Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Auckland?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Auckland?
Most people spend two to three days in Auckland during their visit. The adventurous city offers amazing highlights such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the cuisine.
Auckland is a waterfront city that is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand. It's spread out between the Manukau Harbour and the Waitemata Harbour, and there's a compact city centre with a number of landmarks and attractions. For many visitors, it's the point of arrival or departure to the country.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Auckland? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Auckland?
One week is more than enough time to see everything that Auckland has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend a week in Auckland
Don't miss the Sky Tower during your trip to Auckland, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch ($172)
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland ($106)
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland ($178)
The public transit in Auckland is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.
The beautiful beaches await you in Auckland, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Wineries Honey and Black Sand Beaches from Auckland ($178)
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland ($112)
- Day sea kayak tour Rangitoto Island ($148)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Auckland, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Entry Ticket ($17)
- Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket ($24)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Auckland.
Because Auckland is a fairly large destination, you can spend at least a full day exploring the many neighborhoods, landmarks, and popular attractions found around town. It's the largest city in New Zealand, and it has a suburban atmosphere that provides a lot of parks and green space for visitors.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Auckland Halfday City Tour ($115)
- Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise ($120)
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner ($90)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Shopping in Auckland is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Auckland.
Known for it's hiking, Auckland sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Auckland, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland ($223)
- Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland with Options - Smaller groups ($220)
- Private Day Trip in Auckland City ($151)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Auckland.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Auckland?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Auckland. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Auckland as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
Auckland, New Zealand
How to spend 2 weeks in Auckland
Having 2 weeks in Auckland will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Auckland. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Auckland.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Auckland, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Auckland is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Auckland.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Auckland. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Auckland.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Auckland, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Auckland, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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