Auckland 3 Day Itinerary

Auckland 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

Morning

  • Start at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (open from 10am) to see a collection of New Zealand and international art.
  • Walk to Albert Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city.

Afternoon

  • Visit Sky Tower (entry from $32 NZD) for panoramic views of the city and harbour.
  • Take a short walk to Queen Street, Auckland’s main shopping and dining street.

Evening

  • Dine at The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe, serving up delicious Belgian beers and dishes.
  • Stay at Jucy Hotel Auckland (dorms from $20 NZD, private rooms from $80 NZD), a funky and affordable option in the city centre.

Day 2: Island Getaway

Morning

  • Catch the ferry to Waiheke Island (return tickets from $35 NZD) for a day of relaxation and exploration.
  • Visit Oneroa Beach, a stunning white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters.

Afternoon

  • Take a wine tour at Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant (tours from $20 NZD), one of Waiheke’s most renowned wineries.
  • Grab lunch at The Fishbone Bar & Grill, serving up fresh seafood and BBQ delights.

Evening

  • Return to Auckland on the ferry and head to Ponsonby Road, a trendy neighbourhood with plenty of bars and restaurants.
  • Enjoy dinner at Dizengoff, a popular spot for delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.

Day 3: Nature Escapes

Morning

  • Drive to Waitakere Ranges (about 30 minutes west of Auckland) and hike the Kitekite Falls Track (free), a scenic walk through native bush.
  • Visit the Arataki Visitor Centre for stunning views of the Manukau Harbour.

Afternoon

  • Head to Piha Beach (about 45 minutes west of Auckland), a beautiful black-sand beach with rugged coastline.
  • Take a short walk to Karekare Falls, a picturesque waterfall in the Waitakere Ranges.

Evening

  • Return to Auckland and enjoy dinner at The Sugar Club, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.
  • Stay at YMCA Auckland City (dorms from $25 NZD, private rooms from $60 NZD), a comfortable and centrally-located option.

Things to Know

  • Auckland is prone to rain, so pack accordingly!
  • Be mindful of New Zealand’s cultural heritage and respect any Māori customs or protocols.
  • The city has a range of transportation options, including buses, trains, and ferries. You can use the AT HOP card for convenient travel.

Transportation

  • Use public transport: buses (from $1 NZD), trains (from $2 NZD), and ferries (from $10 NZD).
  • Taxis are also available, but more expensive.
  • Consider renting a car for Day 3 to explore the Waitakere Ranges and Piha Beach.

Tips

  • Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Take advantage of Auckland’s many free museums and galleries on certain days of the week or month.
  • Be prepared for variable weather and pack layers, waterproof gear, and sunscreen.