A traveler's guide to Auckland
Give Auckland a day of its own. It is not only an airport between flights to the rest of the country.
Auckland is the gateway people rush through on the way to mountains and then realize is a city of water and cone-shaped hills. Take a ferry. Walk a volcano rim if your knees agree. Eat seafood. The adventure south can wait a day.
When to go
Summer, December to March, is the swimming season and the busy one. Spring and fall are mild. Winter is cool, green, and wet rather than harsh. The harbor wind is part of every season.
Neighborhoods
The waterfront and Britomart for the arrival. Ponsonby for dinner. Devonport by ferry for a quieter afternoon. A volcanic reserve if the path is open. The west-coast beaches are a trip with black sand and strong surf, not a casual dip.
Eating
Oysters, fish and chips done properly, and Pacific and Asian rooms that reflect the city. Wine from nearby regions is the local luxury. The view cafe at the top of a hill is for the view.
If you only remember this
- Ferries are sightseeing that also counts as transit.
- An AT card or the current transit pass.
- Sun protection even when it is cloudy.
- Surf on the west coast is not a beginner swim.