Auckland 3 Day Itinerary

Auckland 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Centre and Surroundings

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Orphans Kitchen, known for its delicious brunch options. (285 Symonds St, Grafton)
  • Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki to appreciate local and international art collections. (Corner of Wellesley and Nelson Streets, Auckland CBD)
  • Take a leisurely stroll in Myers Park, a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city.

Afternoon:

  • Head to SkyCity Auckland and ascend the Sky Tower (88 SkyCity, Hobson St) for panoramic views of the city.
  • Explore the Viaduct Harbour area, known for its vibrant restaurants, bars, and yachts. Grab lunch at Clooney for contemporary New Zealand cuisine. (120 Quay St, Viaduct Harbour)

Evening:

  • Catch a ferry to Devonport, visit the historic North Head or explore Takapuna Beach. Have dinner at one of the beachside eateries like The Takapuna Beach Cafe. (1 The Promenade, Takapuna)
  • Return to Auckland CBD by ferry.

Day 2: Discover Auckland’s Volcanic Cones and Beaches

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at a local café in Ponsonby (e.g., Moro Espresso, 120 Ponsonby Rd).
  • Visit One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), an extinct volcano with panoramic city views and a significant cultural site. (One Tree Hill Domain, Penrose)
  • Explore the nearby Cornwall Park and meet the park’s famous herd of Jersey cows.

Afternoon:

  • Drive or take a bus to Bethells Beach, a popular surf spot and location for the TV series “Xena: Warrior Princess.” Have lunch at the iconic Karekare Store. (173 Karekare Rd, Waitakere)
  • Visit nearby Karekare Waterfall and enjoy the scenic walk.

Evening:

  • Return to Auckland CBD and have dinner at a restaurant in the Wynyard Quarter area like Hippopotamus, which offers a variety of seafood dishes. (99 Jellicoe St, Wynyard Quarter)

Day 3: Explore Hauraki Gulf Islands

Morning:

  • Take an early ferry to Waiheke Island and spend the day exploring its vineyards, beaches, and art galleries.
  • Have lunch at one of the island’s many vineyard restaurants like Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant. (1 Church Bay Rd, Oneroa)

Afternoon:

  • Visit Stony Batter Historic Reserve or take a walk along Onetangi Beach.
  • Return to Auckland CBD in the late afternoon by ferry.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at a restaurant in the Britomart area, such as Caledonian, which offers contemporary Scottish cuisine. (147 Quay St, Britomart)

Things to Know:

  • Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” due to its numerous yachts and sailing culture.
  • The city has a mild subtropical climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F) in winter and reaching up to 30°C (86°F) in summer.
  • Public transportation is available via buses, trains, and ferries operated by AT HOP cards. Taxis are also readily available.
  • Maori culture is an integral part of Auckland’s identity, so learning a few basic phrases and understanding its significance can greatly enhance your experience.
  • Be prepared for some steep hills in the city centre! Wear comfortable shoes to make your exploration more enjoyable.