New Zealand's largest city, sitting between two harbors, with a skyline, plenty of extinct volcanic cones and good connections to the surrounding islands. This is where our four-week road trip around the North Island began in November 2023.
We picked up our van in Auckland from Escape Rentals (€1,457 for the whole trip) and explored the entire North Island with it, a slightly older model, but fine for the price. For finding campsites, the free CamperMate Australia & NZ app helped us reliably: it shows free and paid campsites including reviews, prices and facilities, as well as drinking water points, gas stations and laundry options.
We flew with Air China for €1,023 per person, taking around 21 hours including a layover in Beijing. We unfortunately had a poor experience with the airline: our luggage went missing on the outbound flight and, despite baggage insurance, only reached us after around 4 days, damaged and rummaged through.
Centrally located, ideal for exploring the city on foot, yet quiet enough to unwind. Clean, simple rooms, a large shared kitchen, a lovely rooftop terrace with a great view, friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. Downside: a bit noisy, as is common with hostels.
Verdict: A cozy hostel with everything you need, ideal for travelers who want a central, no-fuss stay in Auckland.
Very central, with a nice welcome but underwhelming value for money. Downside: an extremely small room with no window, very stuffy and warm, barely any space for luggage, overall worn-out and not very inviting.
Verdict: Just about workable for a single night, not recommended for longer stays.
Central on Queen Street, soft-serve ice cream in creative flavors like sea salt, coconut or Thai milk tea. Super creamy, not too sweet, toppings like cotton candy or caramelized popcorn turned it into a little experience.
Central, modern, cozy, perfect for a relaxed breakfast. We had breakfast here twice, the food was tasty, creative and freshly prepared, a stylish spot, friendly staff and really good coffee.
Several locations, including Pakuranga, Botany, Henderson, Mt Wellington and Silo Park. A paradise for street food lovers with a wide range of international dishes and a lively atmosphere with music and street performers. The market at Silo Park is especially lovely, right on the waterfront with a skyline view.
Several locations, freshly baked, delicious donuts ranging from classic glazed donuts to creative varieties.
In the heart of Auckland, on the city's highest volcanic crater, accessible 24 hours a day. The climb to the summit takes about 15 minutes, and at the top a breathtaking 360-degree view of Auckland, the skyline, the harbor and, on a clear day, the surrounding islands. Free.
Verdict: A must for every Auckland visitor, a great spot to experience the city from a different perspective.
In the center, above Queen Street, near the university. Artfully landscaped flower beds, old trees, fountains and Victorian statues, a quiet view of the Sky Tower. Open daily around the clock, free entry.
In the middle of Auckland Domain, two historic greenhouses set within a beautifully landscaped garden with a pond, statues and fern displays, with a shaded fern garden in a former lava quarry behind it. Summer 9am–5pm, winter 9am–4:30pm, free entry.
An impressive Moreton Bay fig tree with huge roots to climb on, surrounded by green meadows and historic monuments, with the Auckland War Memorial Museum nearby. Accessible around the clock, free entry.
A bright pink walking and cycling path over a former motorway on-ramp, connecting Nelson Street with the Westhaven Marina cycleway. Especially in the evening, when the LED lights come on, it creates a special atmosphere with a view of the skyline.