Travel to Auckland, New Zealand – Episode 943 – Amateur Traveler

Hear about travel to Auckland, New Zealand, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about a city that he called home for a decade.

Why should you go to Auckland?

Jonty says, “Many people go to New Zealand, but spend almost no time in Auckland. It’s a bit like a little sister or brother to Sydney in Australia, but with some unique New Zealand characteristics. There are over 50 extinct volcanoes. It’s between two natural harbors. There are some very beautiful islands which are easily accessible from the CBD, and it’s also got excellent restaurants, museums, art galleries, and beaches.”

Jonty’s Recommendations for Visiting Auckland

Explore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf

• Waiheke Island:
  • Famous for vineyards, wine tasting, good food, and beaches.
  • Easy 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
  • Hop-on, hop-off buses and vineyard tours are available.
• Rangitoto Island:
  • A 600-year-old volcanic island that is a landmark in the harbor.
  • Hike to the summit for panoramic views.
  • Stay overnight in historic baches via Bookabach.
• Motutapu Island:
  • Connected to Rangitoto via a causeway.
  • Great for walking and birdlife.
• Tiritiri Matangi:
  • Sanctuary for native birds.
  • Excellent place for birdwatching and walking.
  • Lighthouse keeper’s house available for overnight stays.

Do Unique Walks and Hikes

• Coast to Coast Walkway – Walk from the Pacific Ocean (Waitematā Harbour) to the Tasman Sea (Manukau Harbour).
• North Shore City Coastal Walk – Beaches, cafes, and scenic coastline (Devonport to Long Bay).
• Waikōwhai Walkway – Rugged, less-visited coastal walk along Manukau Harbour.
• Tamaki Drive Walkway (cycling or walking) – Waterfront trail east of the CBD, great for swimming, cafes, and views.

Iconic Attractions

• Sky Tower:
  • Tallest structure in the southern hemisphere (until recently).
  • Observation decks, SkyJump, SkyWalk, and a revolving restaurant.
• Wētā Workshop Unleashed – Special effects experience (Lord of the Rings, Avatar) at the base of Sky Tower.
• The Civic – Historic atmospheric theatre with a starlit ceiling.
• Basement Theatre – Trendy, indie theater showing local productions.

Museums and Galleries

• Auckland War Memorial Museum – Excellent Māori cultural exhibits, war memorials, and natural history.
• New Zealand Maritime Museum – City of Sails history and America’s Cup exhibits.
• Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) – Planes, trams, and New Zealand aviation history.
• Auckland Art Gallery – Major national art collection.
• Pah Homestead Art Gallery – Set in a historic mansion with a café.

Parks, Volcanoes, and Natural Beauty

• Mount Eden (Maungawhau) – Highest natural point in Auckland with stunning views.
• Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill – Central volcanic cone with rich Māori and colonial history.
• Auckland Domain – Large central park surrounding Auckland Museum.
• Albert Park, Auckland – Historic downtown park.
• Symonds Street Cemetery – Atmospheric, historic cemetery with strange motorway construction through it.
• Waitākere Ranges – Lush rainforest and rugged West Coast hiking near Auckland.
• Piha Beach – Black sand beach famous for surfing and dramatic scenery.

Other Unique Stops

• Gibbs Farm – Private sculpture park with monumental art, open occasionally by booking.
• Devonport Village – Charming seaside village, historic houses, North Head military tunnels, and scenic beaches.
• Torpedo Bay Navy Museum – Excellent naval history museum near Devonport.
• Wynyard Quarter – Revitalized industrial waterfront with playgrounds, restaurants, public art.

Food and Drink Hotspots

• Commercial Bay – Upscale shopping and a modern food court.
• Britomart – Trendy cafes, boutique shops, fine dining.
• Karangahape Road (K Road) – Lively nightlife, cool cafes, quirky bars.
• Ponsonby – Stylish neighborhood known for restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
• Dominion Road- Famous for cheap and delicious Asian food, especially dumplings.

 Transportation Tips

• Use the AT HOP card for buses, trains, and ferries.
• Stay downtown if you don’t have a car.
• Rent a car if planning to explore outer areas like the Waitākere Ranges or the West Coast beaches.

Hotel Recommendations

• The Hotel Britomart, Auckland – Stylish boutique hotel downtown.
• Hotel DeBrett, Auckland – Funky boutique hotel with a great bar and character.

When to Visit

• Best months: March–April
  (late summer/early autumn — warm, settled weather, less crowded).
• Avoid – Early spring (September–November) — windy and unsettled.
• Sun Warning – UV rays are very strong. Always wear sunscreen and a hat.

Fun Fact

• Jaffa: Nickname for Aucklanders (“Just Another Effing Aucklander”).
• Sheep-to-people ratio in New Zealand has dropped to 5:1 (from a high of 22:1).

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Show Notes

Jonty Travels
Auckland
Travel to Timor-Leste – Amateur Traveler Episode 931
Hauraki Gulf
Waiheke Island
Rangitoto Island
Bach (New Zealand)
Holiday homes and baches | Bookabach
Motutapu Island
Tiritiri Matangi
Coast to Coast Walkway
North Shore City Coastal Walk
North Shore walks & hiking tracks
Waikōwhai Walkway: Manukau coastal walk
Find a walk, track or trail
Sky Tower
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Motukorea
The Civic
Basement Theatre
Cycling at Tamaki Drive Walkway
Gibbs Farm
Auckland War Memorial Museum
New Zealand Maritime Museum
Museum of Transport and Technology Auckland
Museum of Transport and Technology
Auckland Art Gallery
Pah Homestead Art Gallery
Auckland Domain
Albert Park, Auckland
Symonds Street Cemetery
Wynyard Quarter
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland
Mount Eden
Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
New Zealand’s ratio of sheep to people falls to record low
Waitākere Ranges
Piha
Devonport Village
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
North Head (New Zealand)
The Hotel Britomart, Auckland
Hotel DeBrett, Auckland
Ponsonby, New Zealand
Commercial Bay
Britomart
Karangahape Road
Dominion Road
The best places to eat and drink on Dominion Road
AT HOP card
Auckland’s lesser known gems

Community

Amateur Traveler Trips