1. Auckland Zoo

The beautifully landscaped and renovated zoo has a particularly prime primate exhibit. New additions arrive regularly, so check the website for current events and new arrivals.

Address: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland

2. Butterfly Creek

This tropical butterfly bastion shows off a variety of 800 free-flying tropical butterflies on luscious grounds with waterfalls, ponds, flourishing foliage, turtles, fish & exotic birds. Ride the miniature Red Admiral Express train through the grounds and stop at the Buttermilk Farm petting zoo.

Address: 12 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland

3. Rangitito Island

A dormant volcanic island - only a 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland - makes up part of the gorgeous scenery of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Hike to the summit of the volcano or stroll through the lush landscape of the lower fields.

Address: Rangitito Island, Auckland

4. Kelly Tarlton’s Underworld & Antarctic Encounter

A unique aquarium housed in old storm water holding tanks. An acrylic tunnel runs through the venue above a moving footpath to re-create the feeling of scuba diving around the New Zealand coast.

Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Auckland

5. New Zealand National Maritime Museum

Dedicated to one of New Zealand’s national obsession, this museum explores 1,000 years of seafaring history. New Zealand National Maritime Museum is a suitable attraction for both young and old.

Address: Hobson Wharf, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

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Auckland’s cuisine is inventive and incredibly diverse representing the multitude of cultures that make up its population. There are many seafood restaurants around due to the coastal location of Auckland. This means the city always has a wealth of fresh seafood at its disposal.

1. Harbourside

Harbourside is a chic restaurant with stunning views and delicious seafood. Enjoy the freshest of New Zealand’s seafood with relaxed à la carte dining, inside or outside on the sheltered balcony with breathtaking views.

Address: 99 Quay Street, Auckland

2. Dine

Top New Zealand chef, Peter Gordon returns to his roots to establish this superb restaurant serving enchanting International fusion creations, unique blend of Asian, Pacific and traditional European cuisine. A private dining room is also available.

Address: 90 Federal Street, Auckland

3. Orbit Restaurant

Orbit Restaurant offers a superb views of the city, 190 metres above the ground. The restaurant is situated at the top of the SkyTower building and the dining room rotates once every hour.

Address: Victoria Street, Auckland

4. Sails Restaurant

The restaurant is situated in the heart of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest marina, Westhaven, so every table looks out over thousands of yachts. A luxurious interior compliments the breathtaking views in this award-winning restaurant.

Address: 103-113 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, Auckland

5. Gion Japanese Restaurant

This is a stylish, chic restaurant in the trendy Parnell area. Traditional sushi and inventive Japanese cuisine is served here. On the menu you will find dishes like squid ring tempura, beef teriyaki and salmon sashimi.

Address: 168 Parnell Road, Auckland

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Auckland has a varied array of high street fashion, local designers, house wares, crafts and eclectic markets to explore. A local note: Karangahape Road is widely known as the abbreviated K’Road.

1. DMC

DMC is a local record store specializing in dj-remix imports and film memorabilia. This is a necessary stop for “Lord of the Rings” fans. It offers a wide selection of film collectables and jewelry.

Address: 61 High Street, Auckland

2. Victoria Park Market

Built in 1901, this former city rubbish incinerator had its own electricity-generating steam boilers, heated by the rubbish-burning furnace, and stables for horses which pulled the garbage carts. Since its 1972 restoration, Victoria Park Market is now known for its maze-like collection of stalls, barrows and shops where you can find plenty of arts, crafts and ethnic specialties.

Address: 210 Victoria Street West, Auckland

3. Otara Market

It the largest Polynesia market in the world. An endless market selling everything from clothes, crafts, exotic food to CD’s in a lively, energetic, head spinning atmosphere.

Address: Newbury Street, Auckland

4. Nuffield Street

Nuffield Street, New market is a boutique-style destination with not only fashion shops, but also dining places and homeware stores. The 29 new stores opened in August 2006, with nine of these brand new to New Zealand.

Address: Nuffield Street, Auckland

5. Parnell Shopping

Parnell Village is a historic shopping area five minutes east of the city with charming boutiques and cafés. Along Parnell Road, you’ll find art galleries that house local New Zealand artwork.

Address: 327 Parnell Road, Auckland

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Auckland provides a wide range of accommodation options, all to make sure to suit all budgets and preference. You will find from 5-star hotels, well-known chain hotels to budget backpackers and cosy bed and breakfasts.

1. Mollies Hotel

For a luxury retreat, head over to this 5-star hotel. This boutique hotel offers only suites as accommodation in a Grand Victorian Mansion and nestled near Auckland’s famous Harbor Bridge. The day spa at Mollies is the perfect place in Auckland to relax and be pampered.

Address: 6 Tweed Street, St Mary’s Bay, Auckland

2. The Esplanade Hotel

This boutique hotel is located in the quaint suburb of Devonport a peaceful, relaxing oasis. It is only a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and minutes from the charming shops and cafés of Devonport.

Address: 1 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland

3. Copthorne Hotel Harbor City

It has a breathtaking central location on the Auckland harbor. All 187 rooms with modern comfort offer magnificent panoramic views of the Viaduct and the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. If you are travelling with children, this hotel provides family room.

Address: 196-200 Quay Street, Auckland

4. Auckland City Yha Hostel

This is a lively, centrally located hostel that has both shared dorms and private rooms. Professional staff are on hand 24-hours a day, all to make sure to give you good service. Auckland City Yha Hostel has a shop and luggage safe, and kitchen facilities.

Address: 18 Liverpool Street, Auckland

5. Georgia Parkside Backpackers

It has an outstanding location overlooking the Auckland Domain and housed in a renovated Victorian house. Here you can stay in a twin, double or shared rooms with heating, bedding and linen. It also provides a lovely outdoor garden with a barbeque area.

Address: 189 Park Road, Auckland

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1. Airport

The Auckland International Airport services all of Auckland. Located 21 km south of the City Center, it is easily accessible by bus or taxi.Airbus provides a bus service between Auckland Airport and the city center every 15 minutes.

Click here for details

2. Public Transport

Due to its recent growth spurt and the International interest developing in Auckland as a tourist destination, traffic has gotten more congested than it was 5 years ago. Given this, Auckland is still a relatively small city and the traffic is still manageable compared to other large cities.

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