concept travel auckland

• Travel Info
• Testimonials

We recognise the nature of business travel can vary across different industries and we are able to adapt our services to each client’s unique travel requirements.

By working in partnership with our travel team Concept Travel can provide a travel solution and tools to assist in achieving your business objectives.

• Leisure Travel Recommendations

© 2014 Concept Travel. All Rights Reserved. Powered By Ultimo

Top 10 things to do in Auckland

Auckland is the perfect mix of city sophistication and a stunning natural playground.

World-class shopping and dining experiences are never too far from beautiful scenery that includes harbours and islands, volcanic cones, native bush and black-sand beaches. 

Discover 10 of the best things to do in and around Auckland city. 

1. Kayak to Rangitoto Island

Auckland Sea Kayaks, Auckland

By Miles Holden

Have you ever watched the sunset and had a BBQ on Rangitoto island?  Auckland’s most iconic island,  Rangitoto   is a dormant volcanic cone that sits just off the coast from the central city. Take a short ferry from downtown Auckland to walk to the summit for spectacular views, or glide across the harbour via paddle power on a  sunset kayak tour .

2. Discover art and culture

Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland

By Geoff Dunne

Learn about the Māori history and traditions at the  Auckland War Memorial Museum  and explore the modern and traditional world-class exhibitions at the  Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki .

3. SkyJump off the Sky Tower

Sky Tower Bungy, Auckland

By 100% Pure New Zealand

Looking for an adventurous weekend activity? Try jumping off the plane for a thrilling experience with Sk y dive Auckland (opens in new window) . Or go for a   SkyJump (opens in new window) from the iconic Sky Tower (opens in new window) , or walk its edge (opens in new window)  - 192 metres above ground level! And if that's not enough, head to the Auckland Harbour Bridge for New Zealand's only Bridge Climb or bungy (opens in new window) into the Waitemata Harbour. Epic!

4. Explore the Hauraki Gulf on a whale safari

Auckland, Auckland

By Alistair Guthrie

Spend a family-fun weekend spotting the rare marine life on  a Whale & Dolphin Safari (opens in new window) . The Hauraki Gulf is home to stunning coastlines, world-class vineyards, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches, and an active volcano. From dolphin spotting to luxury dinner cruises or racing an America's Cup yacht, there’s a maritime experience to suit every taste and budget.

5. Go stargazing on Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island by night, Tairāwhiti Gisborne

By Mark Russell

Go on a magical nighttime journey and marvel at the clear dark skies for stargazing with  Good heavens dark  sk y  experiences.  Great Barrier Island is the first in the world to be designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary – with only ten other places.   Great Barrier Island  is covered in lush native forest and you can hike the Aotea Track or visit the rare wildlife of Glenfern Sanctuary or relax on Medlands Beach.

6. Experience the Farmers' Market in Matakana

Matakana Farmers Market, Auckland

By Auckland Unlimited

Matakana’s   beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards, local arts scene, and picturesque village with a superb farmers' market make this region a divine destination. Pick up organic, seasonal produce, or savour some fresh delicacies by the river's edge at the Matakana Village Farmers Market. 

7. Indulge in world-class cuisine

Urban adventures in the city, Auckland

By Tourism New Zealand

Auckland is known for its cosmopolitan nature and the diverse food options are reflective of that. Auckland is  home to world-class food  producers . For those that are passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients, Auckland is sensational – embark on a tour with  The Big Foodie ,  Foodcraft (opens in new window)  or  Bush and Beach  and get to know Auckland gastronomy.

8. Visit Waiheke Island 'the island of wine'

Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Spend a weekend or a day or a few hours,  Waiheke Island  is the ultimate island retreat, just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown  Auckland . Best known as the 'island of wine' for its many wineries and vineyards, a wine tasting tour or an indulgent lunch is a must. Enjoy spectacular views and explore the beaches, restaurants, and other activities on the island.

Explore Waiheke

9. Explore the rugged beaches in West Auckland

Piha, Auckland

By Luke Thurlby

You're never too far from the sea in Auckland. In less than an hour's drive from the city centre, you can find yourself on wild  rugged beaches , where the Tasman Sea meets long, vast stretches of black sand. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops and gannet colonies or head to Piha, a popular surf beach, and Karekare, made famous as the backdrop for the film  The Piano .

10. Relax with glamping getaways

Castaways Resort, Karioitahi Beach, New Zealand

Looking for a relaxing weekend escape or a family-fun staycation?  Castaways Resort (opens in new window) , set on the cliffs at Karioitahi Beach on the Āwhitu Peninsula makes for a perfect escape to go glamping under the stars. With epic sea views, gourmet meals, luxury spa, and beauty treatments, it is complete with activities like archery, blokarting, clay bird shooting, and more. You could also explore luxury lodges and tents around Waiheke and the West Auckland beaches.

Find more glamping spots

Bonus. Immerse yourself in the world of movie making

Wētā Workshop Unleashed Auckland, Auckland

By Wētā Workshop Unleashed Auckland

Wētā Workshop Unleashed Auckland kids, Wellington

By Ocean Mead

Discover Wētā Workshop Unleashed (opens in new window) , Wētā Workshop’s global award-winning movie-making experience in Auckland. Explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets, focusing on the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi. It's your chance to get up-close and hands-on with enchanting environments, resident creatures, one hyper-realistic giant, a galactic robot, and much more.

#VisitAuckland

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

You may also be interested in

Top 10 things to do in Northland and the Bay of Islands long-arrow-right

Top 10 things to do in the Coromandel long-arrow-right

New Zealand itineraries long-arrow-right

Ski Travel Specialists

Concept travel limited, there is 1 travel broker working with ski travel specialists.

This site uses affiliates. Thank you for buying through our links and supporting this blog.

Auckland Itinerary – best things to do in Auckland in 1, 3 & 7 days

• October 23, 2023
• New Zealand , Oceania

Auckland is the beating heart of New Zealand’s North Island and the entry point for most travelers. As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is a dynamic cultural hub, offering a diverse range of experiences, from world-class dining to a thriving arts scene.

Having spent a few months here, I came to appreciate the conveniences of city living. Yet, what stood out was the stunning natural environment. The city is surrounded by lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and a multitude of serene islands scattered throughout the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland itinerary overview – the best of Auckland, New Zealand

How many days in auckland, where to stay in auckland, day 1 – auckland cbd, day 2 – waiheke island, day 3 – marine life, maori culture and volcanos, day 4 – rotorua, day 5 – cathedral cove, day 6 – waitomo glow worms, day 7 – fun and food, day 2 – waiheke island, maori culture and volcanos, day 3 – day trip of choice, 1 day in auckland itinerary, getting to auckland, getting around auckland, best time to visit auckland, new zealand, planning a trip to nz north island, new zealand travel insurance.

Below I’m sharing crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do in Auckland in 1, 2, 3 and 7 days.

These itineraries include unmissable sights in Auckland, some incredible day trips, and I also made sure you get plenty of fun into your days.

In a hurry? Book your Auckland essentials:

These are the top things to do in Auckland  that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on!

Sky Tower Observation Deck Auckland War Memorial Museum Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience Waiheke Island Gourmet Tour   Sea Life Aquarium Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo tour

These itineraries are designed to provide you with a diverse range of experiences in Auckland and its surroundings. I’ve aimed to find a balance between sightseeing, uncovering trendy spots in the city, and venturing into the outskirts.

I’ve condensed all of the best things to do and the most amazing places to see into these 1, 2, 3, and 7 day itineraries for Auckland. The longer your stay, the more day trips you’ll be able to do.

I’ll be giving you plenty of information with links to other relevant articles for each place or activity whenever I mention it for the first time. But since these activities repeat for different itineraries I left those as a list and you can refer back up for more info when needed.

Auckland City can be visited in just one short day. 2-3 days are a good amount of time to explore the city and a bit of the surroundings.

However, Auckland is also a great base for day trips to explore the wider area from. If you prefer to do day trips rather than doing a New Zealand North Island road trip, you could spend a week or more in Auckland.

For your stay, I highly recommend you pick an accommodation that is fairly central. The areas around Queen Street, the Sky Tower, Britomart, and Viaduct are perfect and here you’ll find a great selection of hotels.

Chic Princes Wharf Studio

HOME WITH VIEWS

This studio offers a chic escape in the heart of the action, with stunning harbor views and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

CHECK PRICES

SO/ Auckland

STYLISH & CENTRAL

Fusing urban luxury with creative design, avant-garde décor, exciting events, and delicious food, SO/Auckland brings a whole new level of fun to your stay.

Park Hyatt Auckland

HARBOUR LIVING

An exquisite waterfront retreat with world-class amenities, stunning vistas, and unparalleled hospitality in the heart of the city.

Read next: Where to stay in Auckland

Auckland 7 day itinerary

Queen Street

Queen Street, Auckland’s main thoroughfare, is the ideal place to explore, shop, dine, or simply soak in the dynamic atmosphere off this metropolis. It’s the city’s primary shopping and dining destination, offering a wide range of stores and eateries.

Auckland Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery, situated just off Queen Street, houses an extensive collection of traditional, modern and contemporary art.

The collection reflects New Zealand’s visual history, spanning from the earliest interactions between Māori and European explorers in the 1600s. In addition to its local focus, the gallery also maintains an international collection of paintings, sculptures, and prints.

Albert Park

Albert Park, just behind the Art Gallery is a historic park that offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Stroll beneath the lush canopy of trees, admire the ornate Victorian-era fountain, and enjoy the tranquility of this green retreat.

With its manicured lawns and charming pathways, Albert Park provides a perfect place for relaxation and a pleasant respite all while showcasing the beauty of New Zealand’s indigenous vegetation.

Auckland Sky Tower

The Sky Tower dominates the city’s skyline with a height of 328 meters (1,076 feet) and is the tallest building in Australasia. Between the 50th and 60th floor, there is a café, two restaurants, and two observation decks.

Book this Skip the Line ticket for access to the upper levels.

The highest observation deck is perched at an impressive 220 meters, offering vistas that stretch up to 82 kilometers in the distance. If you’ve got nerves of steel, you can lean against the slanted glass walls or even take a bold stroll on the glass floor.

The revolving restaurant atop the tower is an absolute delight. If you’ve snagged a reservation at either the Orbit 360 or Sugar Club restaurants, you’ll be treated to complimentary entry to the viewing deck as part of the experience.

If you’re after a bit of an adrenaline surge, try the SkyWalk that allows you to stroll around the tower’s outer edge, securely harnessed, while the truly adventurous can do a SkyJump for the ultimate adrenaline rush. You can jump off the 53rd floor at 192 meters high and safely land on your feet at ground level!

I’ve jumped off of taller stuff before but somehow the SkyJump was scarier. The sense of perspective gained from the Sky Tower far exceeded anything I’d felt when jumping into canyons or off bridges. Gazing down at buildings that appeared massive from the ground, their rooftops now distant made my heart skip a beat. Below them, people looked like tiny ants.

Book your ticket: Sky Tower Admission Ticket

Britomart or Viaduct for lunch

Britomart and Viaduct are two of Auckland’s vibrant waterfront precincts. Both areas provide a lively and picturesque setting to explore the city’s culture, cuisine, and waterfront beauty.

Britomart is a chic urban center where heritage buildings blend seamlessly with contemporary boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options. Just a stone’s throw away, Viaduct is a bustling harbor area filled with bars, restaurants, and beautiful views of the sparkling waters. In all honesty, you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants here.

Auckland Maritime Museum

Docked at the lively Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Maritime Museum isn’t just about old ships – it’s a journey through New Zealand’s wild and wacky maritime past.

From Maori waka canoes to cutting-edge ships, you’ll discover the stories of adventurous sailors, fearless explorers, and, of course, a few maritime mishaps along the way. It’s not your average history lesson; it’s a hands-on, wind-in-your-hair kind of maritime adventure.

Viaduct Harbour

Auckland has been a host city for several editions of the prestigious America’s Cup yacht race. This is a big deal because the America’s Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in international sailing.

Teams from around the world compete for the cup, and winning it is considered the pinnacle of yacht racing. You can get up close with the magnificent vessels and even hop aboard for a sailing adventure of your own.

Sail through Auckland Harbour

As you set sail on Waitemata Harbour, you’ll cruise past iconic sights such as the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport. Sit back and relax while you enjoy the views, or roll up your sleeves and learn to sail.

You can opt for a quick 1.5-hour cruise or elevate your experience with a dinner on board. If you opt for the later you’ll enjoy a 3-course dinner while safely anchored in the heart of Westhaven Marina.

Then, as twilight descends, watch in awe as the Auckland’s skyline illuminates.

Book your adventure: Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise with Dinner Auckland Sailing Experience

Waiheke Island, an island just off the coast of Auckland, is known for its stunning beaches and fantastic wineries. It is a popular escape from the busy city among locals and tourists alike.

In the morning, check out of your accommodation and make your way to the wharf to take the Passenger Ferry to Waiheke Island. The ferry goes every half an hour, takes about 45 minutes to get there. Buy your ferry ticket here .

You can start the day at the beach – either Oneroa Beach, which is a nicely sheltered beach but tends to get quite busy, or Onetangi Beach, the island’s largest beach that is great for swimming and has lots of cafés and restaurants around.

When you’ve soaked up enough sunshine, let’s taste some of that wine that Waiheke Island is so famous for! Book your hop-on, hop-off bus ticket to explore the wineries on your own or join this wine tasting tour if you’d like some company.

There are countless wineries to choose from, but Tantalus Estate also offer delicious craft beer on top of the wine. Alternatively, take a look at Obsidian. We love them for their down-to-earth simplicity and incredible wine.

In the evening everyone heads to Charlie Farley’s for a drink. Located right next to Onetangi Beach this is arguably the island’s most popular pub. We’re sure you’ll understand why once you’re sitting on their deck with a drink and watching the sunset.

Book your experience: Waiheke Island ferry ticket Waiheke Island wine tasting tour Hop-on, hop-off bus ticket Ferry and Bus pass

Today you’ll be exploring a little bit more of Auckland, its outskirts, NZ marine life, and learn about Maori Culture. If you’re looking for a chill day, pick between the dolphin cruise and Mission Bay. But it’s also possible to do everything on the list today, you’ll just have to pick up the pace a bit.

Dolphin and Whale-Watching Eco-Safari

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is pretty much an open-air aquarium, featuring five marine preserves and a constellation of islands. As one of the planet’s most biologically diverse marine parks, it serves as a habitat for approximately 23 distinct species, including a remarkable variety of six whale species.

This half-day catamaran tour from Viaduct Harbour takes you on a whale and dolphin watching safari. Keep an eye on the sky as well, as you might spot majestic seabirds like Australasian gannets, petrels, and terns, or even the adorable blue penguins.

Book your cruise: Dolphin and Whale-Watching Eco-Safari

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is Auckland’s go-to beach destination with a hefty dose of seaside charm. Hit the golden beach for a day of swimming, sunbathing, or beach volleyball with the locals. Or rent a kayak or even rent a SUP for an active adventure on the water.

When your appetite calls, head over to one of the cozy cafes or seafood restaurants along the promenade. De Fontaine is a great choice if you love beer and they have fantastic mussles too.

Sea Life Aquarium

Designed by the legendary explorer Kelly Tarlton over 30 years ago, the Sea Life Aquarium is a time-tested favorite attraction in Auckland, located just a skip and a hop from Mission Bay.

Discover the magic of the deep blue like never before with the world’s first-ever underwater viewing tunnels and marvel at the world’s largest Sub-Antarctic penguin colony exhibit, where these adorable creatures rule the ice. this is also the only aquarium worldwide where you can see Spiny Sea Dragons.

Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures, including colorful fish, majestic sharks, playful penguins, and mystical seahorses. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, touch pools, and informative talks.

Book your ticket: Sea Life Aquarium admission ticket

Auckland Domain and War Memorial Museum

The Auckland War Memorial Museum showcases a diverse collection, including Maori and Pacific artifacts, natural history exhibits, and military memorabilia. It’s a place to learn about New Zealand’s history, culture, and natural world, all housed in a striking neoclassical building with great city views.

The entire lower level is dedicated to Māori culture. Artifacts include a giant canoe known as a “waka,” totems, weaponry, and a splendidly adorned Māori meeting house, or “wharenui.”

A visit to the Auckland Museum is excellent for gaining insight into the life and history of New Zealand’s original inhabitants. And it’s not all serious business either! There are dinosaurs involved, too. Yes, dinosaurs!

While you’re here, make sure to explore Auckland Domain, yet another beautiful park in Auckland City.

Get tickets for the museum here .

Auckland is built on top of 50 volcanoes, The highest of which is Mount Eden . This 196-meter high hill stands in the middle of the city. You can take public transport to the base of the hill or visit as part of this city tour.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Mount Eden Park is a lovely spot for a walk, especially on sunny days. However, the real highlight is the summit. From here, you can peer directly into the former volcanic crater and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city.

Rotorua is known for three things: the smell of sulfur (and accompanying geothermal landscapes), Maori culture, and as the Adventure Capital of the North Island. It is the perfect mix of nature, culture, adventure, cuisine, and otherworldly landscapes.

I love Rotorua so much that I’d suggest you pack up and head to Rotorua for a few days and follow this itinerary. It would be a great way to split your week.

However, when you’re short on time, this day tour of Rotorua from Auckland is the perfect introduction to this incredible destination and includes a visit to Te Puia.

If you’re a LOTR fan, opt for this Hobbiton and Rotorua trip for a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set along with the magical Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland.

For those on a time crunch, this tour of Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves has you covered. But if you can spare an additional day, I’d recommend you split this into two trips as it’s quite a lot for just one day.

Read next: Rotorua itinerary Things to do in Rotorua Where to stay in Rotorua Best LOTR filming locations in NZ

Pristine golden beaches, secluded bays, misty rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and cliffside views make the Coromandel Peninsula an ideal destination for a memorable day trip. And the iconic Cathedral Cove is its crown jewel.

Cathedral Cove Beach is a true gem of New Zealand’s North Island. With its stunning natural archway and golden sands, this coastal paradise has graced many a postcard.

Getting there is a bit of a drive for just a day but oh-so-worth-it! Join this guided day tour to Cathedral Cove or, if you can spare a few days, explore Coromandel on your own accord.

Once in Ha Hei, you can reach Cathedral Cove via the Cathedral Cove track or via water by water taxi or on a kayak tour.

Book your adventure: Coromandel Peninsula Highlights from Auckland Cathedral Cove Classic Kayaking Tour

Read next: Your guide to the Coromandel Peninsula Where to stay on the Coromandel Your guide to Cathedral Cove

There are over 300 known caves in the Waitomo area. These caves are famous because of glowworms, illuminating the dark passages like a starry night. This day tour from Auckland includes Waitomo and Ruakuri caves for the ultimate eperience.

If you’re visiting on your own accord I recommend this black water rafting tour  for the ultimate experience. The raft is actually an inflatable donut and you’ll be leisurely floating down an underground stream while looking up at a starry sky of glowworms. Trust me, it’s magical!

Book your adventure: Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves

After all these packed days and loads of time on the road, you’ll appreciate a chill last day in Auckland dedicated to great food and fun. Or, if you’re up for it, head out west and explore Waitakere Ranges on this tour that includes a visit to Piha Beach.

But there’s no shame in starting the day easy, ideally with brunch at the Fed Deli. Once you’re fed and caffeinated, take your pick between the Wētā Workshop Unleashed or the All Blacks Experience , followed by this amazing Auckland food tour that will take you to all the best eateries in town.

Wētā Workshop Unleashed

Just across the street from the Sky Tower, the Wētā Workshop Unleashed is where you’ll discover the real secrets behind movie magic. From epic props to incredible special effects, you’ll dive deep into the nitty-gritty of special effects, prop-making, and movie magic.

If you’re a movie fan, make sure to book your tickets to this interactive journey into the real secrets of cinema.

Book your tour: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Admission Ticket

All Blacks Experience

The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby union team, are the pride and honor of Aoteora, where Rugby is almost a religion (and more than religion to some). Whether you’re a dedicated rugby fan or just keen to explore Kiwi culture, this hands-on All Blacks tour offers insights and entertainment.

The All Blacks are known for their powerful pre-game haka ritual and team culture, which places a strong emphasis on humility, hard work, and respect for the game. This culture is often credited as a key factor in their success.

On the tour, you’ll discover intriguing stories about the team and renowned players, view All Blacks memorabilia, and experience the electrifying Haka.

Book your adventure: All Blacks Experience Admission

Auckland Food Tour

Bid farewell to Auckland in the most hedonistic way possible on this food tour.

Book your feast: Auckland Food Walking tour

Auckland by night

As the night falls and the city lights turn on, pedal through Auckland and experience the vibrant nightlife, beautiful skylines, and magical light installations.

On this e-bike tour, you’ll explore Britomart’s shopping district, waterfront views, neon highlights on Queens Wharf, the illuminated city skyline from the Viaduct, and the trendy Wynyard Quarter. You’ll cycle on the pink Te Ara I Whiti/The Lightpath and do a scenic ride through Grafton Gully, where the Port of Auckland’s lights provide a stunning backdrop.

Book your adventure: City Lights e-bike tour

Auckland 3 day itinerary

Three days in Auckland is a great amount of time to explore the city and its surroundings. This itinerary is a bit more packed than the week-long one.

Auckland Art Gallery and Albert Park

Auckland Sky Tower | Sky Tower Admission Ticket

Interactive tour | Wētā Workshop Unleashed | All Blacks Experience Admission

Auckland Food Tour | Auckland Food Walking tour

Auckland Harbour | Sailboat Cruise with Dinner | Sailing Experience

Waiheke Island | Waiheke Island Gourmet Tour | Ferry and Bus pass

Sea Life Aquarium | Sea Life Aquarium ticket

Auckland Domain | Auckland War Memorial Museum tickets

Mount Eden | Auckland city tour

Auckland by night | City Lights e-bike tour

Rotorua, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland

Hobbiton and Rotorua trip from Auckland

Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave

Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour

Coromandel Peninsula Highlights from Auckland

If you only have one day in Auckland, it will be a packed one. I’ve cut down on the galleries and museums in lieu of other experiences, but the Auckland Museum is one I believe you should not miss out on.

Auckland Harbour | Sailing Experience

Auckland is the primary arrival gateway for most travelers entering New Zealand and is well connected with the rest of New Zealand and the world.

By Air: Auckland is served by Auckland Airport (AKL), the country’s largest and busiest international airport. It offers connections with numerous international and national destinations. From the airport, it’s just a short shuttle drive to the city center.

By Sea: Auckland’s harbor is a hub for cruise ships, making it a popular port of call for international cruise travelers. The ships dock in the heart of Auckland so exploring the city is easy, even on foot.

By Car: If you’re traveling from within New Zealand, you can conveniently reach Auckland by car, or motorhome. The city has an extensive road network, and major highways like State Highway 1 connect Auckland to other regions.

By Bus: Getting to Auckland by bus is a convenient and budget-friendly option for travelers within New Zealand. The city is well-connected to various regions through an extensive bus network and the bus stop is conveniently located within easy reach of the city center.

By Train: Auckland is also accessible by train, offering a relaxed and eco-friendly way to travel to the city. The scenic Northern Explorer train from Wellington is known for its breathtaking views, including picturesque countryside and coastal vistas.

Auckland boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries, making it easy to explore the city and its surrounding areas. You can also rely on ride-sharing services and taxis for convenient and flexible transportation. This hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to explore the main highlights.

Auckland is a great destination year-round, but you’ll get longer days and warmer temperatures when visiting between mid-November to late April.

Considering Auckland’s geography, it’s not uncommon to get 4 seasons in a day, no matter the time of the year. It can be raining one minute and you’ll get sun burnt the next, especially if you’re not yet used to the strong sun in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s North Island is beautiful and incredibly diverse, and there is so much to eplore! Follow this New Zealand North Island itinerary for the adventure of a lifetime. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of  New Zealand travel guides .

NZ Itineraries:   2&3 week North Island itineraries 2 & 3 week South Island itineraries

Auckland: Where to stay in Auckland Best day trips from Auckland

Rotorua: Rotorua itinerary Things to do in Rotorua Where to stay in Rotorua

Coromandel: Your guide to the Coromandel Peninsula Where to stay on the Coromandel Your guide to Cathedral Cove

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and we’ve learned that the hard way!

ACC in New Zealand covers you for accidents but if you get sick or lose your luggage you’ll need good insurance to cover it for you.

We always get insured before we leave and Travel Insurance Masters is our go-to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations here.

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief behind Craving Adventure.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

Australia and Oceania Chevron

New Zealand Chevron

Auckland Chevron

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Auckland, New Zealand

By Petrina Darrah

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Auckland is a city with many faces. Known locally by its Māori name , Tāmaki Makaurau, the city has a cosmopolitan heart with some of the best dining, drinking, and shopping in the country. Yet, urban sprawl quickly gives way to landscapes of New Zealand ’s signature beauty here; to the west, the forested hills of the Waitākere Ranges border black sand beaches pummeled by surf. To the east of the city is the island-studded Waitematā Harbor.

Culturally, Auckland is just as diverse. More than forty percent of the city’s residents were born overseas, with significant communities of people from Pacific nations like Samoa and Tonga, and relatively close Asian countries such as India and China . This gives Auckland a multiculturalism reflected in eclectic food, art, and festivals. And with the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking over Eden Park, Auckland is deservedly having a moment in the sun. Here are all the best places to explore in New Zealand’s largest city.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With the aim of defining a modern Pacific and New Zealand dining experience, Mr Morris's food is local, ethical, and seasonal. Dishes include New Zealand grass-fed beef, green-lipped mussels, and fire-roasted tuatua shellfish.

Where to eat

Auckland’s food scene is both expansively global and fiercely local. Cuisine is influenced by traditions from across the Pacific, Asia, and Europe. At the same time, chefs are increasingly celebrating the bounty of ingredients harvested, gathered, and foraged from the rich soils and coastlines of both islands.

Explore the restaurants dotted around central Auckland’s waterfront and you can savor flavors from across New Zealand without leaving the city.

On the menu at Homeland , chef Peter Gordon’s ‘food embassy for Aotearoa and the Pacific’ located in the waterfront Wynyard Quarter, you’ll see creamed paua from the Chatham Islands, and pork belly cooked in the traditional hāngī (earth oven) style. Kūmara, a sweet potato brought to New Zealand by early Māori settlers, is wood roasted and served with pesto made from kawakawa, a native plant.

A short distance away in the Viaduct Harbour is Hello Beasty . This restaurant serves East Asian fusion cuisine. Influences include Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine, resulting in a menu with bold, creative flavors, like the slow-cooked New Zealand lamb in Sichuan sauce.

Further along the waterfront, in the glittering Commercial Bay shopping center which sits in the heart of Auckland, is Ahi (which means fire in te reo Māori). Chef Ben Bayly not only sources ingredients from around New Zealand but from the restaurant’s own organic kitchen garden. On the menu are wild-shot red deer and wallaby tartare, made with meat from wild wallabies hunted in the South Island. The carefully curated wine list at Ahi represents the diversity of New Zealand’s wine regions and styles, from Central Otago pinot noir to Hawke’s Bay viognier.

The sleek Britomart precinct, adjacent to Commercial Bay, is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. Among these is Mr Morris , opened by chef Michael Meredith in 2020 with the aim of defining a modern Pacific and New Zealand dining experience. The food, ranging from New Zealand grass fed beef and green-lipped mussels to fire-roasted tuatua (a type of shellfish) is local, ethical, and seasonal.

Another Britomart restaurant, Alma , is inspired by Andalusian cuisine. Alma’s food style embraces smokey flame-charred flavors from this far off region while remaining committed to seasonal, local produce like Te Matuku oysters from Waiheke Island.

Waiheke Island’s  pristine beaches and coastal walkways are an added bonus: most people come here for the wineries' Bordeaux blends and sweeping views.

To truly get to know Auckland, it pays to venture out of the city’s central business district. Queen Street, the main artery of the central city, is a busy thoroughfare dominated by big brand names and global chains.

Laura Kiniry

Blane Bachelor

Stacey Lastoe

Both Ponsonby Road and Karangahape Road, bordering the city center, have more charm. Both are excellent places to get to know New Zealand’s independent creators and designers. Karangahape Road is famous for its vintage shopping and art galleries, as well as drag cabaret and gay bars. Stop by Crushes to find goods and gifts made in New Zealand, and Tautai Gallery to see exhibitions from emerging and established Pacific artists. Adjacent Ponsonby Road features a string of independent boutiques. Step into the apothecary style fragrance store Curionoir , browse the aesthetic jumble of vintage homewares at Flotsam and Jetsam , or peruse wares from New Zealand fashion designers such as Kate Sylvester or Juliette Hogan.

Both roads have cafes aplenty, and picking up a flat white is a quintessential part of living like an Aucklander. Stop by Orphan’s Kitchen on Ponsonby Road for an inventive brunch menu, or Daily Bread for incredible baked goods. Bestie Cafe on Karangahape Road is a restful place to pause. Located in the historic Saint Kevins Arcade, the cafe offers views across Myers Park to the Sky Tower.

Despite being a city of 1.6 million—enormous by New Zealand standards—Auckland’s skyscrapered center is barely 45 minutes from bush or a beach, in any direction. Strike out west and follow narrow roads through native bush to reach Piha, a legendary surf beach and laid back coastal enclave. Climb Lion Rock, jutting up from the middle of the beach, for sunset views of the salt spray drenched coastline.

One of the best ways to spend a day in Auckland is to hitch a ride on a ferry across to Waiheke Island’s pristine beaches and coastal walkways. Most people come here for the wine; the island is laced with rows of grapes which are bottled into luscious Bordeaux blends. Enjoy wine tasting with sweeping views at wineries like Mudbrick , Tantalus Estate , or Stonyridge.

If you’re more interested in wildlife than wine, take a ferry to the island sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi instead. Here you can see some of New Zealand’s rarest native birds, like the saddleback, kōkako, and takahe. Or, spot marine wildlife on a whale and dolphin safari . Whale watching trips leave from downtown Auckland and tour the Waitematā Harbour to spot the dolphins, Bryde’s whales, and even sharks, seals, and penguins.

The Hotel Britomart melds sustainability and impeccable design in for a feeling of calmness in the busy Britomart shopping area.

Where to stay

There’s no shortage of stylish hotels clustered around Auckland’s waterfront. The Hotel Britomart is one of the newer additions to Auckland’s hotel offerings, opening in 2020. The hotel is a bastion of calm in the buzzing Britomart shopping area, with strong sustainability credentials and impeccable design. Local materials are championed throughout the hotel—the timber-lined room interiors more closely resemble stylish cabins than inner city hotel rooms. If you don’t want to stray too far for dinner in the evening, kingi is The Hotel Britomart’s superb seafood restaurant.

Art- and design-focused QT Auckland by Auckland’s Viaduct Harbor has the added bonus of a rooftop bar popular among the city’s office workers. Some of the more personality-driven places to stay in Auckland are a little removed from the central business district. On a quiet, tree lined street in Ponsonby is Hotel Fitzroy , which houses 10 luxurious rooms in a restored 1910 villa. In the neighboring suburb of Grey Lynn is The Convent Hotel , which is exactly what it sounds like—a renovated convent. The former nunnery reopened as a boutique hotel in 2020, with 22 character filled rooms. The Convent Hotel is also home to Ada, a restaurant wildly popular with locals.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Cosmopolitan Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the world, is the home to a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as busy harbours and beautiful beaches. The best views of the city can be seen from Auckland's Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere, and from Mount Eden's summit, the highest point in the city. Auckland Harbour Bridge, connecting Auckland to the North Shore, is an iconic symbol of the city. Don't miss our guides to New Zealand's North Island, the South Island and Wellington - see all here.

Where to stay in Auckland

AACHEN HOUSE

39 Market Road, Remuera Auckland (00 64 9 520 2329; www.aachenhouse.co.nz ). Exquisitely restored Edwardian villa with plenty of modern comforts. Located in the genteel and well-heeled suburb of Remuera, Aachen House is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre. £££

COTTER HOUSE

4 St Vincent Avenue, Remuera, Auckland (00 64 9 529 5156; www.cotterhouse.com ). Regency mansions can be hard to find in Auckland, but if you head out to residential district of Remuera, you will find a bit of Old World glamour at the Cotters House. This beautiful hotel can be booked per room and as a whole - ideal if you are looking for a bit more privacy. The two guest rooms and two suites are very sumptuous and come with Egyptian cotton bed linen, DVD-players and internet access. £££

HILTON AUCKLAND

Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, Auckland (00 64 9 978 2000; www.hilton.co.uk/auckland ). Not your typical Hilton: über-trendy retro futurism in a gleaming wharf shed redeveloped to resemble a cruise-liner. Located in a prime spot on the harbour front, Hilton Auckland is one of the city's most striking hotels. Its multi-million refurbishment was completed with the relaunch of White, its harbour-side restaurant. £££

6 Tweed Street, St Mary's Bay, Auckland (00 64 9 376 3489; www.mollies.co.nz ). Located in a leafy residential street near the centre, with views across Waitemata Harbour to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mollies is eclectic and theatrical. Frances Wilson, who inherited this family inn, is also a renowned opera teacher. The 13 plush suites are full of wonderful curiosities, each with a balcony, an enormous bed and a sumptuous bathroom. The Dining Room restaurant is unashamedly romantic and has won countless awards, but if you loathe the sound of young baritones practising, you ought to stay elsewhere. £££

STAMFORD PLAZA AUCKLAND

22 Lower Albert Street, Auckland (00 64 9 309 8888; www.stamford.com.au ). A modern multi-storey hotel with an impressive inside, the Stamford Plaza Auckland has 332 rooms decorated in a seamless European/Asian mix. Located in the heart of the business district, the hotel goes all out to cosset business people with secretarial services. The Brasserie Restaurant is open from breakfast, and Patisserie on Albert is one of the best patisseries in New Zealand. There is a great chance that you will bump into a celebrity or head of state at the Stamford Plaza - Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Lionel Richie have all stayed here. £

THE HERITAGE AUCKLAND

22-24 Nelson Street, Auckland (00 64 9 379 8553; www.heritagehotels.co.nz ). Housed in a department store from 1932, The Heritage Auckland opened in 1998. The hotel has an offbeat edge, well-equipped rooms with both washing machines and microwaves, and is located in the heart of the business district. Hectors Restaurant is set in the hotels seven-storey atrium, and the Lobby Bar has retained its art deco design. Book one of the north-facing rooms for a view over the harbour. £

THE PEACE & PLENTY INN

6 Flagstaff Terrace, Devonport, Auckland (00 64 9 445 2925; www.peaceandplenty.co.nz ). Located in Devonport, a glorious ferry ride across the harbour from the city centre, the Peace & Plenty is an elegant Victorian villa. Owner Judy Machin makes you feel like you've crossed the world to visit a friend and the seven charming rooms are neither too cutesy nor overstuffed with antiques. All have garden views; some have flower-filled balconies. Try this for breakfast: homemade muesli with fresh fruit, fresh muffins or line-caught salmon served with organic poached eggs. ££

QUAY WEST SUITES AUCKLAND

8 Albert Street, Auckland (00 64 9 309 6000; www.mirvachotels.com ). Located in the business district, near the cafés and fashion shops on Vulcan Lane, Quay West is business-like yet homey: many relocating to New Zealand live here for months and the staff are friendly. The 52 suites have everything you need: a balcony, sitting room, kitchen and compact laundry room. Breakfast is served in the lounge, and there's 24-hour room service (although the menu is limited), but the kitchens are well-equipped and can be stocked on request. ££

WESTIN LIGHTER QUAY

21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Lighter Quay, Auckland (00 64 9 909 9000; www.westin.com ). Located on the buzzy waterfront, in the Viaduct area, the U-shaped hotel sits out over the water and is decorated in a striking modernist style. It has 172 chic, simple yet luxurious rooms: the three corner harbour-view rooms are the pick of the mid-price range. New Zealand-born chef Mark Gregory returned from London in 2007 to open Q Restaurant and Bar. £££

Where to eat out in Auckland

DINE BY PETER GORDON 90 Federal Street, Auckland (00 64 9 363 7030; www.skycityauckland.co.nz ) Located on the third level of the Skycity Grand Hotel, Dine by Peter Gordon is by far one of Auckland's best restaurants. The a la carte menu offers mouth-watering fare such as miso marinated Akaroa salmon on roast kumara with a sweet-corn ginger puree and roast Cambridge duck breast with Spanish black-bean puree and cranberry galangal compote.

EURO Shed 22, Princes Wharf, Auckland (00 64 9 309 9866; www.eurobar.co.nz ). Food lovers can't get enough of this waterfront restaurant, serving as much locally produced and organic food it possibly can. "Simple and elegant, traditional but flavoursome, easy on the eye and palate" is Euro's motto.

FRENCH CAFE 210 Symonds Street, Auckland (00 64 9 377 1911; www.thefrenchcafe.co.nz ). As the name of the place clearly states, the food served in this restaurant has its roots firmly attached in modern European cooking. Chef and owner Simon Wright has trained in some of the best restaurants in Europe, and his passion for France can clearly be seen in his menus. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Auckland. Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

CNT Editors

Charley Ward

Olivia Morelli

Arati Menon

KERMADEC Viaduct Quay, corner Lower Hobson and Quay Streets, Auckland (00 64 9 304 0454; www.kermadec.co.nz ). Named after the Kermadec Islands halfway between New Zealand and Tonga, Kermadec opened in 1994 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The menu combines European flavours with New Zealand produce, while the more relaxed brasserie gives guests the opportunity to admire the outstanding views of the harbour. A fine dining option is also available.

SAILS Westhaven Marina, Westhaven Drive, Auckland (00 64 9 378 9890; www.sailsrestaurant.co.nz ). Sails is always going to be a classic venue for good food and atmosphere in Auckland. Set in the Westhaven Marina, the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, Sails serves beautifully cooked and presented food, such as pure beef fillet with horseradish dauphinoise , asparagus, wild mushrooms and truffle hollandaise and crayfish straight from the tank. Open for lunch Monday to Friday. Dinner is served daily.

What to see in Auckland

MUSEUMS AND GALELRIES

AUCKLAND ART GALLERY Corner Wellesley and Kitchener Streets, Auckland (00 64 9 307 7700; www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz ). This is the largest art institution in New Zealand. The permanent collection contains a large number of works by New Zealand, Maori and Pacific artists, both historic and contemporary. The Gallery also showcases European paintings, sculptures and prints, from 1376 to today. Don't miss the New Gallery, an added wing to the main museum, on the corner of Wellesley and Lorne Streets.

AUCKLAND MUSEUM The Domain, Auckland (00 64 9 306 7067; www.aucklandmuseum.com ). If you want to learn everything there is to know about the history of New Zealand and its Maori heritage, this is the place to go. Auckland Museum shows 'the natural, cultural, and social history' of the country, and has plenty of interesting short-term exhibitions. It also hosts daily Maori performances. Open daily.

KELLY TARLTON'S ANTARCTIC ENCOUNTER AND UNDERWATER WORLD 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland (0800 80 50 50; www.kellytarltons.co.nz ). Built completely underground to best resemble the natural habitat of the species on show, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World offers a rare chance to see some rare creatures. A see-through acrylic tunnel protects you from the water, and provides close encounters with sharks, stingrays and a large colony of penguins. Open daily.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Corner Quay and Hobson Streets, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland (00 64 9 373 0800; www.nzmaritime.org ). Situated in the heart of Auckland's harbour, the National Maritime Museum holds a large number of Polynesian and Maori vessels, artefacts from the history of whaling and trading along the coast, settlement and immigration, and European discovery voyages. Open daily.

Where to shop in Auckland

DEPARTMENT STORES

SMITH AND CAUGHEYS 261 Queen Street, Auckland (00 64 9 377 4770; www.smithandcaugheys.co.nz ). New Zealand's favourite department store is represented both in downtown Auckland and in Newmarket. Level one contains the fashion hall, with brands like Benetton and Ralph Lauren. The Fine Foods Department is also well worth a visit, stocking both local and European goodies. Open daily.

KAREN WALKER 15 O'Connell Street, Auckland (00 64 9 309 6299; www.karenwalker.com ). Feminine fashion as shown during London Fashion Week, Karen Walker is a native Kiwi with a good reputation and plenty of customers in her home country. The shop on O'Connell Street also stocks Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Victor and Rolf.

TRELISE COOPER Princes Wharf, Quay Street, Auckland (00 64 9 366 1964; www.trelisecooper.com ). Feminine and funky clothes, designed by Kiwi native Trelise Cooper, are sold in this shop. Trelise Cooper provides slightly serious clothes for women between the ages of 30 and 55, whereas Cooper by Trelise Cooper caters to a younger audience.

ZAMBESI Corner Vulcan Lane and O'Connell Street, Auckland (00 64 9 303 1701; www.zambesi.co.nz ). Established by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay in 1979, Zambesi has become known in the southern hemisphere for its cool designs, with sharp edges and flowing fabric. The label avoids obvious trends to produce timeless fashion, and is heavily inspired by the nature and landscape of New Zealand. The shop also sells Nom*D's dark, intellectual and deconstructed clothes ( www.nomd.co.nz ).

NEW ZEALAND WINEMAKERS CENTRE Corner Victoria and Elliot Streets, Auckland (00 64 9 379 5858; www.nzwinemakerscentre.co.nz ). This shop houses one of the largest collections of New Zealand produced wine bottles in the country. The Winemakers Centre also delivers wine around the world for a small fee. Open Monday to Saturday.

The best things to do near Auckland

BAY OF PLENTY Head to the Bay of Plenty for beautiful stretches of beaches and secluded bays. Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane are the biggest towns in the area, and are rich agricultural suppliers to the rest of New Zealand.

LAKE TAUPO The largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo, is situated in the centre of the island. It is a very popular spot for fishing, in particular because of its abundant quantities of trout and eel.

NORTHLAND At the top of the island, Northland has a strong Maori heritage, and is the home to numerous sites of historical interest. It is also the place to go for sailing, big game fishing and for taking pleasure cruises. There are still some Kauri trees to be seen, although many were felled during the 19th-century. Cape Reinga and Spirits Bay, on the northernmost tip of the island, are believed to be the place from which the souls of the dead depart on their journey to the afterlife, according to Maori folklore.

ROTORUA Known as 'the thermal wonderland' due to its hot mineral springs, boiling mud, geysers and volcanoes, Rotorua is unmissable on a trip to New Zealand. Hydrogen sulphide gas produced by the geothermal activity underground is to blame for the unfortunate rotten egg odour in the area.

How to get to Auckland

AIRPORT New Zealand's main international airport is Auckland International Airport at Mangere (00 64 9 275 0789; www.auckland-airport.co.nz ), 24km south of the city. There are other international airports at Wellington and Harewood, close to Christchurch.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK Air New Zealand (0800 028 4149; www.airnewzealand.co.uk ) British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.britishairways.com )

Both fly to Auckland via Los Angeles. Air New Zealand offers connecting flights to numerous destinations within New Zealand.

Tourist information for Auckland

NEW ZEALAND TOURISM BOARD Skycity, corner of Victoria and Federal Streets (00 34 9 367 6009; www.newzealand.com ). There are plenty of i-SITE tourism offices run by the New Zealand Tourism Board across the country and in Auckland, offering advice on accommodation, tours and sights.

• Top Destinations
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Tokyo, Japan
• Paris, France
• Rome, Italy
• London, United Kingdom
• All Destinations
• Upcoming Experiences
• Walking Tours
• Small-Group Tours
• Tours for Kids
• Museum Tours
• Food, Wine and Market Tours
• Newly Added Tours
• Audio Guides
• Pre-Trip Lectures
• Admin Dashboard
• My Favorites
• Client Orders
• Monthly Commissions
• My Advisor Profile
• Advisor Toolkit
• Guide Dashboard

Credit Balance

Transactions are based on current exchange rates and performed in USD. There maybe slight variations in the price estimates.

Explore with Local Experts Host-led experiences for those who love to dive deep into local life (4.76) See all 57,211 reviews

Bundle and save, add 3 or more tours to your cart and save 15% with code bundle15. with 500 experiences in 60+ destinations worldwide, context is everywhere you want to be..

Just you, an expert, and your travel companions

Connect with other travelers

Explore the city at your own pace

Inspire future travels and learn before you go

Venture out a little farther

Perfect for young, curious travelers

What Our Guests Are Saying

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

• Our Experts
• Working with Context
• View All Cities
• Sustainable Tourism
• Refer a Friend for $50
• Travel Updates
• Advisor Login
• Expert Portal

Subscribe to our Newsletter

• Privacy Statement & Security
• Cancellation Policy

Our website uses cookies to personalize your experience, perform analytics, and tailor ads. By clicking accept, you consent to our use of cookies. To view our data privacy policy, click here .

Our website uses cookies to personalize your experience, perform analytics, and tailor ads. By using our site, you consent to our use of cookies. To view our data privacy policy, click here .

Concept Travel Limited

Concept Travel Limited was incorporated on 10 Dec 2012 and issued a New Zealand Business Number of 9429030429741. The registered LTD company has been managed by 2 directors: Greig Leighton - an active director whose contract started on 03 Apr 2017, Julie Lewisham - an inactive director whose contract started on 10 Dec 2012 and was terminated on 03 Apr 2017. As stated in our data (last updated on 21 Mar 2024), the company filed 1 address: Suite G3, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland, 1023 (types include: registered, physical). Up until 20 Aug 2020, Concept Travel Limited had been using Suite G3, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland as their registered address. A total of 40000 shares are issued to 3 groups (4 shareholders in total). When considering the first group, 39900 shares are held by 2 entities, namely: Greig Leighton As Trustee (an other) located at Mount Eden, Auckland postcode 1024, Caroline Leighton As Trustee (an other) located at Mount Eden, Auckland postcode 1024. Then there is a group that consists of 1 shareholder, holds 0.13% shares (exactly 50 shares) and includes Leighton, Greig - located at Mount Eden, Auckland. The next share allotment (50 shares, 0.13%) belongs to 1 entity, namely: Paull -Leighton, Caroline, located at Mount Eden, Auckland (an individual). Concept Travel Limited was categorised as "Travel agency service" (business classification N722060).

Principal place of activity

99 Nuffield Street, Newmarket, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand

Previous addresses

Address: Suite G3, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand

Registered & physical address used from 20 Jan 2017 to 20 Aug 2020

Address: 39 Maungawhau Road, Epsom, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand

Registered & physical address used from 10 Dec 2012 to 20 Jan 2017

Basic Financial info

Total number of Shares: 40000

Annual return filing month: November

Annual return last filed: 01 Nov 2023

Country of origin: NZ

Previous Shareholders

Greig Leighton - Director

Appointment date: 03 Apr 2017

Address: Mount Eden, Auckland, 1024 New Zealand

Address used since 03 Apr 2017

Julie Lewisham - Director (Inactive)

Appointment date: 10 Dec 2012

Termination date: 03 Apr 2017

Address: Kohimarama, Auckland, 1071 New Zealand

Address used since 10 Dec 2012

Junction 2009 Limited 19 Mahuru Street

Snowcentre 2009 Limited 19 Mahuru Street

Speer, Speer & Associates Limited Level 2, 81 Carlton Gore Rd

Jill Tuck Soft Furnishings Limited 406 Broadway

Regal Drycleaners Limited D/402 Broadway

Nzta Shareholding Trustee Limited 392 Broadway

Atpi New Zealand Limited Level 5, 187 Broadway

Jessica Enterprise Limited 255 Broadway

Lnz International Travel Service Limited L2, 17a Remuera Rd

Travel Freedom Group (nz) Limited Level 3, 139 Carlton Gore Road

Vyom Journeys Limited 48-b, Great South Road

We Love Travel Limited Level 1, 19 Mauranui Avenue

Network profile for CONCEPT TRAVEL LIMITED

CONCEPT TRAVEL LIMITED is a member of a network consisting of 10 other legal entities with 8 individuals involved. The company has been operating for 127 months while the average age of companies operating in this network is 264 months. There is no majority benefactor with 2 minor shareholders identified. See chart below for more details. The sole director has been involved with six other companies which are no longer registered. This network is mostly represented within the Auckland area.

Search and explore other companies and persons by creating your own custom network diagram [Click]

Information within this profile has been produced on 2023-07-12 with data sourced from Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment and Oversight Solultions Ltd

Beneficial owners based on shareholding hierarchy

Benificial owners chart based on shareholding hierarchy. subscription required to dispay details..

Use mouse to move (hold button down and drag) and resize (with mouse wheel)

Benificial owners list

Top industry is administrative and support services, network mostly consists of nz limited company, top region is auckland, new zealand map by region, origin of surnames, most companies have been operating for less than 17 years., network online presence, common words in company names.

• ASSOCIATION 1
• AUTOMOBILE 1
• INSURANCE 1
• SPECIALISTS 1

Persons of significance

New concepts continue to land at Auckland Airport

• Share "New concepts continue to land at Auckland Airport" on Facebook
• Share "New concepts continue to land at Auckland Airport" on X
• Share "New concepts continue to land at Auckland Airport" on LinkedIn
• Share "New concepts continue to land at Auckland Airport" by Email

In the past two months, Delaware North has opened five of its eight planned food service concepts at Auckland Airport in New Zealand. The company recently debuted 400 Gradi, Better Burger and Mexico, to go along with the August openings of Best Ugly Bagels and Orleans Chicken & Waffles.

• 400 Gradi – Internationally awarded celebrity chef Johnny Di Francesco brings his wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and pasta.
• Better Burger – Auckland’s rising star burger concept made with fresh New Zealand produce at great value pricing.
• Mexico – With the color and vibrancy of its namesake nation, Mexico celebrates the delicious, fresh and lighter side of Mexican cuisine.
• Best Ugly Bagels – Celebrity chef Al Brown’s famous Montreal-style bagel concept will be delivered at two outlets (servicing the domestic and international terminals).
• Orleans Chicken & Waffles – New Orleans-inspired southern fried chicken and waffles, quick-service restaurant style.

“Situated airside (after airport security), 400 Gradi offers a carefully selected menu showcasing some all-time favorites,” travel blog eGlobal said of 400 Gradi in a post this week. “Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu includes freshly baked pastries and an array of poached egg breakfast dishes for the early risers, plus 400 Gradi’s traditional mouth-watering pasta, world-famous pizza and sweet touches to finish – it’s definitely a menu worth arriving three hours early for!”

Three additional concepts – Tea Garden by Dilmah, Blue Marble Lane and Oma Artisan Bakery & Café – are set to open in the coming months. And a second location of Best Ugly Bagels is in the works.

Moodie Davitt Report

Connect with us

Watches and Jewellery

Heinemann to enter New Zealand travel retail market with launch of exclusive retail concepts at Auckland Airport

NEW ZEALAND. Heinemann Asia Pacific is set to make its debut in the New Zealand market with three new retail concepts at Auckland Airport featuring luxury timepieces and jewellery, and luxury and premium fashion.

The exclusive multi-brand concepts at the country’s leading gateway will open from the second quarter of this year.

The boutiques will offer high-profile luxury and premium brands, with an emphasis on exclusivity, exquisite craftsmanship and rich heritage, Heinemann Asia Pacific said.

Heinemann’s fashion concept will include brands such as Givenchy, making its Oceania duty-free debut, Kenzo and Stella McCartney.

The market entry has additional relevance given the anticipated release of the Auckland Airport duty-free tender in coming months. As reported , the airport company transitioned in 2023 from its former dual-retailer model to a single operator (Lagardère AWPL trading as Aelia Duty Free) across departures and arrivals stores. The Aelia Duty Free contract expires in mid-2025.

“We are extremely proud to be entering New Zealand for the first time, and to be kicking off our partnership with Auckland Airport,” commented Heinemann Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer Marvin von Plato.

“We are excited to showcase the best of what Heinemann has to offer in the wider Oceania region, leveraging our operational experience and expertise accumulated over more than a decade in Australia.”

“We are thrilled to be Heinemann’s first airport partner in New Zealand, and to bring exclusive new luxury and premium concepts to Auckland Airport,” said Auckland Airport Chief Commercial Officer Mark Thomson.

“Heinemann’s new fashion, accessories, watches and jewellery offers further extend the current experience and these new additions help deliver a compelling shopping proposition that we hope will delight our travellers.”

The retailer said New Zealanders are already a significant customer demographic for its Asia Pacific business, representing the second-largest foreign nationality group within its Australian stores.

The Auckland openings are the latest addition to Heinemann’s fashion, accessories, watches and jewellery portfolio in the region. They follow the scaling up of the retailer’s Sydney Airport duty-free offer and its recent expansion into domestic terminal retailing at Sydney  and Gold Coast airports with a focus on Australian fashion brands.

The company also opened a Chloé monobrand boutique at Changi Airport in 2023. ✈

There have been plenty of ice creams and even more cherries since. Heinemann Asia Pacific now enjoys a strong position in Australia, anchored by its impressive duty-free operation at Sydney Airport – extended in early 2020 for eight years until 31 December 2029. That stronghold has been bolstered by the company’s domestic terminal debut in Sydney, an initiative mirrored recently at Gold Coast Airport where Heinemann also holds the duty-free concession until 2029.

Now the company has crossed the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, Aotearoa in the Māori language – The land of the long white cloud. It’s a notable move in its own right, with three retail openings planned that will no doubt enhance the airport’s shopping allure. New Zealand may be a small country compared to Australia in both land mass and population terms but Auckland Airport is one of the region’s busiest international gateways.

As implied in our main story, the upcoming market entry should also be viewed within the context of the much-anticipated Auckland Airport duty-free tender (for which details are yet to be released). Remember that before Heinemann Asia Pacific won the Sydney Airport duty-free contract, it opened two specialist retail stores – gourmet offering A Little Something and a National Geographic shop. The Auckland openings appear to mirror that approach of getting to know the airport and its consumer demographic, while being valuable businesses in their own right.

Note, too, Heinemann’s reference to its knowledge of the New Zealand travelling consumer garnered over more than a decade of operating in Australia. The company will be keen to emphasise it can replicate that expertise and success across the Tasman.

Could the cherry – or more likely a Kiwifruit – this time be placed on a Pavlova (New Zealand’s famous cake-sized, meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fruit)? Heinemann will be hoping so.

About Heinemann Asia Pacific 

Heinemann Asia Pacific is the regional headquarters of Gebr. Heinemann, the world’s seventh-largest travel retailer by sales in 2022 according to the annual industry benchmark rankings produced by The Moodie Davitt Report.

Heinemann Asia Pacific operates stores at Sydney Airport, Gold Coast Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 and downtown at the Lisboeta Macau.

The company also has extensive distribution partnerships with leading local duty-free retailers in the region, supplying international products to airport, cruise line, border, downtown and diplomatic shops.

Follow us :

The Moodie Davitt Report Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for critical marketing information delivered to your inbox

Related Articles

Effy will take over Holland America’s Westerdam in full for its guests, with the seven-day ‘Escape’ cruise departing Seattle on 18 August.

The Moodie Davitt Report was on location in Sanya, Hainan province this week at the signing ceremony to mark the official commencement of the DFS Yalong Bay project, described as the first world-class, seven-star luxury retail and entertainment destination in Sanya, Hainan Province.

The 553sq ft store features the brand’s latest retail concept and extends a long-standing partnership with Starboard in the cruise channel.

Mechanics Bay: The Story Of New Zealand's First International Airport

• Auckland's first international airport was located near the CBD in Mechanics Bay, with initial TEAL flights to Sydney.
• Air New Zealand's first international flight was in 1965 from the current Auckland International Airport.
• Auckland Airport has seen significant developments to accommodate international flights, including departure and arrival separations.

When you think of airports in New Zealand, you would be forgiven to immediately think of Auckland International or the iconic Queenstown , with its iconic vistas of the Southern Range as you're about to touchdown. However, we must head towards Mechanics Bay for New Zealand's first international airport. Located just 2.8km (1.7 miles) from Auckland's CBD, could you imagine if an international airport remained there today? Think of that commute.

In the 1930s, Mechanics Bay was a flurry with domestic flying boats before April 10, when an agreement was signed in London between the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The "Tasman Sea Agreement" was designed to create an airline to fly between Australia and New Zealand to transport mail, passengers, and cargo across the Tasman Sea. TEAL was destined to become New Zealand's first 'Flag Carrier.

History: Did New Zealand Achieve The First Flight Before The Wright Brothers?

Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.

Mechanics Bay (MHB)

Following the IATA code MHB, Mechanics Bay saw its first international flight in 1940, operated by ZK-AMA Aotearoa. It operated the first inaugural flight for TEAL, operating to Rose Bay in Sydney, Australia. The first four months in which ZEAL operated the flight had one weekly flight; however, by 1944, this had increased to three services a week. One of New Zealand's most famous individuals, Sir Edmund Hillary, returned home after his ascent of Mt Everest on a TEAL Solent to Mechanics Bay.

While most of the airport remains part of the Port of Auckland, there is still a tiny helicopter pad and conference venue for those eager to check out a piece of New Zealand aviation history. The venue is popular for weddings or meetings, overlooking Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, and its helipad is vital for connecting the center of Auckland to Waiheke Island.

Visitors from the United States

Pan American operated to Mechanics Bay from the United States via Hawaii, utilizing Short Solent and Boeing 314 amphibious aircraft. When Auckland International Airport opened in the '60s, the airport remained popular for those traveling to the Pacific Islands on the Coral Route, which connected Fiji, the Cook Islands, and Tahiti.

Operators, including Tourist Air Travel, Mount Cook Airline, and See Bee Air, operated Grumman Goose, Grumman Widgeon, and Grumman Turbo Goose aircraft on passenger services to islands throughout the Hauraki Gulf, like Waiheke and Great Barrier Island. Charter flights were also available further afield to islands in the Pacific.

During a visit to New Zealand from Barak Obama, the former president was seen at the Mechanics Bay heliport before boarding his helicopter.

Love aviation history ? Discover more of our stories here.

Move over for Auckland International Airport

Opened officially on January 29, 1966, Auckland International (AKL) took the reigns of Auckland's most prominent international airport, located on the shores of the Mangere harbor, some 13 miles south of the Auckland CBD. The site, initially the Auckland Aero Club, was originally leased land from a local farmer before the club's then-president encouraged expansion due to the advantages in the area, which included promising approaches to the absence of power lines, frogs, or buildings. By 1958, the New Zealand government was involved and commissioned the construction of the airport and its terminal buildings.

In the early '60s, work started on site to transition operations from Mechanics Bay to Mangere, with most of the initial 2,591 meters (8,500 ft) long runway reclaimed from the Manukau Harbour. While the airport was officially opened in 1966, the first flight departed in November 1965, an Air New Zealand DC-8 destined for Sydney.

The airport's current domestic terminal initially welcomed domestic and international flights, including the first Boeing 747 flight to the airport, operated by Qantas from Sydney in December 1972. A new international terminal was established in 1977, named after Jean Batten, a Rotorua-based aviator who made several world record-breaking flights .

Developments at AKL

Since the Jean Batten terminal's inception, arriving and departing passengers could mingle at Auckland Airport until the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) instituted a requirement for all international airports to separate departing and arriving passengers. Auckland was given an exception to this rule only if those flights arriving had departed from airports with sufficient security screening. However, this was changed following 9/11, with further regulation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and CAA to separate passengers officially.

To achieve this, a new departure level was built on the original ground floor terminal, which became arrivals. Glass walls were also installed to separate waiting areas, and escalators moved passengers between floors. This development also added 600 square meters of retail space within the new pier.

Auckland Airport Says Goodbye To Airline Waste And Single-Use Plastic

International flights today at Auckland stretch around the Pacific Rim, to the Middle East, and even as far as the East Coast of the United States. Direct flights to Chengdu–Tianfu will resume on April 18, while Air New Zealand direct to Chicago , Seoul, Incheon, and Hobart will resume in late October,