Written by Chris, Programme Director

Auckland sits at the top of New Zealand's North Island and is the country's largest international gateway, so for most UK travellers it's the first taste of New Zealand. It's a very good one.

Volcanic peaks, sparkling harbours, beaches within the city limits and a food scene that punches well above its weight all sit within a few miles of each other. Few cities anywhere put skyscrapers, islands and world-class culture this close together.

Some people treat Auckland as a place to recover from the flight before heading off to see "the real New Zealand". We respectfully disagree. We'd give it at least two or three nights, and if you've flown all the way from the UK it's a gentle, welcoming place to find your feet. Here are our ten favourite things to do, from what we think is the most rewarding to the nicest extras. If you'd like to see all of our options, start with our Auckland holidays.

#1 - Watch the sunset from Mount Eden

Auckland sits on a volcanic field of around 50 volcanoes, all dormant, with the most recent eruption being Rangitoto around 600 years ago. Many of the cones are now parks and green spaces.

Mount Eden (Maungawhau) is the highest of them, only a few kilometres from the city centre. Its single large, grassy crater is impressive, and the summit is the best viewpoint in the city. Arrive about an hour before sunset to find a good spot, and bring a jacket as it can be windy at the top. The mountain is sacred to Maori, and guided tours that share its history are available. Please stay on the paths, as the crater is protected.

#2 - Stay and play in Ponsonby

Many visitors stay in the central business district, but we'd encourage you to stay in a neighbourhood. Ponsonby is our favourite. This is where Aucklanders go to eat, drink and shop, with boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars along Ponsonby Road and plenty of surprises down the side streets.

On weekends, it's all about coffee and brunch. For a stylish, characterful base, try The Great Ponsonby Arthotel. You'll feel like a local rather than a tourist. Browse our other options in Auckland hotels.

#3 - Climb the Sky Tower (and maybe jump off)

The Sky Tower dominates the skyline, and it's often the first thing you'll notice as you arrive. At 328 metres (about 1,076 feet), it's the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It was completed in the late 1990s and has become a symbol of the city.

Head up for views across the city and harbour on a clear day. There's dining and a viewing deck, and for the brave, the SkyJump, a controlled, cable-guided leap from the tower (it's often described as a bungee jump, but it's a wire-controlled descent). Whether you jump or just enjoy the view from behind glass, it's a good orientation for your first day.

#4 - Be awestruck at the Auckland Museum

Visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of the best ways to understand New Zealand's culture and history. It sits in the green space of the Auckland Domain, and its collections include outstanding displays on Maori history and the Pacific.

The highlight for many visitors is the Maori cultural performance, which includes ceremonial song and the powerful haka. Check performance times when you arrive, as they run on a set schedule. It's a moving, memorable experience, and a good way to start your trip with an appreciation of the country's first people.

#5 - Hit the beach

You don't need to leave the city for a decent beach. There's one for every mood.

Kohimarama is lovely for a quiet stroll, with a sweeping view across the water to the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island. Mission Bay is livelier, with a polished promenade lined with cafés, ice cream shops and places to people-watch. Both are easy to reach from the centre, and summer evenings here, with the light fading over the water, are hard to beat. Remember that New Zealand's sun is strong, so pack high-factor sunscreen even on cloudy days.

#6 - Go wine tasting on Waiheke Island

Waiheke is just a short ferry ride from the city centre, around 35 to 40 minutes, and it feels like a different world. Vineyards, olive groves, sheltered bays and a relaxed, artistic atmosphere make it a perfect day out.

The island is known for its wineries, many of which offer tastings and lunch with sea views. Benches are dotted along clifftops purely so you can stop and soak up the views. End the day with a swim at Onetangi Beach and a sundowner at Charlie Farley's. Our tip is to plan your wine stops in advance and use a tour or taxi rather than trying to walk between vineyards, as the island is hillier than it looks.

If you'd like to build Waiheke into a bigger trip, our Auckland tours are a good place to start.

#7 - Set sail

Auckland is known as the City of Sails for good reason. On a clear day the harbour is dotted with white sails, and sailing is part of the city's identity. Auckland has hosted the America's Cup a number of times.

There are lots of ways to get out on the water, from chartering a yacht to joining a sailing experience on an America's Cup-style boat. Our advice is to go on a calm, clear day, take a layer for the breeze and don't be shy about having a go at the sails. You'll see the skyline from a very different angle.

#8 - Get in the game

Rugby is the national sport of New Zealand, and Eden Park is its most famous ground. It's home to the Blues and has staged many All Blacks test matches over the years, as well as major Rugby World Cup matches.

If you can catch a game, do. The atmosphere is brilliant, and even visitors who don't follow rugby get swept along. If there isn't a match on during your trip, stadium tours usually run and give you a real insight into the country's love affair with the sport. Check what's on before you book your dates, as fixtures can shape your itinerary.

#9 - Fill Your face with fantastic fare

Auckland is one of New Zealand's culinary capitals. You'll find everything from sophisticated contemporary restaurants to waterside craft beer and burger spots. For us, though, the city's real flavour shows at its markets.

On weekends, markets spring up around the city selling artisan cheeses, baked goods, fresh produce and European specialities. The French-style La Cigale market in Parnell is a good place to start. Night markets have also become popular, popping up in different spots around the city, and they're a lovely, relaxed way to grab dinner and chat with locals. Our tip is to arrive hungry and graze your way around rather than commit to one stall.

If food is a big part of your travels, take a look at our food and wine holidays.

#1 - Play on a peninsula

Auckland's biggest secret is how quickly the city gives way to wild coastline. Two peninsulas make for brilliant day trips: Awhitu and Coromandel.

The Awhitu Peninsula sits across the Manukau Harbour, with black-sand beaches below wind-weathered hills. It's lovely for a picnic and a walk, especially near the Manukau Heads Lighthouse. It feels a world away from the city, though it's a good hour or more by road.

The Coromandel Peninsula is further, with misty, forested mountains and a laid-back feel that locals love at weekends. The star attraction is Hot Water Beach, where geothermal water bubbles up under the sand and you can dig your own warm pool with a spade. Be realistic about timing: it only works around low tide (roughly two hours either side), so check the tide tables before you go. It's also a long day trip from Auckland, so staying overnight on the Coromandel is more relaxing. Expect crowds at peak times, but it's a memorable experience that's worth sharing the beach for.

For more ideas on getting out of the city, see our guide to day trips from Auckland.

Plan your Auckland holiday with us

We've helped UK travellers get the best from Auckland for over two decades, and we're happy to tailor your visit around what you enjoy. A few ideas to get you started:

• Combine Auckland with the rest of the country on our Classic New Zealand Self-Drive
• Follow in the footsteps of Middle-earth with the Lord of the Rings Scenic Explorer Self-Drive
• Travel by train, boat and coach with New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach
• See both islands with a twin or multi-centre holiday
• Celebrating? Explore our honeymoons
• Next stop on the North Island? Read about Rotorua or the Bay of Islands
• Get your free New Zealand travel guide

Call our team on 01 664 9930 (9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun). Your flight-inclusive holiday is ATOL protected (ATOL 9759).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Auckland?
We'd suggest two to three nights. That's enough to see the highlights, take a trip to Waiheke Island and recover from the long flight. Add more if you'd like to include a day trip to the Coromandel.

When is the best time to visit Auckland?
Summer, from December to March, is warm and sunny and perfect for beaches and sailing. The shoulder months of spring and autumn are quieter and often very pleasant. Auckland's weather can be changeable at any time of year, so pack layers and a waterproof.

Is Auckland worth visiting, or should you head straight on?
We think it's well worth a stay. It's a relaxed way to adjust to the time difference after a long-haul flight, and it has plenty to offer in its own right. Even a short stay will give you a flavour of New Zealand's culture, food and scenery.

How do you get to Waiheke Island?
Ferries run regularly from the city's ferry terminal in the centre of Auckland, and the crossing takes around 35 to 40 minutes. It's easy to do independently, but we're happy to help arrange tours and tastings.

Do you need a car in Auckland?
Not in the city itself. Central Auckland, Ponsonby and the waterfront are easy to explore on foot, by ferry or by taxi. If you plan to visit the Coromandel or Awhitu peninsulas, a hire car or guided tour gives you more flexibility.