Lana’s guidebook
City/town information
Auckland is with 1.5 million people New Zealand's largest city and the main business centre, located in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Near Downtown, Mission Bay Beach has a seaside promenade.
There is plenty to explore in Auckland. Enjoy a casual beach walk along the North Shore coast, join a Friday Night Rum Race with one of the Auckland's sailing clubs, explore numerous bushwalks scattered around the city, or indulge in barista coffee in one of Auckland's iconic cafes.
West Harbour is a part of Auckland located around the city's upper harbour. It is easily accessible via North Western or via Upper Harbour motorways. There is a ferry terminal located nearby our house from where you can catch a ferry to the CBD. Or you can stay in the neighbourhood and explore walkways, cafes and weekend markets of adjacent neighbourhoods Hobsonville and Hobsonville point. For those more adventurous, pack your surfboard and go catch a wave or two at Auckland's most prominent surf beaches - Piha and Muriwai.
Let us know your plan, what would you like to do and how would you like to spend your time in Auckland and we will be happy to point you in the right direction!
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Auckland
Auckland is with 1.5 million people New Zealand's largest city and the main business centre, located in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Near Downtown, Mission Bay Beach has a seaside promenade.
There is plenty to explore in Auckland. Enjoy a casual beach walk along the North Shore coast, join a Friday Night Rum Race with one of the Auckland's sailing clubs, explore numerous bushwalks scattered around the city, or indulge in barista coffee in one of Auckland's iconic cafes.
West Harbour is a part of Auckland located around the city's upper harbour. It is easily accessible via North Western or via Upper Harbour motorways. There is a ferry terminal located nearby our house from where you can catch a ferry to the CBD. Or you can stay in the neighbourhood and explore walkways, cafes and weekend markets of adjacent neighbourhoods Hobsonville and Hobsonville point. For those more adventurous, pack your surfboard and go catch a wave or two at Auckland's most prominent surf beaches - Piha and Muriwai.
Let us know your plan, what would you like to do and how would you like to spend your time in Auckland and we will be happy to point you in the right direction!
Neighbourhoods
Hobsonville and Hobsonville Point are two of the newer neighbourhoods in Auckland, and are located a short drive from our house. There are reserves, coastal walkway, a number of super cute cafes and a really cool weekend market.
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Hobsonville
Hobsonville and Hobsonville Point are two of the newer neighbourhoods in Auckland, and are located a short drive from our house. There are reserves, coastal walkway, a number of super cute cafes and a really cool weekend market.
Takapuna is one of the locals' favourite neighbourhoods in Auckland. The beautiful east coast beach is perfect for a swim, SUP or just a to read a book in the sun or in the shade of a tree. On the low tide, enjoy a long walk along the coastline that connects several neighbouring beaches, from Milford past Takapuna and all the way to Devenport. In the evening, sit down in one of the bars or restaurants and enjoy in a great food and service.
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Takapuna
Takapuna is one of the locals' favourite neighbourhoods in Auckland. The beautiful east coast beach is perfect for a swim, SUP or just a to read a book in the sun or in the shade of a tree. On the low tide, enjoy a long walk along the coastline that connects several neighbouring beaches, from Milford past Takapuna and all the way to Devenport. In the evening, sit down in one of the bars or restaurants and enjoy in a great food and service.
For the best views of Auckland's CBD, go down to Devonport. One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Auckland offers a view of the iconic colonial villas, located in between Mount Victoria and North Head (both also easily accessible). Sit down in one of the local cafes or restaurants, or catch a ferry to the CBD.
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Devonport
For the best views of Auckland's CBD, go down to Devonport. One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Auckland offers a view of the iconic colonial villas, located in between Mount Victoria and North Head (both also easily accessible). Sit down in one of the local cafes or restaurants, or catch a ferry to the CBD.
Ponsonby is conveniently located near CBD and the Westhaven Marina on one side and the famous K-Road on the other side. The long road offers a number of eclectic boutiques, pricey antique stores, lively bars and top notch restaurants.
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Ponsonby
Ponsonby is conveniently located near CBD and the Westhaven Marina on one side and the famous K-Road on the other side. The long road offers a number of eclectic boutiques, pricey antique stores, lively bars and top notch restaurants.
You cannot visit the city of sails without spending some time on the water. If nothing else take one of the ferries to go for a ride around the harbour or to visit some of the islands of Hauraki Gulf. If you are a bit more adventurous (and you are visiting in summer), check out with Richmond Yacht Club and join one of their Victoria Friday Night Special social sailings!
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Westhaven
You cannot visit the city of sails without spending some time on the water. If nothing else take one of the ferries to go for a ride around the harbour or to visit some of the islands of Hauraki Gulf. If you are a bit more adventurous (and you are visiting in summer), check out with Richmond Yacht Club and join one of their Victoria Friday Night Special social sailings!
For a great night out or fo just some good food, hit the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarters right next to it. It is only a short walk away from the CBD or about 20 min walk from the Westhaven Marina. If you are lucky, you might spot some of the America's Cup boats and/or teams around.
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Viaduct Basin
For a great night out or fo just some good food, hit the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarters right next to it. It is only a short walk away from the CBD or about 20 min walk from the Westhaven Marina. If you are lucky, you might spot some of the America's Cup boats and/or teams around.
Sightseeing
Catch a ferry and spend a day on Rangitoto, the third most symmetrical volcano in the world (or so they say). The track to the top of the cone is relatively easy (although it can be stip and slippery in some parts), and the summit offers unprecedented views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
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Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve
Catch a ferry and spend a day on Rangitoto, the third most symmetrical volcano in the world (or so they say). The track to the top of the cone is relatively easy (although it can be stip and slippery in some parts), and the summit offers unprecedented views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
For all nature and bird lovers, this is a must-visit place! Catch a ferry from the CBD, pack a lunch and spend a day in the unspoilt nature with great walks and fabulous views. If visiting in summer, don't forget your bikini to dip in the water while waiting for the ferry to return to the mainland.
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Tiritiri Matangi Island
For all nature and bird lovers, this is a must-visit place! Catch a ferry from the CBD, pack a lunch and spend a day in the unspoilt nature with great walks and fabulous views. If visiting in summer, don't forget your bikini to dip in the water while waiting for the ferry to return to the mainland.
On a rainy day (and especially if you are not visiting Wellington and its Te Papa) take time to visit Auckland's biggest museum. The three stories of culture, history and science offer great insights into New Zealand. A few times a day there are also Maori cultural shows (singing and dancing) scheduled and they are just awesome!
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Auckland War Memorial Museum
On a rainy day (and especially if you are not visiting Wellington and its Te Papa) take time to visit Auckland's biggest museum. The three stories of culture, history and science offer great insights into New Zealand. A few times a day there are also Maori cultural shows (singing and dancing) scheduled and they are just awesome!
If you are a competent surfer, you must catch a few waves at Auckland's favourite surf spot. Just be aware of the crowds (and strong currents)!
If you are not a surfer, you will enjoy visiting Piha just as much. It is just a short drive away from Auckland (about 40 min from our house), yet you will feel you entered a completely new world. Go for a walk along the beach, climb Lion Rock (short but steep and slippery) and go for a hike in a lush bush surrounding the beach.
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Piha
If you are a competent surfer, you must catch a few waves at Auckland's favourite surf spot. Just be aware of the crowds (and strong currents)!
If you are not a surfer, you will enjoy visiting Piha just as much. It is just a short drive away from Auckland (about 40 min from our house), yet you will feel you entered a completely new world. Go for a walk along the beach, climb Lion Rock (short but steep and slippery) and go for a hike in a lush bush surrounding the beach.
Another must visit spot for competent surfers! Everyone else, enjoy the views, a visit of the gannet colony, beach walks, a game of golf or little hikes in the area.
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Muriwai
Another must visit spot for competent surfers! Everyone else, enjoy the views, a visit of the gannet colony, beach walks, a game of golf or little hikes in the area.
Food scene
If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to visit! Their Dark Chocolate Beetroot cake is unreal! The cafe also offers a large selection of little savoury lunches, all absolutely delicious.
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Little & Friday
11 McColl StIf you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to visit! Their Dark Chocolate Beetroot cake is unreal! The cafe also offers a large selection of little savoury lunches, all absolutely delicious.
One of the best restaurants in town and a n absolute heaven for meat eaters. If you are a vegetarian, there is not much choice on the menu, however the platana dish is to die for!
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El Humero
40 Hurstmere RdOne of the best restaurants in town and a n absolute heaven for meat eaters. If you are a vegetarian, there is not much choice on the menu, however the platana dish is to die for!
Great food and a good selection of drinks. Perfect for a dinner, to start your night out, or just to grab a bite while observing the bypassers.
Good George North Wharf
1 Jellicoe StGreat food and a good selection of drinks. Perfect for a dinner, to start your night out, or just to grab a bite while observing the bypassers.