Tour
3,8 km
1h30
17 audios
Text version
Welcome to New Zealand’s largest city! Even though it’s not the capital, it was one of the first cities to be founded on the island. Originally, the Māori people lived here since the 13th century. Auckland’s bay was later colonised by the Dutch in the 17th century, then by the British in the 18th century. Beautiful buildings from the past stand alongside much newer skyscrapers. A multicultural city, Auckland remains proud of its Māori heritage and ranks among the most modern destinations in the world. If you’re visiting New Zealand, you have to check out Auckland!
Look at this fantastic view of the iconic Sky Tower! It was built using high-performance reinforced concrete to protect against winds of over 200 km/h and earthquakes of up to magnitude 8. Its captivating and sleek design makes for the Read more
Welcome to the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere! The Sky Tower lives up to its name—rising 328 meters high, it dominates the city skyline and offers breathtaking views over Auckland’s rooftops, its bay, and the surrounding areas. Read more
The building on your right is the largest courthouse in Australasia. It’s one of the key political buildings in Auckland’s financial center, as major judicial decisions are made here. We should introduce you to New Zealand’s political Read more
In front of you is the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As you may have guessed, it is dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland! Built just one year after Auckland was founded, in 1841, by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier Read more
This building is the departure point for the many ferries that cross Auckland’s bay every day. These ferries connect the CBD—where you are right now—to the northern and western parts of the city. You can also go to the Hauraki Gulf Read more
The Britomart Pavilions have a totally different atmosphere from any place you’ve seen so far. This pedestrian street is lined with small buildings designed by the Cheshire Architects group. Here, you'll find shops, restaurants, bars, offices Read more
This building, known as Excelsior House, was constructed in 1885. It was originally intended to house the Brown, Barret & Co group, a group of tea, coffee, and spice merchants. Its architecture is reminiscent of 19th century New Zealand Read more
Continuing along Commerce Street, you can see the imposing Pacifica tower, standing behind the white building in front of you. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in the country, with 57 floors. Completed in 2020, it has won Read more
This charming lane is the perfect starting point for a shopping spree. A lively neighborhood filled with unique boutiques, restaurants, and bars, it has everything you need. Read more
Here is Albert Park, one of Auckland's main downtown parks. Before European settlers arrived, this site was home to a Māori village. When the settlers founded the city Read more
This beautiful building, in the corner of Albert Park, is the largest art museum in New Zealand. Founded in 1887, it houses a vast collection of paintings, including several Read more
Auckland's Town Hall is an example of Edwardian architecture, and stands proudly along Aotea Square. Inaugurated in 1911, it was one of the city's most elegant buildings Read more
Welcome to Aotea Square, a plaza known for fairs, music festivals, concerts, markets, and political rallies. Originally designed in 1979, it was renovated in 2010 and Read more
Aotea Square is surrounded by major cultural buildings and an impressive sculpture called Waharoa. It represents a traditional Māori gateway made of wood and copper Read more
Go ahead and admire this imposing building on Queen Street. This is the Civic Theatre, a huge complex made up of a performance venue and a gigantic “atmospheric” Read more
Queen Street is one of the main streets in downtown Auckland, even in the whole city. It was named after Queen Victoria, who reigned over the United Kingdom from 1837 Read more
Auckland’s city centre is known as the Central Business District, or the CBD. The city was founded here in 1840 when British settlers arrived. Over time, it has grown into Read more
Découvrez Auckland avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
17 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Dive into the world of Middle-earth: excursion to Hobbiton with a festive lunch in Auckland
When visiting Auckland, you must visit the Viaduct Harbour district! Here, you’ll find Auckland’s most famous marina, the Maritime Museum, as well as bars, restaurants, and shops that make it a lively spot. It’s one of the best places in the city for a stroll along the waterfront, admiring the boats moored there.
Just a few steps from Viaduct Harbour, the Wynyard Quarter is another great area to grab a
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s a vibrant and trendy area, head over to Ponsonby, Auckland’s hip district. It’s packed with art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, as well as bars and restaurants.
If you want to see some nature, head to the city’s largest and oldest park. Whether for a walk, a picnic, or a visit to the Wintergardens’ greenhouses to see its various tropical plants, this park is the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can also take a stroll through the upscale neighborhood of Parnell, where you can shop in its high-end boutiques and visit its famous French market, La Cigale. If museums are more your thing, head to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This magnificent musuem is dedicated to the victims of World War I, and tells the story of New Zealand and the Māori people.
For some peace and quiet after downtown Auckland, I recommend a visit to Mount Eden, located south of the city. You can reach this dormant volcano by hiking trails that are suitable for all, offering stunning views of the city and its surroundings. You can also explore its neighborhood, Mount Eden Village, known for its charming streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
Rugby fans should absolutely visit Eden Park, New Zealand’s largest stadium, where you can catch an All Blacks game, the nation’s iconic team. If you aren’t able to watch a game, you can get a guided tour of the stadium, to fully immerse yourself in one of Auckland’s most symbolic places. If you do visit this area, consider also checking out the Kingsland neighbourhood, where the stadium is located. Kingsland has plenty to see and do, from jewellery exhibitions and restaurants, to family-friendly activities.
You simply must cross the impressive Harbour Bridge, which connects the north and south of the city, to enjoy breathtaking views of Auckland’s bay. For the thrill-seekers among you, you can even bungee jump from the bridge for an even more exhilarating experience.
For a chic seaside vibe, go to the Devonport district to see charming colonial-style buildings that give it a village feel. To get there, take a ferry across Auckland’s bay. Its beautiful beaches are perfect for walking along the seafront, enjoying a coffee, and sunbathing. You can even hike up its volcanic Mount Victoria for a stunning panorama of the bay and downtown Auckland.
If you fancy a trip to the beach, you are spoiled for choice here. The closest options are Mission Bay and Takapuna Beach, but if you have a car, you can go a bit further to explore the black sand beaches of Karekare, Bethells, Piha, or Muriwai. About 45 minutes from the city center, these beaches are a paradise for surfers and watersports enthusiasts.
A short island excursion is a must if you have some extra time. Rangitoto Island, a nature reserve just a 20-minute boat ride away, offers scenic forest and coastal walks, as well as a volcano that boasts stunning views over Auckland’s bay. Waiheke Island, a little farther at around 40 minutes by ferry, has picturesque vineyards, olive groves, rolling fields, and forests. Its beaches and coasts are a perfect place for a nice stroll.
If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, I highly recommend visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, where many scenes were filmed. About a two-hour drive from Auckland, you can step into the world of your favorite little hobbit houses!
Explore Auckland and its surroundings: marine encounters, a getaway to Waiheke Island, and an immersion in the magic of cinema
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
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Aboard a kayak, follow your guide until you spot the “marine auroras.”
The tour takes place in the early evening, after sunset. The night will reveal Auckland’s glowing waters thanks to the phenomenon of bioluminescence.
Some living organisms produce…
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If you are looking for absolute comfort in a peaceful setting, Aachen House is perfect for you. This…
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Highlights
Free Wi-Fi
Tea/Coffee maker in all accommodations
Free private parking
Things to Consider
Pets not allowed
Location: 39 Market Road Re, 1050 Auckland
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