Nicknamed the City of Sails, Auckland is a harbour city almost completely surrounded by water and one of its highlights is its scenery. Many visitors on holiday in Auckland rush through the city thinking of it as just a gateway to the rest of the country. That’s a shame because Auckland is a very people friendly place. The main thoroughfare runs from north to south along a valley floor, which is why the streets climb steeply away from the main road. The best way to experience the harbour atmosphere is to take the 15-minute ferry ride to Devonport where you’ll find a fantastic beach. Auckland is in the north of New Zealand’s North Island.
Lively nightlife with a good music scene
Boating, yachting and mini-cruising
New Zealand’s best art galleries and museums
A city that isn’t centred around tourism
Opt for a money belt if you’re taking one of the many ferries. They can become crowded and sometimes there are pickpockets on board.
EU passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to six months but it’s recommended that your passport has twelve months before its expiry date. Many art galleries and museums have free entrance.
In Auckland summer runs from December to March and autumn from March to May. The winter season is June to August and spring is September to November. Summers are subtropical (32°C/90°F) with seven to eight hours of sun a day. Winters are warm (15°C/60°F).
Flights to Auckland take approximately twenty-eight hours.
Driving is on the left and New Zealand has an excellent and well signposted road network. Car rental companies are easy to find in the city.