring a rainproof jacket. Additionally, New Zealand has high UV levels, so pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen during summer and spring.
The best season for the most consistent weather is summer from December to the end of February, however March, April and sometimes May can be warm and sunny.
WHERE TO STAY IN AUCKLAND
When deciding where to stay in Auckland, your best option would be in either the CBD, like Britomart or in the suburbs like Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Parnell. These areas are all well connected with public transport and offer great cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
Alternatively, if you do decide to rent a car staying on the West coast at Piha or Muriwai this will give you access to stunning nature and beaches and it’s only 40 minutes drive from the city centre. Check out an incredible unique stay here through Canopy Camping.
Looking for the best hotels in Auckland? Here are few recommendations for every budget:
- LyLo Auckland ($) – Hostel in a central location, near several popular attractions
- M Social Auckland ($$) – in the heart of Auckland, over looking the harbour and close to ferry
- Aachen House ($$) – villa transformed into a boutique hotel with shared terrace and lounge
- The Hotel Britomart ($$$) – 5-star hotel set in the city centre
- Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable ($$$) – 5-star luxury boutique hotel is a 2-story villa
Now it’s time to plan your trip, here you can find a breakdown for a 3-day Auckland itinerary.
DAY 1 IN AUCKLAND: CITY EXPLORATION
- Visit the Sky Tower (be brave and do the SkyJump or do the SkyWalk)
- Visit the domain for a picnic and the Auckland museum
- Explore the local volcanoes for a sunset view
- Dine at some of Auckland’s best restaurants
DAY 2 IN AUCKLAND: DISCOVER THE ISLANDS
- Book a ferry ticket to an island of your choice
- Waiheke for wine tasting and food
- Rangitoto Island for hiking and lava caves
- Tiritiri Matangi Island for wildlife encounters
- Or choose a dolphin and whale cruise or a sailing trip
- Spend the evening on the Viaduct
DAY 3 IN AUCKLAND: DAY TRIP TO WEST COAST
- Spend the morning exploring the city beaches of Mission Bay and Kohimarama Beach
- Take a day trip to Muriwai or Piha
- At Piha, climb Lions Rocks, explore Kitekite Falls, take a surfing lesson or do some hiking
- At Muriwai, see the Gannet Colony, walk the Muriwai beach loop, take a trip to Bethells Beach
- Dine on Ponsonby Road
DETAILED 3 DAY AUCKLAND ITINERARY
DAY 1 IN AUCKLAND: CITY EXPLORATION
After breakfast head to Auckland’s tallest building The Sky Tower. This 328m high structure has been the focal point of the city’s line for over 25 years. Experience breathtaking 360˚ panoramic views stretching up to 80 kilometres in every direction from Auckland’s Sky Tower. Spot key landmarks, including the 53 volcanoes and historical sites within the greater Tāmaki Makaurau area.
For those thrill-seekers, try New Zealand’s highest jump from 192 meters (629 feet) above Auckland. The SkyJump, akin to base jumping by wire, offers an exhilarating rush as you plummet at speeds up to 85kph (52mph) for around 11 seconds. Alternatively, walk around the outside ring of the tower, enjoying unparalleled 360-degree views. The guided commentary highlights Auckland’s best sights, and if you’re daring, lean over the edge. A free Sky Tower pass is included, allowing access to various levels and the observation deck to calm your heart rate down afterwards. Book tickets for the SkyJump and SkyWalk here.
🧘 Yoga in the sky? If you don’t feel like starting your day jumping off a building, The Sky Tower does offer morning yoga classes, so you can watch the sun rising over the city from downward dog or happy baby pose. Tickets sell out fast so book them here early.
Auckland Domain and Museum
Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest and one of its largest parks, spans 75 hectares around the cone of an extinct volcano. The park’s landscape features ‘tuff rings’ formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating natural amphitheatres within its contours. The perfect place to grab some food and have a picnic lunch to replenish your body for afternoon activities.
After lunch check out the Auckland Museum. Auckland Museum, one of the finest in the Southern Hemisphere, is renowned for its unique Māori and Pacific collections. The museum tells New Zealand’s story through award-winning natural history exhibits and a gallery with over 2,000 priceless Māori artifacts. Highlights include rare carvings, entire buildings, and the last great Māori war canoe. Whether you have an hour or a full day, a visit to the iconic Auckland Museum offers deep insights into New Zealand’s culture and heritage.
Visit Aucklands Volcanoes
Auckland lies with a ring of volcanoes but don’t worry they are all dormant and offer great hiking and viewpoints of the city, especially as the sunsets. Some notable ones worth making the hike up:
Maungawhau | Mount Eden (My top pick)
Standing at 196m, Auckland’s tallest volcano offers arguably the best inner-city views. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of New Zealand’s largest city from the new boardwalk around the crater, complete with a viewing platform.
Maungakiekie | One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill doesn’t have a tree at the top despite its name. However, it does bring a touch of the countryside to the city with its grazing cows and sheep. With car access to the top now closed, the hike up is a small workout but you will enjoy the expansive park and the journey to the summit.
Maungauika | North Head
For a bit of history, visit North Head to explore old tunnels and armaments constructed but never used during wartime. Bring a flashlight and a friend, as it can get quite spooky inside, but the experience is well worth it.
Mt Wellington/Maungarei
Visible from all over East Auckland and beyond, this volcanic cone offers far-reaching and unimpeded views. The panoramic sights are especially impressive, showcasing the inlet between Glendowie and Howick, extending all the way to the Panmure Basin.
Dine at one of the best restaurants in the city
Every time I leave New Zealand for a stint what I miss most besides family and friends is the food. Auckland is very multi-cultural which means we have some incredible international cuisines and fusion options.I could talk for hours about options but your best bet is to check out the Urban List as they regularly provide updated lists of the best restaurants in the city.
DAY 2 IN AUCKLAND: DISCOVER THE ISLANDS
Auckland isn’t called the city of Sails for no reason. Surrounded by 48 volcanoes and tons of beautiful islands. It’s dubbed the “City of Sails” because there are so many yachts cruising around its harbours and the awesome Hauraki Gulf nearby. With 50 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, there is plenty to explore and see. Take your pick from the suggested island below to spend the day:
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is like a hidden gem just a short 40-minute ferry ride away from downtown Auckland, boasting beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and stunning beaches. Picture yourself lounging on the white sandy shores of Oneroa, Palm Beach, or Onetangi, where you can swim, kayak, or have a chill picnic by the ocean.
If you’re up for exploring, Waiheke’s got some amazing trails that wind along cliffs, lead down to beaches, and take you through cool native forests. Head east and you can even trek the Stony Batter walkway, uncovering World War II gun emplacements and hidden tunnels along the way.
Getting around Waiheke is a breeze. Hop on one of the regular ferries from downtown Auckland, then take your pick of public buses, taxis, or rent a mountain bike, scooter, or car to explore at your own pace. If you’ve already got wheels, bring ’em along on the car ferry!
And let’s not forget about the wine! Waiheke’s earned its reputation as New Zealand’s wine island with over 30 boutique vineyards. The island’s winegrowers have nailed it with their maritime climate and ancient soil, producing some of the country’s finest wines. Swing by cellar doors for tastings or kick back at vineyard cafes and restaurants for delicious wine and food pairings. These are my recommendations for Vineyards to try:
- Tantalus Estate Vineyard
- Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant
- Wild On Waiheke
- Man O’ War Vineyards
- Te Motu Vineyard Restaurant & Cellar Door
- Batch Winery
- Cable Bay Vineyard
🍷 Wine lover? Book a tasting tour to explore multiple wineries and not worry about transport. Options here to cater to your wants and needs.
Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest and largest dormant volcanic cone, boasts the world’s largest pohutukawa forest and a striking symmetrical cone that rises majestically just off the coast. It’s a quick, scenic ferry ride from downtown Auckland, making it a top spot for hikers and day-trippers alike.
Formed unexpectedly from the sea around 600 years ago, Rangitoto is the newest and biggest volcano in Auckland’s volcanic landscape. You can opt for a guided tour aboard the 4WD road train or hike to the summit yourself (about an hour each way). Along the way, check out the eerie black lava caves—don’t forget a torch for some adventurous exploring.
The summit rewards you with breathtaking views—stretching from the emerald islands of the Hauraki Gulf to the rugged Waitakere Ranges in the west and Hunua Ranges in the east. Water enthusiasts can embark on a guided sea kayaking adventure to Rangitoto, with the more adventurous opting for a night kayak to witness a stunning sunset from the summit. Paddle back under the starlit sky, watching Auckland’s city lights twinkle in the distance—it’s an unforgettable experience!
Tiritiri Matangi Island
“Tiri,” as locals fondly call it, stands as one of New Zealand’s most successful conservation projects. From 1984 to 1994, thousands of volunteers, including many school children, planted approximately 300,000 native trees on Tiritiri Matangi. This effort has transformed the island into a sanctuary where 11 species of threatened native birds have been reintroduced alongside more common varieties.
Exploring the island, you’ll encounter native bellbirds (korimako) singing mere meters away. The once-thought-extinct large flightless takahē now wander near humans, while tiny native stitchbirds dart among branches along the tracks, unaware of their low numbers. Other rare species include the kōkako, brown teal, and little spotted kiwi.
Accessible via a modern, speedy ferry operated by Fullers 360, Tiritiri Matangi departs from downtown Auckland, stopping at Gulf Harbour marina en route (a half-hour drive north). Daily sailings are available in December and January, and five times a week during the rest of the year.
Wildlife lover or keen to try out sailing!!
Spend the evening on the Viaduct
Once back from your trip, take a short walk from the ferry terminal to the Viaduct. With over 30 bars and restaurants in one stunning waterfront location, The Viaduct is the perfect spot to dine, relax, and people-watch. Stroll along the water’s edge, admiring the superyachts and boats as they pass by.
Still have some energy to burn try out Holey Moley indoor mini golf or book an immersive honey tasting at Comvita. One of the highlights of the Viaduct and Waterfront is its vibrant atmosphere. It’s a bustling, energetic spot, especially on weekends, where people gather to soak up the sun, unwind, and socialise. For a taste of Auckland’s nightlife, take an evening stroll through the area. As the sun sets, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favourite destination for both tourists and locals
DAY 3 IN AUCKLAND: DAY TRIP TO WEST COAST
Your last day in Auckland is going to be spent by the water exploring the city beaches and rugged West Coast.
Try out the food scene in Ponsonby
After a day of exploring, treat your taste buds to a delightful meal at one of these recommended spots along Ponsonby Road: savour the flavours at KOL, indulge in the fusion cuisine at INCA, enjoy the Asian-inspired dishes at Mekong Baby, slurp some delicious noodles at Ramen Takara, experience the vibrant atmosphere at The Blue Breeze Inn, or try tasty Japanese food at The Gyoza Bar.
I hope you enjoyed reading this comprehensive 3-day Auckland itinerary. Auckland is often the start or end of a lot of people’s journeys but if you have the time this city does have a lot to offer.
If you’re excited about more New Zealand adventures, be sure to check out the other articles I’ve written, best places to visit in the North Island, pros and cons of living in NZ.
The Comments
Jess
Great post, can’t wait for my trip to Auckland!!
Jess Webster
JessHave the best time, Auckland is great 🙂
Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your City Adventures - where Jess Goes
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