Auckland and Surrounds

For most travelers, Auckland is mainly a gateway city for international flights. But if you have time to explore New Zealand’s biggest city, there’s plenty to keep you busy. In town there’s fine shopping and dining, sailing an America’s Cup yacht in the harbor, and bungee jumping off the Sky Tower, the highest manmade structure in the country. Farther afield, there’s epic surfing and black sand beaches, the beautiful vineyards of Waiheke island, bird watching and hiking on lonely volcanic islands, and day trips to the Waitomo caves for glow worms and black water rafting.

The Auckland urban area, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country. Auckland has a population of 1,413,700, which constitutes 31 percent of the country’s population.[3] It is part of the wider Auckland Region, which includes the rural areas and towns north and south of the urban area, plus the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, resulting in a total population of 1,527,100[3] that is governed by the Auckland Council. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. In Māori, Auckland’s name is Tāmaki Makaurau and the transliterated version of Auckland is Ākarana.

Top Activities in Auckland, New Zealand

  • Shopping & Fine Dining
  • Visiting the Vineyards of Waiheke Island
  • Day trips to Waitomo caves for glowworms and black water rafting
  • America’s Cup Sailing Excursion in the Harbour
  • Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge
  • See the penguins at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
  • Have lunch at Orbit with a view of the city
  • Visit the Auckland War Museum

 

Sample Vacations

13 days

Romantic Luxury Private Vacation: Fly, Sail, and Savor New Zealand

Discover New Zealand’s pristine wilderness with the utmost luxury and exclusivity. Enjoy private boat charters and helicopter excursions to explore some of New Zealand’s most dazzling scenery, from active volcanoes to icy blue glaciers to golden beaches.

19 days

Australia New Zealand Golf: Great Golf Courses

This non-stop golf adventure brings you to some of the top courses in Australia and New Zealand, including Barnbougle, Kauri Cliffs, and Cape Kidnappers. Gorgeous scenery, unique wildlife tours, and magnificent wineries make for a truly spectacular golf getaway.

19 days

Australia and New Zealand Highlights

  • Explore street art, cafe culture, and wine tasting in trendy Melbourne
  • Enjoy Sydney highlights, including a gourmet harbor cruise
  • Discover New Zealand’s iconic scenery in Queenstown and Milford Sound
21 days

Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji: Ultimate South Pacific Vacation

Travel to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji with the ultimate South Pacific vacation package.

13 days

New Zealand Luxury Vacation: Rejuvenation and Discovery

In this New Zealand Luxury Vacation, indulgent spa treatments are complemented by the stunning, tranquil scenery of New Zealand to soothe body and soul.

10 days

New Zealand Signature Vacation Package

Stay at some of our favorite luxury lodges and enjoy signature experiences you can only get in New Zealand.

31 days

South Pacific Vacation Packages: Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti

South Pacific Vacation Packages: Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti This lucky honeymoon couple from Canada had a full month for their Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti journey. So we selected one of our favorite South Pacific Vacation Packages. We sent them on an epic month-long journey guiding them through the highlights of the South Pacific experiencing Read More…

14 days

Luxurious New Zealand and Private Island Fiji

Luxurious New Zealand and Private Island Fiji This package was planned for two Florida ladies wanting to celebrate 20 years of friendship. They both had a passion for travel and New Zealand was on their bucket list. After a long time traveling, the duo hopped in their rental car where they drove to Fiordland Lodge. Read More…

17 days

New Zealand Highlights Package

See the highlights of New Zealand with this wilderness and adventure package. Discover unique thrills in New Zealand!

11 days

Indulgent Escape: New Zealand Luxury Vacation

Enjoy a true feast for the senses! Stay in New Zealand’s most luxurious boutique accommodations, from alpine lodges to deluxe treehouses, and delight in outdoor adventures that will leave you speechless.

14 days

Luxury Guided Tour: New Zealand

Travel through iconic New Zealand scenery and catch all the highlights, as well as unique adventures off the beaten path, and enjoy the expert knowledge of your local guides.

15 days

New Zealand Honeymoon Package: Feast of the Senses

On this New Zealand Honeymoon Package for food and wine lovers, travel the New Zealand Wine Trail, stay in boutique hotels renowned for their cuisine, and take in the stunning scenery of New Zealand.

16 days

Honeymoon Adventure: New Zealand and Cook Islands

Discover the best of both worlds in the South Pacific. Start off with an action-packed New Zealand adventure, complete with glacier hiking, glowworm cave tubing, and more. Then rejuvenate in the stunning Cook Islands, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and lagoons.

15 days

New Zealand Anniversary Vacation: Romantic Adventure

Go off the beaten path on this New Zealand Anniversary Vacation. Discover New Zealand’s wide range of natural wonders, from colorful volcanic formations to pristine alpine scenes. Boutique hotels and unique excursions provide a truly unforgettable experience.

15 days

New Zealand Birthday Vacation: Penguins, Fiordlands, and Wilderness

New Zealand Birthday Vacation: Penguins, Fiordlands, and Wilderness This New Zealand Birthday Vacation package was planned for a young couple from Milwaukee. They were fascinated with wildlife and beautiful scenery, so we created this New Zealand Adventure package to take them to some of New Zealand’s most scenic areas. They started their adventure in pristine Arthur’s Pass for Read More…

8 days

New Zealand Family Vacation: Queenstown Adventure

Find fun and adventure in Queenstown! Discover thrills for the whole family, from ziplining to a 4WD tour highlighting New Zealand’s gold mining past and much more.

11 days

New Zealand Highlights Package

Visit New Zealand’s 3 best cities on this New Zealand Highlights tour. Get unique experiences like a cruise in Milford Sound, a Wellington foodie tour, wine tasting, and more!

12 days

New Zealand and Cook Islands Vacations: Beach and Adventure

Get the best of both worlds with this New Zealand and Cook Islands vacation package! Relax on the beach, then head over to New Zealand for once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

10 days

New Zealand Highlights: Middle Earth Tour

The ultimate trip for Lord of the Rings fans! Discover the Hobbiton Movie Set, tour the production studio behind the films, and immerse yourself in gorgeous Middle Earth scenery.

17 days

New Zealand Beach Resorts Vacation

Stay at beautiful New Zealand beach resorts in the Bay of Islands and Waiheke Island, where you can enjoy spa treatments, wine tasting, and ocean views. Drive through the most scenic areas of New Zealand and stop for plenty of adventures along the way.

12 days

New Zealand Honeymoon Package: Outdoor Adventure

This New Zealand Honeymoon Package is packed with adventure. From blackwater rafting in underground caves to hiking on a glacier, these outdoor adventures are ones you’ll never forget!