Experience Auckland’s famed coffee culture by starting the day with a Kiwi classic, the flat white. Once you’re fueled for your first day of exploring, head to the iconic Sky Tower, a hard-to-miss landmark in the heart of the city. With a bird’s eye perspective, you’ll take in incredible 360-degree views to the city and harbour views.
From here you’re within walking distance of other central city attractions. Learn more about the legends of rugby at the All Blacks Experience. This 90-minute tour through interactive zones is an opportunity to discover the history, culture and people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand’s identity.
If movies are more your thing, Wētā Workshop Unleashed will take you behind the scenes of Kiwi film making. Explore interactive film sets, from horror to fantasy and sci-fi, and get hands-on with special effects, props, and creatures.
Or, stroll the halls of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, taking in incredible collections that feature both historic and contemporary art, including outstanding works by Māori and Pacific artists.
Find a spot to eat in one of Auckland’s popular dining precincts. SkyCity and neighbouring Federal Street have a selection of cuisine to choose from. Or, head to Britomart, Viaduct Harbour or Wynyard Quarter for some of the best restaurants with great harbour views and people watching.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a foodie, then leave some room and join The Big Foody Tour. This urban food safari showcases the multicultural flavours of Auckland, seasonal delicacies and award-winning wines. It’s the perfect way to really get a taste for Auckland’s food culture, learning from local coffee roasters, chefs, bakers and wine makers.
Alternatively, take in iconic sights of the city on a Power to the Pedal tour. Let an ebike do the hard work for you, while you cruise along dedicated cycle lanes, weaving through Auckland’s favourite neighbourhoods and parks and getting a true sense of city life up close.
Stretch your legs and enjoy the views from Maungawhau / Mount Eden. Mt Eden is the highest point (maunga) in Auckland, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views for some insta-worthy shots of the city and its harbours.
Finish your day with a fine dining experience at Ahi. Serving up fresh New Zealand food at its best, Ahi celebrates local produce from both land and sea, with seasonal ingredients dished up in the most authentic Kiwi way.
Head to the ferry terminal for a 40-minute trip on Fullers360 to Waiheke Island. Packed into this 92km² island is a world-renowned blend of luxury, relaxation, culture and adventure to discover.
Start the day with a ziplining experience that everyone can enjoy. EcoZip Adventures picks you up from the ferry terminal, takes you to the treetops where you glide above lush native canopies and a working vineyard with views back to the city. With your feet back on solid ground you can then explore an eco-immersive forest, home to geckos, weta, eels and glow worms.
Relax after the morning’s excitement in the picturesque grounds of The Heke, a restaurant, whisky distillery and craft beer brewery set on four acres that truly encompasses the friendly, laid-back island vibe.
Or, join a tour and sip your way through some of Waiheke’s 30 world-class wineries and sample exceptional cuisine at their restaurants. Long lunches on Waiheke Island are a favourite pastime of Auckland locals. Alongside beautiful vineyards, you can expect to see artisan shops, scenic olive groves and idyllic beaches, including Palm Beach, Onetangi and Oneroa.
Hop on the ferry back home, or consider elevating your experience on a Heletranz Helicopter to transport you across the harbour back to the mainland on a memorable scenic flight.
Head north of the harbour bridge to discover magical Matakana. With rolling green countryside on one side and untouched coastline on the other, Matakana is a popular holiday and day-trip destination for foodies and beachgoers.
From crafts to food to wine, you’ll notice there’s an artisan vibe that defines Matakana’s quaint village. If you’ve timed your trip with a Saturday, you can meet local makers and growers at the famous Matakana Farmers’ Market from 8am to 1pm.
Bring your appetite because you’re spoiled for lunch options. Sip on cocktails over tapas at Smiths, sample seasonal produce and craft beer at Sawmill Brewery, or wander through an open-air sculpture gallery at the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, before enjoying a delicious lunch and wine tasting onsite.
Once you’ve had your food fix, head to Tāwharanui Regional Park to discover scenic walking tracks and a sparkling white-sand beach set within a 588-hectare park. Pass through rolling pastures, native coastal forest, regenerating wetland and shingled bays. Have a dip, explore the ecology trails or simply snooze in the shade of the tree-lined shore.
And before you hit the road back to the central city, stop into Matakana Village to enjoy a scoop of gelato from Charlie’s Gelato – it’s a rite of passage.
For dinner, peruse Ponsonby Road and take your pick from award-winning eateries, relaxed gastro-pubs and sophisticated bars and soak in the energy of one of Auckland’s most popular neighbourhoods.