The Perfect 3-Day Auckland Itinerary

Wondering how to spend 3 days in Auckland?

You’re in for a fun few days in New Zealand’s largest city.

I’ve lived in Auckland for 20 years. It’s where we live, work and play. So I’ve put my in-depth knowledge of the city to good use and put together the perfect 3-day Auckland itinerary. 

From popular attractions and cultural experiences to beaches and outdoor activities, there’s an incredible number of things to do in Auckland. I’ve mixed a few of the tourist things together with the cultural activities and some outdoorsy stuff, so you can experience all the different sides of the city.

If you’d rather skip some of the activities I’ve listed, that’s no problem because I’ve included options for each day so you can choose what works best for you.

It covers options whether you have a car or prefer to explore on foot and avoid the traffic and costly parking. Either way, you can use it as a guide to help you plan how to spend your time in Auckland.

» Read Next: Packing List for New Zealand: What to Wear & Pack

Your 3-Day Auckland Itinerary

Three days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Auckland.

You can see a lot of the top sights, and it’s a great start to a longer New Zealand road trip.

If it rains, we’ve got a complete guide to the best indoor activities in Auckland that you can use to swap anything out if you need to.

Day 1: Top Auckland Attractions

Morning: Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is an iconic landmark and usually one of the first things visitors want to do in Auckland. It’s part of the SkyCity Entertainment Complex which includes a casino, two hotels, several restaurants and a theater. We recommend heading straight up the tower which is open daily from 9:30am.

There are a few ways to spend your time at Sky Tower:

Enjoy 360-degree views of Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf from the observation decks and have a coffee in the café.

If you’re looking for a thrill, you can bungee jump off the platform of the 53rd Floor, or do the SkyWalk experience where you walk around the outside of the tower’s pergola 192 meters (630 feet) above ground. Don’t worry you’ll be securely fastened to safety lines.

There are also a couple of tours inside the SkyCity Complex that I really enjoyed, each tour takes 1.5 hours:

Weta Workshop Unleashed – A fully immersive and interactive tour that takes you into the wacky world of movie making.

The All Blacks Experience – An interactive showcase of New Zealand’s national rugby teams, including the famous All Blacks.

For lunch, the best places to eat near Sky Tower are the Federal Delicatessen for American style diner food or Depot Eatery for fresh seasonal New Zealand food.

Afternoon: Visit a Museum

Museums are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture and Auckland has a  few to choose from. I recommend visiting whichever museums interest you the most. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance, though. They all have a café on site to stop for lunch if you decide not to eat at the Sky Tower.

The Art Gallery and Maritime Museum are both a 10-minute walk from Sky Tower and the Auckland Museum and MOTAT are a 10-minute drive from Sky Tower.

Plan to spend around 2-3 hours at whichever museum you choose.

Option #1: Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tāmaki)

An impressive collection of over 16,000 works of art housed in a beautiful Chateau-style building from the 19th century. I especially enjoyed the Māori portraits dating back to the 10th century. Each display tells the story of the person in the portrait. 

Afterward, you can take a stroll around Albert Park, located next to the museum.  It’s a small park with walking paths through ancient trees, a water fountain and colorful flowers in the Spring.

Option #2: New Zealand Maritime Museum (Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa)

Located near Auckland’s waterfront, the Maritime Museum has a collection of over 100 boats and ships plus exhibits that cover everything from early Polynesian voyagers to modern-day yachting.

My favorite thing about this museum is that you can take a ride around the harbor on one of their heritage vessels. Sailings cost extra but include entry into the museum. 

Option #3: Auckland Museum (Tāmaki Paenga Hira)

An extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that covers everything from Māori culture to the country’s involvement in World War I and II. 

There is a Māori Cultural Performance that I highly recommend if it’s your first time visiting New Zealand. It tells the story of Aotearoa through Māori song, the poi dance and the spine-tingling haka. Performances take place twice a day and tickets cost extra, but it’s easily one of the best things to do in Auckland.

The Auckland Museum is about a 30-minute walk (some of it uphill) from the city center, or you can take the Green Link bus to get here if you don’t have a car. 

» Skip the line and book your Auckland Museum General Admission Entry Ticket here

Option #4: Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

This museum is a great option for families and one of the best activities to do with kids in Auckland. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits across two spacious locations with a tram linking the sites. Exhibits include planes, trains, automobiles and the evolution of technology with lots of interactive displays for kids. 

Late Afternoon/Evening: Sunset at Mt Eden

Mount Eden is a suburb of Auckland and home to a dormant volcano. It’s the highest natural point in Auckland with stunning panoramic views over the city.

It’s a 15-minute drive from the city center or you can take the bus. You can park in the small parking lot (or have a taxi drop you off) at the base and walk up to the top which takes around 20 minutes. You can also find parking along the side streets nearby if the parking lot is full.

The volcano is covered in grass and has a walking track around the perimeter of the crater. We often bring a blanket and sometimes a picnic to watch the sunset over the city. 

Sunset will depend on the time of year you are visiting, being much later in summer. If this is the case for you, feel free to have dinner first then head up Mount Eden.

Dinner

For a local experience, head to Gina’s Italian Kitchen in Mt Eden Village for dinner, or you can head back into the city center (Auckland CBD as it’s referred to locally).

Where to Eat in Auckland CBD

For casual dining, I love White & Wongs for flavorful ‘East meets West’ cuisine on the waterfront. Or head to Burger Burger (located in Commercial Bay) for arguably Auckland’s best burgers. There’s also Rein & Pour located on the ground floor of Commercial Bay for a mix of casual and nice.

For upscale dining, there’s Amano for rustic Italian (the burrata is a must-try), there’s The Grove, an award-winning fine dining restaurant with exceptional contemporary New Zealand cuisine and wine pairings (definitely worth it!), and Peter Gordon’s The Sugar Club, a chic restaurant located on the 53rd floor of the Sky Tower.

For seafood restaurants with a view, try Oyster & Chop in the Viaduct, or FISH Restaurant in the Hilton Hotel.

If you’ve saved room for dessert, head to Miann in Britomart, a chic dessert bar where they make everything from scratch, even the chocolate. Decadent is an understatement. 

Day 2: Auckland’s Islands & Waterfront

Morning: Ferry to the Island of Your Choice

Did you know there are a handful of islands just off the coast of Auckland that you can book a ferry to visit? Each one offers something different. I’m recommending a few options so whether you’re into food and wine, adventure and hiking or nature and conservation, you can choose the one that fits you best.

You can catch the ferry for each of these options from the downtown Ferry Terminal which is walkable from most hotels in the city center.

Option #1: Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a popular destination for wine lovers and beachgoers. The island is covered in beautiful vineyards and secluded beaches. There are over 30 wineries and cellar doors around the island that produce some of New Zealand’s top wines.

The ferry takes 35-40 minutes to get there. The ferry boards by your place in line so I recommend getting to the ferry terminal early. Then spend the day (or half day) exploring the island’s wineries, beaches and art galleries. You can take the Hop on Hop off bus, the local public bus, taxis or rent an e-bike or car to get around the island on your own.

You can also book a wine tour, which is my preference. They’ll pick you up at the Waiheke ferry terminal and take you to a selection of the island’s wineries. There is even a tour that includes ziplining over the vineyards.

I’ve enjoyed several tours to Waiheke Island, including this ziplining tour. Overall, they are good value and a convenient way to experience the island as a full day or half day trip.

I particularly like this Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour tour because you get to sample a selection of local food along with some of the island’s best wineries.

» You’ll need to book your ferry ticket separately which you can do here

Option #2: Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks, and a great place to explore if you love the outdoors. This volcanic island sits just off the coast of Auckland and has a range of hiking trails and lava caves, plus stunning views of the city and Hauraki Gulf.

After the 30-minute ferry ride to get there, follow the Summit Track past lava fields and a Pohutukawa forest on the way to the summit. It’s a decent climb so expect to work up a sweat!

You can book ferry tickets from Fullers or take a guided tour, which will give you insight into its history and geology. If you’re feeling adventurous, this kayaking tour and climb to the summit of the volcano is the way to go.

Most visitors spend half a day at Rangitoto. You can bring a packed lunch to eat at the summit (be sure to take all trash with you when you leave), or have lunch when you get back to the waterfront. We like Dr Rudis for craft beer and pizza!

Option #3: Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi is a special island sanctuary located in the Hauraki Gulf and one of the world’s most successful conservation projects. The island is filled with wildlife including rare New Zealand native birds that you won’t see on the mainland.

Many visitors don’t know about Tiritiri until they arrive and even then, it’s still unknown to a great extent. But as a nature and animal lover it’s one of my favorite places.

This is a full day tour because it’s a longer ferry ride to get there, 80 minutes each way. Once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this remote island paradise.

There are walking trails around the island that take you along the coast to hidden beaches and over wooden boardwalks through the forest where you’re bound to run into the resident bird life.

I have a soft spot for the takahē, once thought to be extinct, even though they tried to steal my lunch out of my backpack!

Here are our top tips for visiting Tiritiri Matangi Island:

• Bookings are limited so be sure to book well in advance.
• You can swim or snorkel at the sandy beaches – bring a swimsuit and towel.
• There aren’t any amenities on the island – bring a packed lunch, plenty of water and sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses.
• Be sure to take all belongings including any garbage with you when you leave.

You can purchase ferry tickets to Tiritiri Matangi Island through Explore Group.

Afternoon: Explore Auckland’s Waterfront

If you opted for a half day tour or have some time left, you can spend the rest of the afternoon or evening exploring Auckland’s waterfront which has three main precincts, all within easy walking distance from the ferry terminal.

Britomart: A mix of restaurants, cafes, bars and designer boutiques lining a cobbled walkway covered in fairy lights. It opens to Takutai Square – a green space that hosts events throughout the year. You can check out events on the Britomart website. Try Hokey Pokey ice cream at Giapo, located nearby on Gore Street. It’s over the top and delicious!

Viaduct Harbour: Known as the hospitality hub, the Viaduct is a lively area around the marina filled with bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink or have a meal with a stunning view. Some of the popular bars include Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co, Parasol & Swing and HQ. It’s a popular area to experience Auckland’s nightlife.

Wynyard Quarter/Silo Park: Located across the pedestrian bridge from the Viaduct, this precinct was once used by the timber trade and for bulk chemical storage. Now it’s a thriving neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and a playground for the kids. There’s a Night Market every Sunday from 4pm.

Westhaven Promenade

For an extended walk you can continue past the Silo’s and follow the signs to the Westhaven Promenade, a picturesque 3.1-kilometer (2-mile) path connecting Wynyard Quarter to the Auckland Harbour Bridge. A return walk from Silo Park will take about an hour to complete.

The walk leads to a boardwalk along the marina with fantastic views of Rangitoto Island, Auckland City and the Harbour Bridge. Being that we live in the city, this is our local walk and one we do most weekends when the weather is good. The views never get old. 

Dinner

For dinner, you might like to consider making a reservation at Sails Restaurant located along the Westhaven Promenade. It’s the top rated restaurant for Central Auckland on TripAdvisor and has been recognized among the top 20 fine-dining restaurants in the world for its contemporary surf and turf menu. 

For something more casual, stop in Swashbucklers for a seafood platter and a cold beer.

Auckland at Night

If you still have energy to burn, check out our post on the best things to do in Auckland at night. It covers fun activities plus the best places to experience Auckland’s nightlife.

Day 3: Beaches, Shopping & Marine Life

Morning: Go to the Beach

Auckland has some fantastic beaches from wild black sand beaches on the west coast to popular swimming beaches on the east coast. Here are two that I really like and visit the most often. 

I recommend getting there early during the summer months to ensure you get a parking space. 

Option #1: Mission Bay

Mission Bay beach is a popular swimming beach, a 15-minute drive from Auckland CBD. It’s close enough to take a taxi or Uber if you don’t have a car, or you can take a bus.

The water is generally calm and there aren’t any lifeguards. The white sand beach is backed by a large park with a playground and stunning views out to Rangitoto Island. 

Across the street from the beach is Mission Bay Village, with lots of restaurants that have outdoor seating, and a good place to stop for lunch. Bodrum Kitchen has fabulous Mediterranean food, and I also really like the Bald Eagle Diner for its American themed diner food.

There is a scenic walking path along the waterfront that connects from Mission Bay to Kohimarama Beach and St Heliers Beach, and a little further along is Achilles Point – a rocky point on the headland with a raised platform and excellent views over Auckland Harbour. Just be aware Achilles Point is above a small, secluded nudist beach and you may see nude bathers from the lookout point.

The walk from Mission Bay to Achilles Point will take about an hour (one-way), but you can go as far as you are comfortable. It’s completely exposed so bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Option #2: Piha Beach

Piha Beach is a black sand wilderness beach on Auckland’s west coast, about a 50-minute drive from central Auckland, and a popular beach for surfing.

The landscape is rugged and breathtaking with fine black sand and wild waves. It was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, contributing to its unique environment.

You can take a walk up the iconic Lions Rock for spectacular views over the beach and visit the nearby hiking trails. A short drive from Piha Beach is an easy walk through the native forest to Karekare falls.

The sea is rougher here and there can be dangerous rips so it’s important to stay between the flags and follow the instructions of lifeguards if you plan on swimming.

For lunch, head to Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ at Piha Beach or you can bring your own.

It’s fairly remote and you’ll need to be confident driving a narrow winding road to get there. There aren’t any buses and taxis or Uber would be very expensive. If you prefer not to drive or don’t have a car you may like to consider taking a tour to Piha Beach.

» Tour to try: Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

Afternoon: Devonport, Shopping & Marine Life

You have a few different options for how to spend your afternoon, including the waterfront if you didn’t get there on Day 2.

You can also use these as alternatives to swap out with any of the activities we’ve covered so far.  

Option #1: Devonport

Devonport is a quaint coastal town located on Auckland’s North Shore, filled with nice cafes, boutique shops and art dealerships. The best thing is you can take a 12-minute ferry ride to Devonport from the downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal.

Explore the village, stop at Devonport Chocolates for a treat, walk along the promenade to the historic defense site of North Head, or climb up Mount Victoria for awesome views. You can also explore the village on a segway tour or take one up to Mount Victoria. 

Option #2: Ponsonby

Ponsonby is a trendy residential neighborhood in the city known for shopping and dining. It’s a 30-minute walk from the CBD (up a big hill). I recommend hopping in a taxi or Uber to get there if it’s a hot day. 

Ponsonby Road is lined with boutique shops, upscale cafes and small galleries to explore. It’s great for some retail therapy, grabbing a coffee or having some food.

In fact, Ponsonby has an amazing food scene, from gourmet food trucks to gastropubs and bistros. Personal favorites include The Blue Breeze Inn and Bedford Soda & Liquor which has a nice outdoor area, both located in Ponsonby Central.

Option #3: Dolphin Explorer Cruise

Enjoy a whale and dolphin safari cruise from downtown Auckland. A half-day cruise takes you on a purpose-built catamaran with expert guides. You’ll have a chance to see dolphins, whales, seals and rare seabirds all year round in Auckland, and even larger groups of whales in winter. And if you don’t see any marine mammals during your cruise, you can go again for free!

In fact, if you decide to book this tour, you may want to swap it out with one of the activities on Day 1 so you have the option to go again on Day 2 or Day 3 if needed.

» Recommended tour: Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

Option #4: Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

Adults and kids will both enjoy this aquarium where you can walk under the water through glass bubble walkways. 

Kelly Tarlton’s is home to a wide variety of sea life including penguins. There are a range of interactive experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, snorkeling with sharks, and penguin encounters.

They also have talks and feedings throughout the day, providing insight into the animals and their habitats. You’ll need to arrive at the time you booked but can stay as long as you like (within opening hours of course). It’s about a 10-minute drive from the city center to Kelly Tarlton’s, along the same road you would take to Mission Bay Beach.

Info: Open daily 9:30am-5pm; admission from $36 – adult, $25.60 – child

Final Dinner in Auckland

An Auckland Sunset Dinner Cruise is a pretty special way to spend your final evening in Auckland. You’ll tour the Waitemata Harbour on a sailboat with live commentary pointing out the city’s highlights. You can even help the crew with the sails or try your hand at steering the boat.

After anchoring in a sheltered marina, dinner is served – a delicious 3-course meal featuring fresh seafood. You’ll get to see the sunset over the city skyline then Auckland’s iconic landmarks light up for the night. Bring a jacket, it gets chilly on the water after the sun goes down.

» We like this Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

How to Get Around in Auckland

Getting from the Airport to City Center (CBD)

If you’ve arrived at Auckland International Airport and don’t have a car, the best way to get from the airport to the city is by taxi, bus, or shuttle. The journey generally takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi/Uber: Some taxi companies have a fixed fare rate to the CBD. Expect to pay around $70 to $80 for a fixed fare with Alert Taxis and Auckland Co-op Taxis (Corporate Cabs is more expensive). Uber is normally cheaper unless there is a surge in peak times. 

SkyDrive: An express bus service between the airport and SkyCity. A one-way ticket costs $18 per adult. The bus stops right outside both the international and domestic terminals.

Super Shuttle: A shared transfer in a minivan with one-way bookings starting at $36 for one person plus $8 for each extra person in the same group.

Getting Around Auckland

Renting a Car

Renting a car will give you the most flexibility for getting around, especially if you want to venture further outside the city center, but be mindful that it can cost a lot to park at your hotel and the traffic can be a pain.

Public Transport

You can also get around by bus and ferry using a contactless method of payment such as credit or debit cards, digital payment payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay or you can purchase an AT HOP card. One exception is the Fullers Waiheke commercial ferries which do not take contactless payment.

Cash can be used to purchase a paper ticket for train and ferry travel but buses no longer accept cash as payment. You can find bus and ferry timetables here.

Taxis and Uber

For  2–3 days in Auckland, taxis or Uber are the most efficient way to get to places around the city that you can’t walk or take a ferry to. Just be sure to agree on the basis of the fare for taxis before you get in. 

Guided Tours

Guided tours are a great way to see the highlights in and around Auckland, especially if it’s your first time visiting or you don’t have a car. This way everything is organized for you, including transport, and you can see a lot in a short amount of time. It’s also a great way to learn about the history and culture of the areas you’ll be visiting from local guides.

Here are some top Auckland tours that we think are worth considering:

» Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

» Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

» Auckland Scenic Day Tour Full-Day

Where to Stay in Auckland

This itinerary is made easy by staying at a hotel in Auckland’s city center. This way you can get to almost everything on the itinerary on foot, which will save a lot of time and hassle. Here are our top 3 city center hotels to consider.

The Grand by SkyCity: It’s right in the middle of the action and an easy walk to most places including museums, restaurants and the waterfront. Plus, it has a fabulous spa on site. Read Reviews | Book a Stay

The Hotel Britomart: New Zealand’s first 5 green star hotel with a warm and cozy atmosphere. It’s near the waterfront, close to the Viaduct, ferry terminal and upscale bars and restaurants in Britomart. Read Reviews | Book a Stay

Holiday Inn Express: A newer 3.5 star hotel in the center of it all, within easy walking distance to a lot of attractions, restaurants and bars, and the waterfront. The rooms are on the small side, but it offers good value in a central location. Read Reviews | Book a Stay

You can check out our guide on the best places to stay in Auckland for a more comprehensive list. 

Wrapping Up: 3 Days in Auckland

As you can see, there are many sides to Auckland from cultural experiences to world-class wineries and outdoor activities. I hope this 3-day Auckland itinerary provides activities you’ll enjoy. Auckland is often the jumping off point for a trip around New Zealand, and spending 3 days in Auckland is a great way to start it off (or finish it) with plenty of fun experiences to be had.

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