Interested In Booking A Cheap Business Or First Class Ticket To Auckland?
Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand, a country full of adventure and wonder. A visit to Auckland is an opportunity to discover gorgeous beaches, cultural hotspots, winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and ocean views. Auckland has it all, with world-class shopping, restaurants, family attractions, and lovely locals who can’t wait to show you their city. As soon as you travel into the city from the airport, you will want to dive into all there is to see and do. Check to see what events are happening while you’re in town because Aucklanders love a good outdoor festival or huge special event. Visit the SkyCity casino to try your luck after indulging in a delightful dinner with harbor views at the Wynyard Quarter. Kids will adore the aquarium and zoo, and the city’s pristine beaches are like a dream. So, what are you waiting for? Get cheap deals on business class flights or first class flights from the best airlines with the help of our flight gurus, and pack your bags for Auckland today!
Facts About Auckland
- Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world, with a population of approximately 1.5 million.
- Auckland residents come from all across the world, with over half of European descent.
- Kiwi is a nickname for the citizens of New Zealand. The name originates from the kiwi bird, the national symbol of New Zealand.
- Auckland is approximately a 10-hour nonstop flight from most Pacific Rim destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, and approximately a 12-hour flight from the west coast of the United States.
- Auckland is a 3-hour flight from the east coast of Australia.
- Wherever your flights take off from, Auckland, New Zealand is less than a day away by air.
- Auckland is best known for its beautiful harbor, fantastic day trips, stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, fabulous shopping, and unique culture.
Top Attractions in Auckland
If you’re only in Auckland for a few days, you may find yourself scrambling to see and do it all before your New Zealand adventure is over. With a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, there’s always something to do in Auckland, whether you have some free time during a business trip, or you’re on a family vacation. Add the following attractions to your Auckland itinerary, so you don’t miss the most popular places to go, especially if you’re visiting Auckland for the first time.
- Britomart – Walk from your centrally located Auckland hotel to Britomart where you’ll find the most chic shopping and critically acclaimed dining options in New Zealand. Browse the latest international fashions at designer boutiques, indulge at your choice of the many cafés and award-winning restaurants, or taste the seasonal produce and artisan foods at the farmer’s market. The area is also one of the most popular nightlife destinations in Auckland.
- Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium– If the kids are along for the trip, then don’t miss this popular Auckland aquarium where you can discover sea life up-close, like the largest group of sharks in New Zealand. Explore 30 exhibits, over 80 different species, and 8 themed areas. Plus, the view of the city from here is postcard-worthy. An extraordinary aquatic adventure awaits just 10 minutes from downtown Auckland.
- Tamaki Drive– Rent a bicycle and ride down Tamaki Drive, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. While pedaling along, stop at Kohimarama Beach or Mission Bay for a quick bite or just a cone of gelato. Walking along Tamaki Drive is a great way to soak up the gorgeous scenery of Auckland as the road curves along the seaside from downtown Auckland to St. Heliers Bay.
- Auckland Art Gallery–Take advantage of the free admission to the Auckland Art Gallery, and enjoy one of the best art collections in New Zealand. Approximately 800 works of art are on display. Join a guided tour to explore the gallery. Tours are free and occur twice daily in the morning and the afternoon. Open daily, except Christmas Day.
- St. Heliers–Just a short drive from downtown Auckland, you’ll find St. Heliers, a lively beachfront village with great cafés and restaurants, fantastic shops, and the best sunset views in the city from Achilles Point. Enjoy mesmerizing beach views while you dine, or indulge in a delicious gelato or pastry on the beach. Unwind with a leisurely walk, bike ride, or skate along the promenade. Seaside charm and a friendly community attract locals and tourists year-round.
Best Times to Visit Auckland
Auckland is a fantastic destination in any season due to its warm coastal climate without temperature extremes. Because of its location, seasons in New Zealand are the opposite of North America. Summer is December through February, fall is March through May, winter is June through August, and spring is September through November. The most popular time to visit Auckland is the summer, but there are spectacular sights and activities in Auckland any time of year. Contact our travel gurus to book cheap flights to Auckland and get cheap rates on luxury hotels in Auckland.
Weather in Auckland
- Spring – Spring in Auckland is from September to November. Cyclones can occur during the spring and summer months, but they are more of an annoyance than destructive, so you don’t have to worry about your safety.
- Summer –Summer in Auckland is from December to February, with an average daily temperature of 75°F in January and February. Pack a jacket and sweater if you’re visiting Auckland in the summer in case temperatures cool down.
- Fall –Fall in Auckland is from March to May. Expect warm days and cool nights, making for a pleasant experience if you visit Auckland during this season.
- Winter –Auckland winters occur from June to August. During July and August, the average daytime temperature is 57°F. Be sure to pack warm winter attire, as well as scarves, hats, and gloves.
Auckland Tour Options
- Auckland Bus Tour –The Auckland Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer departs from the historic Ferry Building every 30 minutes. Purchase an all-day bus pass to visit top Auckland attractions throughout the day with informative commentary. This hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour operates 365 days a year.
- Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari–SThis 4-hour nature cruise is a combination of up-close observation of whales, dolphins, and seabirds, along with important scientific research conducted aboard. Passengers have the opportunity to watch, learn, and help protect marine life. Auckland is the perfect place for an exciting wildlife adventure.
- Auckland Winery Tour-Several tour operators will provide transport to the best wineries in Auckland, and give you a great education along the way. Board a ferry at Princes Warf, and take a 40-minute ride to the picturesque Waiheke Island, known for its many wineries and vineyards. You can join a wine tour, or choose a few wineries and meander through vineyards on your own.
Transportation in Auckland
- Bus– In downtown Auckland, you’ll find the Britomart Transport Centre, the main transport hub of Auckland. Consider getting around Auckland via the LINK bus services, a convenient and cheap travel option. Premium charter buses are also available to rent.
- Custom Transfers- Auckland offers a wide variety of transfer services. Choose from mini buses, coaches, limousines, classic cars, and double-decker buses. With a custom transfer, you can relax and enjoy the scenery as your chauffeur drives and answers your questions about Auckland.
- Rail– From the Britomart Transport Centre in the heart of Auckland, you can hop on a train to travel to the suburbs of Auckland. For more information about Auckland train services, like schedules and pricing, search online or ask your hotel concierge.
- Rental Car– To explore Auckland on your own, rent a car at the airport or at a rental agency in the city. This option is ideal if you want to take a day trip and drive along the delightful scenic routes in Auckland and beyond. Always drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Bicycle– Auckland is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bicycle lanes throughout the city, including scenic waterfront paths. If you choose to explore Auckland via bicycle, remember to wear a helmet because it is required by law. If you’re riding at night, lights are required on the front and back of your bike.
- Ferries and Water TaxisTravel by ferry or water taxi to the beautiful Hauraki Gulf islands. Popular island destinations include Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, and Great Barrier Island.
- TaxiTaxi travel in Auckland is expensive, especially taking a taxi from the airport to downtown Auckland. You are better off taking the airport shuttle, which will get you to central Auckland for a much cheaper price.
Auckland Travel Safety Tips
- New Zealand is one of the world’s safest travel destinations, but always take the usual precautions with your safety and belongings as you would anywhere else.
- Make copies of your passports and visas, and get travel insurance.
- Bring a cell phone with you. If you need emergency assistance, you can dial 111 throughout New Zealand.
- If you’re exploring Auckland at night, stay in well-lit areas with other people around.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit in case of an emergency.
- If you rent a car, remember to lock it and keep your belongings out of sight. It’s best to leave important documents in a safe at your hotel, not in your rental car.
- Never leave your belongings unattended in a public place, especially airports and public transport stations.
- If any of your belongings are stolen or valuable items lost, alert the local police immediately.
- Never swim or surf alone.
- Swim between the yellow and red flags, which is the safest place to swim. Don’t hesitate to ask lifeguards for help if you need it.
- Text your travel details to 7233, so the police and the New Zealand tourism industry will know where you are and what you are doing while you’re in New Zealand.
- Visitors bringing medication to New Zealand need to have a prescription to avoid problems with customs.
- Vaccinations are not required to enter New Zealand.
- You can legally drive in Auckland with a current driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Do not park your rental car anywhere that is designated “no parking.” It will be towed, and it is costly to get it back.
- Always wear sunscreen because the sun is intense, especially midday.
Auckland Airport Tips
- Auckland Airport (AKL) is the second largest airport in Australasia.
- Eighteen international airlines fly nonstop to Auckland AKL from over 30 destinations worldwide.
- For air travel within New Zealand, there are approximately 300 daily flights to over 20 cities throughout the country.
- Air New Zealand offers direct flights to Auckland AKL from international airports across Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Asia, Europe, the Pacific Islands, North America, South America, and many destinations within New Zealand.
- Transportation to and from Auckland Airport is easy. You can book a shuttle or hop on the Airbus Express.
- Dispose of any organic materials, such as fruits or vegetables, before customs and declare all other food items.
- Duty-free shopping at AKL offers cheap deals on local wines and spirits.
- Don’t expect much leeway for overweight baggage, so be careful not to over-pack or over-shop.
- If many flights are arriving at AKL at the same time, customs can take a while, so be sure to let your car or hotel know you might be a bit late.
- If you have time between flights, enjoy some of the many attractions and activities near the airport, such as mini golf, paintball, go karting, bike riding, and New Zealand’s most popular theme park, Rainbow’s End.
- Also near AKL, you’ll find a variety of shops, eateries, and hotels.
Best Restaurants in Auckland
Auckland offers a variety of international cuisines, but the city is particularly known for its delicious fresh seafood. No matter what you are craving, Auckland has everything that you can ask for when it comes to food and drinks. The city prides itself on great service, innovative craft brews, fine wines, and excellent seaside ambiance. From gourmet restaurants to budget-friendly eateries, Auckland offers an array of dining options to satisfy every traveler’s budget. Once the sun sets, clubs and bars keep Auckland lively well into the night. There is no shortage of Auckland restaurants with breathtaking views, so book a table, or grab a quick bite to eat and dine on the beach.
Fine Dining
- The Sugar Club –This elegant Auckland restaurant offers gorgeous city views from Level 53 of the Sky Tower, as well as a chic cocktail bar. The menu features small seasonal plates made with the highest quality produce from across New Zealand mixed with international flavors. Plus, the wine list includes wines from New Zealand and Italy. The dining room décor is reminiscent of 1930s Italy. If you want one of the best dining experiences in Auckland, book a table here after you book your flight.
- Sidart Restaurant –The ever-changing 5-course or 9-course tasting menus are reason enough to return to this upscale eatery whenever you travel to Auckland. But the unusual ingredients are really what keep customers intrigued. Adventurous foodies should definitely make a reservation here when visiting Auckland. If you snag a seat at the chef’s table, you can interact with the chef and watch as your meal is prepared.
- Euro Restaurant & Bar –For creative Kiwi cuisine, travel to Princes Wharf to dine at this posh, waterfront restaurant. Since opening in 1999, this fine dining establishment has become a local favorite for serving the freshest seafood. But don’t worry, meat lovers. The menu also offers beef, lamb, and chicken. Plus, there’s an exclusive menu for vegetarians.
- Cibo –Located in a former chocolate factory, this excellent Auckland restaurant continues to rank among the best eateries in Auckland. Enjoy the pleasant Auckland weather while you dine in the private courtyard. A fabulous meal here is just a cheap flight away.
Mid-Range Restaurants
- Depot – This eatery and oyster bar is the creation of award-winning New Zealand chef Al Brown. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, for a very casual and relaxed dining experience in Auckland. Named Restaurant of the Year for 2015 by New Zealand’s Metro Magazine.
- The Merrywell Auckland–This quirky pub is a lively addition to the Auckland culinary scene. Menu items are unique, such as mac & cheese balls and lollipop buffalo wings, as well as more traditional, like BBQ ribs and fish tacos, but never boring. A DJ keeps the mood fun and light.
- Jack Tar–In Wynyard Quarter within walking distance of the Auckland Fish Market is this new gastropub. Expect hearty cuisine, excellent beverages, and ocean views when you dine here. The gourmet pizza is one of the most popular menu items.
Cheap Eats
- Better Burger – The burgers on the menu here are made from fresh, local ingredients for a uniquely New Zealand taste. The beef patties are never frozen, and the buns are freshly baked every day nearby. Look for this trendy burger joint in Britomart.
- Federal Delicatessen–Travel to this popular eatery in SkyCity Auckland for comfort food served in an environment reminiscent of the traditional delis in New York City. This is acclaimed Kiwi chef Al Brown’s version of classic delicatessens most commonly found in the eastern United States. Open early and closed late, so stop by for any meal during the day, or just for a quick snack.
- Mexicali Fresh-Try this local fast food chain for American-style burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and salads with a New Zealand influence. Since 2005, they’ve been serving the freshest, healthiest Mexican food in Auckland. Several locations throughout the city.
Best Luxury Hotels in Auckland
Auckland has many lovely upscale hotels that will provide all the comforts you desire from check-in to check-out. Often, they offer complimentary amenities, and first-rate concierge service for booking tours and restaurants on your behalf. Make your trip to Auckland the best it can be by getting cheap deals on luxury hotels. Ask your travel guru about discounts on the following posh hotels in Auckland.
- Hotel DeBrett–This stylish boutique hotel is located in downtown Auckland with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Each one of the 25 rooms is individually designed with elements unique to New Zealand. DeBretts Kitchen and Cornerbar offer great dining options at this hotel. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, as well as high-end amenities.
- SkyCity Grand Hotel –Admire the stunning harbor views from your room or suite when you stay at this delightful 5-star Auckland hotel. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day, as well as valet parking and a premium car service. During your stay, visit the casino, and venture to the top of the iconic Sky Tower.
- The Langham, Auckland –Stay at this luxurious Auckland hotel just steps away from parks, boutiques, restaurants, the Auckland Museum, and the Auckland Art Gallery. The hotel has bars and restaurants onsite, plus exceptional business facilities ideal for business travelers. Guests can unwind by taking a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. Easily get around Auckland by traveling via the hotel’s free inner city shuttle or by renting a luxury sedan.
- Hilton Auckland –This modern, upscale hotel is located on Princes Wharf within walking distance of the ferry terminal and the Viaduct Harbour, the main tourist area in Auckland. Over 150 stylish rooms and suites feature spacious floor plans and private balconies and decks. Get a taste of Kiwi cuisine at the restaurant inside this hotel.
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