How to plan the perfect trip to Auckland, New Zealand.

Time Zone

New Zealand Standard Time (NZST).

Locals are friendly and always willing to provide directions.

Aerial View of Auckland City featuring ocean and Harbour Bridge

Credit: Damian Alexander/Courtesy of Visit Auckland

Tipping is not the norm in New Zealand, though some travelers opt to add gratuity when dining out.

Currency:NZD (check the current exchange rate).

It’s a relatively new development, so everything is clean and modern.

Exterior of Park Hyatt Auckland

Vidhya Raithatha/Courtesy of Hyatt

It’s a scenic way to travel around the city.

Taxis:Corporate Cabs and Co-op Taxis are the main driver services in Auckland.

Both are clean and reliable with friendly drivers.

Rooftop deck at QT Hotels & Resorts

Courtesy of QT Hotels & Resorts

It should cost under $75 from the airport to the CBD, regardless of the traffic.

Buses:CityLink buses run regularly and have stops all around Auckland.This mapillustrates the main routes.

Car apps:Uber and Ola are the main car apps used in Auckland, both with comparable pricing.

Interior of Daphnes Taverna

Jono Parker/Courtesy of Daphnes Taverna

It features four restaurants and bars, a day spa, a fitness center, and versatile event spaces.

The result is a chic, contemporary hideaway with a distinctly French flair.

Opt for the Opera Suite for a truly luxurious experience.

Interior of Ada at The Convent Hotel

Courtesy of The Convent Hotel

Try the pohutukawa smoked oysters or the kingfish tiraditos.

After dinner, head over to its neighboring cocktail bar, The Shy Guy for a nightcap.

Daphnes is one of the city’s liveliest new restaurants and is one to mark on any Auckland itinerary.

Interior of Onslow

Courtesy of Onslow

Italian-inspired fare is served in a rustic, airy space that caters to both large and small groups.

The cocktails are also excellent.

It’s a polished space that feels refined, and somewhere in between a bistro and fine dining.

Food from Lilian

Courtesy of Lilian

Up to eight classes are held each month.

Auckland Art Gallery is New Zealand’s largest art institution.

Visit Waiheke Island

Venture over to Waiheke Island for a day trip and explore the beautiful vineyards.

Exterior of Auckland Art Gallery

Courtesy of Visit Auckland

Explore the West Coast Beaches

Spend a day exploring Auckland’s black-sand beaches on the West Coast.

Piha and Muriwai are popular surfing spots with rugged natural landscapes and scenic walking tracks.

There’s also an incredible beauty offering, with Dior Cosmetics, nail salons, and modern aesthetic spas.

aerial view of Waiheke Island with sand, trees and houses on the shore and boats in the ocean surrounding

Damian Alexander/Courtesy of Visit Auckland

The iconic department store first opened in 1880 and has been a bastion of style and celebration ever since.

There are locations in both Ponsonby and Newmarket, each decorated with gorgeous Millennial pink interiors.

It’s renowned for its low-key but vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants and cafes, and contemporary boutiques.

The exterior of Auckland Museum

Chris McLennan/Courtesy of Visit Auckland

Stop at the legendary Takapuna Beach Cafe for brunch or a scoop of gelato from its adjoining takeout joint.

It’s also home to botanic gardens and is a beautiful place to wander around on the weekends.

Google Maps:Directions.

Devonport volcanic cone with Auckland city and skytower in the background, beach and houses below

Damian Alexander/Courtesy of Visit Auckland

Interior of Karen Walker

Courtesy of Karen Walker