New Zealand’s largest and most populous city, Auckland, the City of Sails, is located between two major harbors and rests on a volcanic landscape boasting more than 50 dormant volcanoes. Amid this stunning setting, Auckland stands as New Zealand’s commercial hub, known for its blend of urban sophistication and cultural events, easy access to nature, and integration of indigenous Māori traditions with a vibrant waterfront lifestyle. Find the best of dining, bars, coffee culture, entertainment and shopping in this vibrant city.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Auckland Airport, New Zealand’s largest and busiest, handled nearly 10.5 million international travelers in 2025. It welcomes direct flights from a number of U.S. cities as well as from across Asia, the Pacific and beyond. Choose from taxis, shuttles, ride shares or car rentals to transport you the 12 miles to city center, or opt for public modes via Auckland Transport.

Once in town, Auckland’s public transportation includes buses, trains and ferries. Use rechargeable prepaid AT HOP travel cards (available online and at select retailers) or personal contactless debit or credit cards; and download the AT Mobile app to plan your trips, compare route and transport options, and check schedules and fares. Several ride-sharing companies operate in Auckland, including Uber, Ola and Zoomy, in addition to traditional taxi and car services. App- based, dockless and traditional rental options make renting bikes and scooters a popular option as well.

LODGING
Cordis, Auckland
This 5-star property offers spacious guestrooms, Chuan Spa, a heated rooftop pool, 24-hour health club, and spacious ballroom and event spaces. Unique experiences free for guests include New Zealand gin and whiskey tastings and a tour of the hotel’s curated and commissioned art collection.

Hotel Fitzroy Curated by Fable
This boutique luxury property, in the Ponsonby neighborhood, offers just 10 rooms with features such as heated bathroom floors, breakfast in bed and complimentary minibar. Enjoy high tea in the afternoon in the library.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Located in the midst of bustling Viaduct Harbour, this elegant hotel offers an indulgent spa, fine dining, indoor heated lap pool, and meetings and events space, all with French flair and Sofitel’s signature personalized service.

DINING
Ahi
Ahi (“fire”) embraces an organic and seasonal approach, its produce coming from its own off-site garden. The menu reflects authentic, fire-cooked New Zealand cuisine, sourced from producers across the country.

Kazuya
The fixed-price menus at this contemporary fine-dining spot feature Japanese- influenced European fare. Reservations are required for the cozy, 25-seat dining room.

Sid at The French Café
Chef Sid Sahrawat aims to offer a modern fine-dining experience without pretension, using fresh, seasonal ingredients in both his à la carte and tasting menus. Inventive cocktails and an extensive beverage menu garner praise, as does the stellar service.

ATTRACTIONS
America’s Cup Sailing Experience
Enjoy a two-hour sail on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour aboard an authentic America’s Cup racing yacht. Take the helm; crank the grinders; or just sit back, relax and enjoy the views. The crew provides informative narration on the harbor, local history and America’s Cup lore.

New Zealand Maritime Museum
Located in the heart of Viaduct Harbour, the museum’s regular exhibits and special programs provide original watercraft and recreations of vessels of both indigenous peoples and immigrants and explorers, providing historical context and interactive exhibits. Visitors can also book sailings on several different types of the museum’s heritage vessels.

Sky Tower
An iconic symbol of Auckland and the tallest manmade structure in New Zealand, this communications tower offers 360-degree views of the city from 722 feet up, along with Orbit, a revolving fine-dining restaurant, and SkyBar, serving cocktails and Champagne for a stunning after-five experience. Adrenalin junkies may attempt the 630-foot SkyJump or take a SkyWalk along the edge of the tower’s pergola (no handrail!).

GT PICKS
GT contributor Katherine Parker-Magyar recommends SkyWalk, where you feel like you’re towering above the skyline in the nation where bungee jumping was invented.

Global Traveler’s Patricia Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor, enjoys Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf, for its vineyards and cellar doors, olive oil producers, white-sand beaches and hiking trails. Come for the day or rent a cottage or room.