If you’re wondering how to spend a weekend in Auckland, I’ve got you covered with this ideal 2-day itinerary which includes how to spend your time, where to stay and useful tips from a local.
Auckland is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do and views to match. It’s also New Zealand’s largest city and pretty spread out, so it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to see and do in the time that you have, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Luckily, having lived in Auckland for over 20 years, 10 years as a resident of the city center, I know the city well. This itinerary provides my top picks for how to spend 2 days in Auckland to help you make the most of your weekend in the city. It’s a fun mix of popular attractions like the SkyTower and local experiences like the Night Markets.
Is 2 Days in Auckland Enough?
Auckland is a fantastic destination for a weekend away with all the big-city amenities you would expect in terms of attractions, restaurants and nightlife. Plus, many visitors fly into Auckland International Airport to start (and end) their trip around New Zealand.
Obviously there are many more things to do than you can fit into 2 days, but I think it’s a good amount of time to see the top attractions and get a feel for the city, including a trip to one of the islands.
At a bare minimum, you need one day in Auckland to see the top sites in the city center. If you have longer than 2 days to spend, you can explore further into the surrounding neighborhoods, visit the beaches and enjoy some of the day trips you can easily take from the city.
How to Spend a Weekend in Auckland
This itinerary mixes a few tourist things together with cultural activities and some local stuff, so you can see all the different sides of the city. It will take you from Friday evening to Sunday night to cover the whole weekend.
If you’d rather skip some of the activities I’ve listed, that’s no problem. You can see a comprehensive list in our Fun Things to Do in Auckland article to swap anything out. And for families, we have an article that covers all the best Activities for Kids in Auckland.
I recommend staying in the city center and getting around on foot and by using public transportation. Uber is another good way to get to places that are too far to walk, which will save a lot of time and hassle. Of course if you have a car you can drive, but traffic and parking can be a pain.
Friday Evening: Dinner & Sky Tower
If you’re arriving in Auckland on Friday evening, I recommend getting settled into your hotel and heading up the Sky Tower for sunset. As New Zealand’s tallest building, it offers 360° views of Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf, and Rangitoto Island. It’s one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset.
You can ride the elevator to the top of the Sky Tower and explore the three levels of viewing decks for $40 NZD. Sunset is a popular time to visit, but you can purchase tickets in advance here and skip the line. The Sky Tower is open from 9:30am to 8pm on weekdays and until 10pm on weekends.
If you’re looking for a thrill, you can do the SkyJump, a controlled jump from the platform of the 53rd Floor, the SkyWalk where you walk around the outside of the tower’s pergola, or the new SkySlide, a virtual roller coaster ride around the outside of the Sky Tower. You can find hours and pricing and learn about these exciting activities on their website.
There’s also a couple of restaurants at the top of the Sky Tower for a romantic meal with a view.
Orbit 360⁰ is a fine dining restaurant that slowly revolves as you dine, and The Sugar Club is chic and modern with ‘Fusion Cuisine’ designed for sharing. Reservations are required, and if you dine at either restaurant you can get access to the viewing decks for $10 NZD. Try to make your reservation for just before sunset.
For something more casual, the Depot Oyster Bar & Eatery is fantastic. This one is at ground level, very close to the Sky Tower (on Federal Street), and popular with locals. They don’t take bookings, it’s all about good food, a fun atmosphere and no fuss.
Day One: Explore the City Center
Day one includes my top experiences in Auckland starting at the markets and ending with dinner and drinks in the Viaduct. Plus museums, parks and a walk to the top of a volcano – it’s all in there.
I’m providing two options for this morning – a sightseeing tour and a self guided option.
I recommend using a public bus, taxi or Uber to get to this morning’s activities that are too far to walk for the self guided option. You can drive yourself if you have a car, but you won’t need a car for the remainder of the itinerary.
I’ve also provided timeframes as a guide, but of course this will vary depending on your method of transport and how long you choose to stay at each place.
Morning Option 1: Auckland City Sightseeing Tour (10am – 2pm)
Starting your day with a sightseeing tour is the best way to see the highlights of Auckland and get acquainted with the city in a short amount of time, especially for first-time visitors.
Plus, you’ll have a local guide driving you around to all the best stops and hidden gems while sharing insights about the city along the way.
I like this Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour because it combines the city highlights with the best photo spots that only locals would know about. It covers the city and coastal neighborhoods, plus a trip to the top of Mt Eden Summit, which you would need transport to get to from the city center.
It’s an ideal way to see the best of Auckland, even beyond the city center, in a short amount of time – and help you decide where to spend the afternoon! This is my top choice for a city tour and for $70.77 NZD per person, offers good value in my experience.
» Book your Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour here!
The tour starts at 10am and meets near the Ferry Building in downtown Auckland (or you can get picked up from a central hotel). If you meet at the Ferry Building, check out the Britomart Market on the way. It’s a great way to mingle with locals and grab some breakfast and yummy snacks for the day. It’s open every Saturday from 8am in Takutai Square, a 5 minute walk from the Ferry Terminal.
Morning Option 2: Explore the Highlights On Your Own
If you prefer to explore the city on your own, that’s no problem! Follow this itinerary.
Parnell Markets (from 8am)
One of the best things about visiting Auckland on the weekend is the markets! For a local experience, head to the Parnell Markets. Peruse the stallholders and sample the variety of artisanal food on offer. Enjoy a coffee with a fresh pastry to start the day.
The market is held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm on Saint Georges Bay Road in Parnell. It’s a 40 minute walk from the CBD (part of it is uphill) or you can take the public bus (green Link bus), taxi or Uber.
Auckland Museum & The Domain (9am)
One of the best places to learn about Auckland’s history is the Auckland Museum. This impressive museum is housed in a gorgeous neo-classical building. You can explore exhibits on everything from natural history to military history. The museum also offers guided tours and cultural performances, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
I especially enjoyed the collection of artifacts that tell the story of New Zealand’s past, from its Maori roots to its modern-day culture.
The museum is located on top of Observatory Hill in Auckland Domain, a 25 minute (1.6km/1-mile) walk or short bus ride from the markets. It’s open from 9am to 5pm daily and general admission for visitors costs $32 NZD per adult (free for residents!).
You can book your tickets in advance here at no extra cost so you can skip the line. General admission gets you access to all three levels of the museum including the Maori artifacts.
There is a nice cafe in the museum to grab some lunch, or you can wait until after the next stop, depending on where you’re at.
Afterward, you can take a stroll around the Domain to see the duck ponds and Wintergardens.
Mt Eden (12pm)
Next up is Mt Eden, Auckland’s highest volcano. From the summit, you can see the Auckland skyline and out to the Hauraki Gulf. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Auckland, and a unique opportunity to stand on top of a volcano.
The dormant volcano is now covered in grass with a crater in the center. You can follow the road or take the dirt trails to walk to the summit which takes around 20-30 minutes. At the top, there’s a walking track around the rim of the crater that offers different vantage points as you walk around. A visit here lasts around 1 hour and it’s completely free to access.
It’s a 50-minute walk from Auckland Museum to the Mt Eden Summit. Or you can take a bus (orange Outer Link), Uber or taxi from the museum to the base of Mt Eden and walk up to the summit. If you have a car, there is a small parking lot at the base of Mount Eden and you can often find parking on the side streets.
Lunch (1pm)
Take the bus, Uber or taxi back to the city center for lunch, there are plenty of great options.
I particularly like The Federal Delicatessen for a NY Deli style lunch, The Kimchi Project on Lorne Street for Asian Fusion or head to the upscale food court located on level 2 in Commercial Bay for a selection of fast and fresh cuisines from around the globe. Kai Eatery does amazing bao buns and Wise Boys Burgers has the best veggie burgers.
Afternoon: Explore the CBD (2pm)
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city center, including a trip up the Sky Tower if you weren’t able to get there on Friday evening. Chances are you won’t have time to see everything on the list, so start with what appeals to you the most.
Auckland Art Gallery
For art lovers, The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is a must-visit and one of the best things to do indoors in Auckland. The museum is located near Albert Park and walkable from the city center. It’s housed in a beautiful Chateau-style building from the 19th century, with an impressive collection of over 16,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring the four floors of exhibitions. I especially enjoyed viewing and reading about the Māori portraits that date back to the 10th century.
There used to be an entry fee for international visitors, but the museum is currently free for both New Zealand residents and international visitors. It’s open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Afterward, take a walk through Albert Park which is located next to the museum. It’s small and peaceful with walking paths through ancient trees, a water fountain and colorful flowers in the Spring.
High Street
Take a walk along High Street. It runs parallel to Queen Street but is nicer to walk along with dozens of boutique shops, cafes and cobblestone laneways to explore. There is also a public space, called Freyberg Place, with terraced seating and a water feature.
Ice Cream at Giapo
Have an ice cream at Giapo, located on Gore Street. You can pick your ice cream flavor, base and toppings and they will turn it into a work of art. Try the Hokey Pokey, it’s one of New Zealand’s top yummy foods to try.
Britomart
Stroll along the cobblestone pathways in Britomart, an upmarket area near the waterfront with nice boutique shops, restaurants and bars.
Visit the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is located in the Viaduct with a collection of over 100 boats and ships, as well as exhibits that cover everything from early Polynesian voyages to modern-day yachting. There are lots of interactive displays and exhibitions to experience. It’s open daily 10am-5pm and admission is $20 NZD per adult.
Dinner & Evening: Viaduct & Harbour Cruise (6pm)
I recommend having dinner and drinks in the Viaduct or going on a dinner cruise.
The Viaduct Harbour is one of the best areas of Auckland to visit for great restaurants and picturesque harbour views. Many of the restaurants have outdoor terraces or elevated decks where you can dine overlooking the marina.
I’ve dined at Oyster & Chop a few times and the food is always good. We usually get steak, oysters and champagne (for special occasions). Their cocktails are really good too.
I also like the pizza at Saint Alice for something more casual. They have an elevated dining area with views over the marina. Try to get a table in the outdoor area.
Hello Beasty and White & Wongs both offer fusion cuisine with bold flavors that are designed for sharing. I’ve dined at White & Wongs numerous times and it’s always delicious, my top choice.
Sunset Sail and Dinner (6:00pm-8:30pm)
Alternatively, a sunset sail and dinner cruise in Auckland Harbor is a romantic way to end the day. The cruise starts with a complimentary drink and a sailboat tour of the Waitemata Harbour with live commentary pointing out the city’s highlights. You can even help steer the boat!
After finding a quiet spot, dinner is served including canapes, salad, a main and dessert. You’ll get to see the sunset over the city skyline, then Auckland’s iconic landmarks light up for the night. The views from the harbour are fantastic. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, it gets chilly on the water after the sun goes down.
This activity starts at 6pm and lasts for 2.5 hours. The cruise departs from the Viaduct Harbour, adjacent to the Maritime Museum and costs $150 NZD per person. Spots are limited so it’s best to book this one in advance.
» You can book your Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise tour here.
Auckland Nightlife
The Viaduct is a great place to experience Auckland’s nightlife. Dr. Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co, Parasol & Swing, and HQ are all popular bars. Holy Moley is a fun bar with a mini golf course. And Danny Doolans has live music.
For a more sophisticated experience, try the Bellini Bar at Hilton Hotel or make your way to the Britomart area, a 10 minute walk from the Viaduct. I especially like The Caretaker, an underground cocktail bar with a New York vibe.
If you have room for dessert, head to Miann. A chic dessert bar located in Britomart that stays open until 11pm on Saturdays. They make everything from scratch, even the chocolate. Decadent is an understatement.
Day Two: Waiheke Island & Night Markets
Waiheke Island (all day)
Enjoy a day trip to Waiheke Island. The island is covered with vineyards and has around 30 cellar doors, perfect for those who want to spend a day sampling local wines, going to the beach or even ziplining.
You can take the Fuller’s ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island, and then take the Hop-on Hop-off Explorer Bus (this particular tour includes the ferry & bus), a taxi or the local public bus (you can use your AT Hop card) to get around the island.
You can also book a wine tour, which is my preference. I’ve enjoyed several tours to Waiheke Island and overall they offer good value and a convenient way to experience the island. They include transportation around the island and wine tastings at 3-4 vineyards. When you’re finished they’ll drop you off at the ferry terminal or you can stay on the island longer and make your own way back.
» I particularly like this 6 hour wine tour which includes a scenic tour of the island plus a visit to 3 of my favorite vineyards on the island.
The ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island takes around 40 minutes. Head to the back of the boat for views of the city skyline as you depart. You’ll need to book your ferry separately which you can do here.
Pro Tip: If you are doing the tour above, you’ll need to book the 9am ferry. Boarding is based on your place in line so be sure to get there early.
Dinner & Evening: Night Markets & Westhaven Promenade
Head to Wynyard Quarter, located just over the footbridge from The Viaduct, for the Night Markets at Silo Park. This thriving waterfront neighborhood has a selection of bars, restaurants and a playground for the kids. You can still see a nod to its former days with communal areas and green spaces built around the silos, affectionately known as Silo Park.
The Night Market is held every Sunday from 4pm to 11pm. It offers an incredible selection of food from all around the world in a fun and casual atmosphere.
Westhaven Promenade to Harbour Bridge Walkway
For a nice walk, the Westhaven Promenade is a picturesque 2.4-kilometre (1.5-mile) track connecting Wynyard Quarter & Silo Park to the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It’s an easy walking path on sidewalks and over wooden boardwalks with beautiful views of the marina and back to the city. At the end, you can see the Harbour Bridge up close which lights up in different colors after sunset.
Where to Stay in Auckland For the Weekend
If you’re traveling to Auckland, ensure you have accommodation and tours booked ahead of time. Below are some of my top picks to help you plan.
I’ve lived in Auckland for years so it’s easy to keep up with the best places to stay! Since this guide involves things to do in and around the city center, it’s best to stay near the action. Anywhere near SkyCity, Britomart or the Viaduct are great options.
Here are my top recommendations for budget, mid-range and luxury stays. You can read reviews or book directly through the links below (they are affiliate links from which we receive a small commission).
Lylo Auckland – $
Auckland’s newest hostel-style accommodation located in the city center. They have a few different room types including ‘pods’ in a shared room and private rooms, plus communal spaces.
Travelodge Hotel Wynyard Quarter – $$
A 3.5-star hotel located in Wynyard Quarter, close to the Viaduct and waterfront. Rooms are clean and comfortable. There is parking and a small supermarket next door, and plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
The Grand by SkyCity – $$$
For a weekend in Auckland, I like staying at The Grand by SkyCity for its well-appointed rooms and awesome location. It’s right next to SkyCity with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, and a fabulous spa on site. This was our preferred place to stay before we moved to the city.
The Hotel Britomart – $$$$
An outstanding 5-green-star luxury hotel located in the Britomart area, featuring natural materials throughout. It’s close to the waterfront and ferry terminal with many upscale bars and restaurants nearby.
Best Tours and Experiences in Auckland
Here are some other stand out tours in Auckland you may like to consider. They are a great way to see all sides of the city and beyond. Plus you get the benefit of local guides sharing the culture, history and insights about the places you’ll be visiting.
- Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise (see resident dolphins and whales)
- Auckland Scenic Full Day Tour (see everything in one day!)
- Piha Beach & Rainforest Half Day Tour (explore Piha Beach and Waitakere Ranges)
- Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats (discover hidden gems and secret laneways)
Conclusion
It’s easy to spend a weekend in Auckland. This itinerary just scrapes the surface of the amazing things there are to do, and that’s not even counting the awesome day trips from Auckland you can take. I hope you have a fun 2 days in Auckland, and love it as much as I do once you finish this itinerary.
Travel Planning Guide
🚗 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🚐 What about a campervan?
Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.
🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?
For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.
This is a great tour! ❤️ Your articles on Auckland are wonderful, so detailed and easy to follow! As I read them I feel like I am reliving my tour to these truly amazing places that I actually got to experience first hand. I will never forget them, except I missed the ice cream, I think that’s reason enough to go back!
Thank you Heather..New Zealander Wanderer
Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed reading them and found them easy to follow. The ice cream is definitely worth coming back for!