The waterside city of Auckland -- also known as the "City of Sails" -- is known for it nautical lifestyle. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland's backdrop is subtropical forests and volcanic terrains. Travelers booking flights to Auckland -- New Zealand's largest city -- will undoubtedly spend time in the water. The city is known for its ideal swimming conditions, water sports and of course, world-renowned yachting.
Auckland is home to more than 1.3 million people and it boasts the largest Polynesian population in the world. Travelers booking flights to Auckland are in for some excellent activities. Auckland has more boats per capita than any city; 22 regional parks; 50 islands; and more than 300 miles of hiking trails.
There's much to do in this metropolitan New Zealand city. Tourists heading to New Zealand will find their Auckland flights land them in a city booming with culture, diversity, and of course, a lot of boats.
Find flights to Auckland
Back to top
Auckland's maritime climate stabilizes the climate, and the city does not have temperature extremes. Rain falls throughout the year, but mostly in winter. Summer temperatures are in the high 70s (F) in January and February, and it tends to be humid. Winters are mild with temperatures in the 40s and 50s in July and August. Auckland rarely has freezing weather but occasionally gets a coating of frost.
Back to top
Peak Season:
The peak season is December through March. Tourists booking Auckland flights arrive to warm weather, and the crowds peak during summer school holidays (mid-December to late January). January and February have the best beach weather, and December and March can be very warm.
Easter weekend and Labor Day weekend (late October) are busy as are the holiday periods from mid-May to the end of May, the first half of July, and late August to mid-September.
Off Season:
Although cooler than the peak season months, November and April are much quieter and Auckland flights and accommodations are easier to find.
Find flights to Auckland
Back to top
An Airbus bus service leaves regularly (every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night) for the city center and costs NZ$15 for a single ticket. Shuttle buses also offer economical transportation between the airport and city or suburbs on a "shared ride" basis. Taxis are also available; the airport to city fare is approximately NZ$40.
Back to top
The center of Auckland is easily explored on foot, and buses and ferries provide transportation. Cycling or hiring a scooter are also good ways to explore the city and both can be rented for a half day or longer.
The bus service, called the Link, covers most places in Auckland’s center, and there are some free buses providing transport to the major tourist attractions. Ferries provide connections to the north shore suburbs and the Hauraki Gulf Islands.
Although a relatively easy city to drive in, Auckland’s public transportation makes driving unnecessary, and parking is difficult to find in the downtown area. If you are planning on exploring the suburbs, however, renting a car is a good idea.
Taxis can be hailed on the street or picked up at a stand, but are typically called.
Back to top
- When you’re in the waterfront area, don’t miss the chance to take a trip around the harbor on a yacht. The choice of vessels willing to take you out is almost overwhelming – including the Louis Vuitton boat from the Americas Cup. One particularly good trip is to take a boat ride to Hauraki Gulf. It takes just over two hours and you can enjoy some stunning views of the city as you head out. Many of the yachts will let you help with the sailing, or if you prefer, just sit back and enjoy the views. There’s no need to book in advance, just turn up and take your pick.
- The Auckland Observatory and Planetarium, better known as the Stardome is situated in the One Tree Hill district. As well as the spectacular planetarium, you can also see the real stars on a clear night through one of the Stardome’s telescopes.
- Spend a day shopping at Victoria Park Market. Once a garbage site, today the market – distinguished by its big tall, red chimney – is home to many artisan and craft boutiques. If you need a break from shopping, there are also many restaurants, cafés and a food court.
- For a meal with a view, have supper at the Orbit restaurant, on the top of the Sky Tower. The vista of the city is stunning from this altitude, and the restaurant slowly rotates throughout 360 degrees. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch or supper – and the price of a meal includes free entry to the observation level (normally charged at $25). The restaurant is very popular, however, so make sure you book in advance. For the best views, try and book a table at sunset.
- For a free view of the city, head up Mount Eden, a volcanic cone located near the center of the town. Popular with the locals, the spot is a great place for picnics, walks and to peer down into the volcanic crater, as well as out across the city.
Back to top
Auckland International Airport (AKL). The airport is situated 14 miles south of Auckland. Travelers arriving at Auckland airport can transfer to additional Auckland flights to other cities and countries in the South Pacific.
Back to top
