Perfect 1, 2, or 3 Day Auckland Itinerary With Helpful Tips for You

The running joke from anyone from Oceania or who has visited New Zealand is that you should spend 0 days in Auckland. If you think I’m joking, a Google search of things to do in Auckland leads to Redditors saying “leave”. And in response to how many days to spend in Auckland, they’ll say zero. And after spending one day in Auckland as a tourist, I get why they said it. I wouldn’t recommend visiting only Auckland in New Zealand—that would be a waste! But, if you’re coming to visit multiple parts of New Zealand, including Auckland, then this is for you. I’ll share how to make the best of your time in New Zealand’s largest city plus an Auckland itinerary, or three!

Auckland’s Reputation

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, and it used to be the capital city up until their Southern sibling, Wellington, took that title in 1865. It’s nicknamed the “City of Sails” due to the large number of yachts and sailboats in its harbors. According to the State of the City report by a U.K. firm, Auckland has maintained an easy-going lifestyle for residents but a decrease in livability from a lack of affordable housing and safety. The economy is also stunted, with a lack in attracting businesses and also top talent leaving the country for better opportunity.

But even without these findings, it’s clear even with friends I’ve spoken who are from New Zealand and Auckland. It’s a nice city to live in, with good shopping, cafes, restaurants, access to beautiful nature, and cultural places. But many of them have expressed wanting to move to Australia, where the salaries are higher but with the same cost of living. A handful also expressed their surprise in why I would ever want to spend 2 weeks in Auckland. And honestly, it’s because I didn’t know! If I had known what I know about Auckland now, I’d probably only have spent 3 days there and spent the rest of my time in Wellington. But hindsight is always 20/20.

But, that’s unfair to this city that still has a lot to offer. It seems like it gets a lot of negative reviews, but it shouldn’t dissuade you from enjoying your time there.

What about for tourists?

There are some great art galleries, museums, and natural landmarks to visit. But, if you’re looking for a vibrant city life, Auckland CBD comes short. Like many cities across the globe, downtown areas got hit hard by teleworking, and have never really recovered. During business hours, you can see workers grabbing lunch or coffee, but once workers go home, the business district is a ghost town. Most of the activity is now in the inner-city suburbs, which is great for locals and tourists who like to see daily life. But if you’re visiting and expecting New York City, you will be disappointed.

What I Loved About Auckland

The nature, food, and coffee are what I loved most about Auckland. I’ve never been to a city that has such great wildlife and scenery so accessible to the city center (well, maybe besides Sydney). The people are also so nice and the slower pace of life is a nice change from the hustle and bustle of California. I especially loved Mount Eden, an enormous volcanic crater just Southeast of the CBD that has stunning views of the city. Auckland also feels like a very family-centered city. You’ll see dozens of families out and about, and school kids in their uniforms constantly. The pace of life is not fast, so it’s perfect for relaxing with kids.

Where to Stay in Auckland

There are so many great neighborhoods to stay in Auckland and they are all close to downtown, which is where most of the tourist attractions are. If you want to stay near nightlife and attractions, the CBD is your best option. However, if you want more peace and quiet, any of the inner-city suburbs are a great option. Each suburb also has unique characteristics, so no matter what you like or what you want to be close to, there is somewhere for you. For example, Grey Lynn is great for a local experience, Newmarket is great for shopping lovers, and Mount Eden is great for nature lovers. I go in depth on each of the suburbs and other places to stay in Auckland here. I also recommend places to stay for each price point, include my personal favorite area, and how you can choose the best place for your trip.

Getting Around Auckland

It’s easy to explore Auckland by using public transportation. The buses connect the inner-city well and there are trains connecting to the suburbs. All the top tourist attractions are easily accessible via public transport—you can even use it to get to the Auckland airport (although, Uber is probably better). It’s easy to take with the HOP card, which is a tap card used to pay for all Auckland public transportation. I also have a post on how to take it here. Definitely read up on how to take Auckland public transport before you go, it’s a must!

How Many Days in Auckland is Enough?

3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Auckland. You’ll get a chance to see all the popular landmarks, and get a slice of what Auckland life is like. There’s not too many things to see until you get bored. There’s the business district, Auckland Art Gallery, waterfront, Auckland Domain and War Memorial Museum, and, my favorite Auckland attraction, Mount Eden. However, Auckland is one of the rare cities that I would say any span of time less than 3 days is also fine. As long as you prioritize what you want to see in one or two or three days, it’s enough.

And here’s why I know: I spent a whopping 2 weeks in Auckland last April, which is way too long.

On my second day, I gave myself the whole afternoon to explore the CBD, and after two short hours my friend and I saw pretty much everything. After that, I was happy to be leaving Auckland on a week-long trip through the North Island. But I still had about a week and a half to spend in Auckland when I returned. That means, though, I researched hard for things to do in Auckland and can recommend the best way to spend your time. So here are itineraries I’ve made to help you make the most of your trip to Auckland.

Auckland Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Days

The itineraries below are made so that you can add onto the previous itinerary. For example, if you are going to Auckland for 2 days, then the first day itinerary is the one day in Auckland itinerary + the new information on the second day itinerary. The itineraries stack on top of each other, making it easy to customize to your preferences. Likewise, if you are more interested in doing some things than others, feel free to swap items or use it as inspiration. These are merely recommended guides from someone who visited Auckland for a while, and my travel interests may differ from yours.

Tip: If you want more information on the items recommended here, you can find them in my things to do in Auckland post! I share the history, tips, fun facts, and more.

One Day in Auckland Itinerary

If you only have one day in Auckland, fear not! You can probably see all the main attractions of Auckland and leave satisfied. For one day in Auckland, I would prioritize the top tourist attractions. Here’s how to make the most of a short visit:

Hike Up to Mangawhau (Mount Eden)

This is my favorite tourist attraction in Auckland, and it’s one of the most famous sightseeing places here. Mangawhau is the largest volcano in Auckland and there is a huge volcanic crater in the center of it. It’s 50 meters deep! The volcano is also sacred to the Mana Whenua iwi, a Māori tribal group. This is a must do and it’s popular with both locals and tourists.

You can take a bus or Uber to the bottom of the mountain, and it’s a very easy hike to the top. It takes abut 20-30 minutes to hike to the crater, and there are multiple view points along the way. You get amazing views of Auckland, from the waterfront to the Eastern suburbs. There’s lots of grass and foliage, and ample shade as well.

You’ll find locals walking or running up and down for good exercise, but it’s probably the least crowded in the morning. If you want to swap it for later, it’s also a great spot for sunset.

Go for Brunch in Grey Lynn or Eden Terrace

After hiking, you’ll probably work up an appetite. Auckland is one of the best places to go for brunch, and you’ll find so many amazing brunch cafes. My favorite brunch spot is Benedict’s in Eden Terrace, serving up delicious brunch foods and great coffee. For a more casual spot, try out Neighbor Coffee for their famous toasties. Grey Lynn and Eden Terrace are inner-city neighborhoods just conveniently south of the CBD.

Or, go to Scarecrow, which is rustic organic brunch spot which is a 2 minute walk from the another itinerary item.

Visit the Auckland Domain

No visit is complete without a visit the oldest and one of the largest parks in Auckland. It formed from a volcanic eruption 100,000 years ago and has since been a popular local and tourist spot. Walk through the park and take in the scenery and stop by the greenhouse. The famous War Memorial Museum is also here, but to be honest, I think it’s worth skipping. I think it’s better for kids, and might be boring for those not interested in war history, or science exhibits geared towards children.

Visit the Auckland Art Gallery

Visit Toi o Tāmaki, the largest art institution in New Zealand which has over 17,000 pieces. They prioritize art engagement and cultural exchange, giving artists in New Zealand and the Pacific a space to create and share. From contemporary Maori art, to Chinese fashion designers, the gallery has a rotating exhibit of thought-provoking art.

The great thing about the gallery is that it is free! It’s open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily and a great way to learn about life in New Zealand. The building is also stunning and worth visiting alone.

Get Ice Cream at Giapo

After an afternoon of walking around, treat yourself to the famous Giapo ice cream shop. They make all their ice cream in house and offer classic Kiwi flavors like hokey pokey, a honey comb ice cream. They’re famous for their out-of-this-world chocolate decorations, but I personally fancy simple ice cream. Their ice cream cones are so delicious and it’s a must try when in Auckland.

Walk along the Waterfront

Grab your ice cream and start walking towards the waterfront. You can walk from Viaduct Harbor to Wynyard Quarter, where you’ll find seaside dining and skyline views. It’s a great place to catch sunset and the relaxing early evening vibes. By this time, you’ll probably be hungry.

Get Dinner in Ponsonby

Grab dinner in the best dining neighborhood in town—Ponsonby. This street is full of hip, trendy, and cozy eateries. You’ll find every type of cuisine here, from Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Argentinian, French, and more. You can’t go wrong sampling food from here. My personal favorite is Khu Khu Eatery, a well-loved vegan Thai spot.

A Sweet Nightcap

If you’re feeling for more sweet, you have to try the famous Duck Island Ice Cream. All their flavors are made in house and it’s ultra smooth, creamy, and delicious. My favorite is their fairy bread flavor! Alternatively, you can find a cute cocktail bar to savor a drink in before the night ends.

2 Days in Auckland Itinerary

After your first day in Auckland visiting the top attractions, now it’s time to experience a different side. This second day is meant for local activities and a slower pace of travel so you can really soak up the local ambiance. Here’s what you’re going to do on your second day (toggle between the different routes):

Get Brunch/Lunch in Mount Eden

There are a ton of yummy brunch cafes or restaurants to eat in this neighborhood. Try Raos Indonesian Street Food or enjoy some Chinese rice noodles at Julie’s. It’s perfectly situated south of central Auckland, close in proximity to another mountain of interest.

Visit One Tree Hill + Cornwall Park

One of the famous Kiwi attractions, One Tree Hill is a famous and sacred Maori volcanic peak. There is a huge landmark obelisk at the top you can hike to, which also gives panoramic views of Auckland. It’s also surrounded by Cornwall Park, which is well-maintained park full of green grass and flowers. You’ll also get to see cute brown cows grazing around, and there are numerous walking trails, cafes, and more. A great place to bring a picnic as well.

Visit Westfield Newmarket or Sylvia Park Shopping Center

Once you’re done soaking in the fresh fair, head to a local shopping center to see a snippet of local life. There is a popular Westfield shopping center located in Newmarket, which is surrounded by fancy boutiques and cafes. It’s a nice area to walk around and window shop in. But for something truly special, head to New Zealand’s largest shopping center, Sylvia Park Shopping Center. There are dozens of shops, a huge outdoor space in the middle of the mall, a cinema, and more. On the weekends, you can find hundreds of people shopping around.

Visit Mission Bay

After walking around the mall, you’ll probably want a change in scenery. Head to Mission Bay for great views of Rangitoto Island and a relaxing ocean promenade. It’s a cute seaside neighborhood with friendly, community vibes. Catch sunset here and grab a bite for dinner and end with the famous Movenpick ice cream.

3 Days in Auckland Itinerary

Once you’ve done the tourist attractions and gotten a taste of local life, I recommend venturing outside of Auckland! There is so much to experience on the outskirts of Auckland, and there are many, many tours or day trips to choose from. Here are some recommended options (you can toggle between the different routes):

Take a Tour to Coromandel

Visit this coastal town that has roots in gold-mining, and is now known for its stunning landscapes and laid back vibe. It’s also famous for its beaches and the Cathedral Cove, a naturally formed stone archway. This peninsula is lush with natures, greenery, and blue waters. It’s also one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations, so you know it’s beautiful.

It’s about a 2 and a half hour drive from Auckland, and there are tons of tour companies offering excursions to the lovely coast. Coromandel is a must do for every tourist and New Zealand resident.

Take a Day Trip to Waiheke Island or Tiritiri Matangi Island

Auckland is called the City of Sails for a reason! There are hundreds of yachts and sailboats in Auckland harbors, and there are numerous islands to sail to and visit. Obviously, unless you have Auckland friends who own boats, you’ll be taking a ferry to any of the nearby islands. Waiheke is a popular island for beach lounging and wine drinking. But I recommend you consider Tiritiri Matangi Island as a trip!

It’s a bird island sanctuary that houses dozens of New Zealand specific birds, many of which were close to extinction or are endangered currently. You might even get to spot a Kiwi bird! It’s a one of a kind experience you can’t get anywhere else in the world, and you’re supporting a good cause. you can read about how to get there and my experience in this post.

For any island you visit, you have to buy ferry tickets ahead of time, but it’s very easily done online.

Take a Wine Tour

Did you know that Auckland has a prominent wine region? West Auckland has dozens of local wineries that produce award-winning wine, from delicious reds to sparkling whites. If you’re a wine lover, you have to take a tour of the wineries there. Depending on how long you want to spend in the area, you can do a half or full day tour. I recommend NZ Wine Pro tours, and have taken one personally myself. My guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and I had a great time sampling some delicious wine. I did the Auckland Vineyard Shuttle and it’s a great deal.

Customizing Your Auckland Itinerary

Now that you know what there is to do and how to do it, the big question is how many days should you spend in Auckland? And the answer is, it depends. Depending on what you want out of this trip and your interests, the trip length varies. So, consider these questions when thinking about visiting Auckland:

• What interests you about this city?
• What sights would you want to see?
• Are you interested in more natural sights or tourist attractions?
• What is your budget?
• Are you interested in local New Zealand life?
• What is your expected travel pace?

How Many Days Should YOU Spend in Auckland?

You should spend 1 day in Auckland if: you are interested in tourist sites and experiencing the most popular places. Make the most out of one day!

You should spend 2 days in Auckland if: you want both the tourist and local experience.

You should spend 3 days in Auckland if: you want the tourist, local, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The main point is, if you want more experiences on your trip, the longer you should stay. Likewise, even if you only want to do touristy things, if you’re looking for a slower pace of travel, then your trip should be longer. My itineraries are made with a moderate travel pace in mind, where you have multiple items planned but still have flexibility for relaxing. The first day is probably the most intense travel day, since it prioritizes seeing most of the top attractions.

It’s hard to balance doing so many things at once, so prioritization is key. Also, take into account transportation time from one thing to the next. Most things in central Auckland are within a 30 minute bus ride (usually shorter) from each other.

Enjoy Auckland!

Despite its reputation for being boring, Auckland has a lot to offer tourists and can be an exciting trip. The slower pace of life combined with good food and drink and natural scenery provides a great way of life. It’s enjoyable and leisurely. There are tons of natural sites to see, great museums, and everything is accessible by bus. Depending on how you like to travel, what you want to see, and the time you have, one, two, or three days in Auckland is enough. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Auckland! Happy planning and happy travels!