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Narrow landstrip in Auckland, New Zealand
Photo: ChewyPineapple, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Central Auckland is the central business district and central suburbs of Auckland, located on the Auckland isthmus between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours. With its range of accommodation, attractions, restaurants, bars and transport links, it’s the part of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city, where most visitors base themselves and spend the most time.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The largest collection of national and international art in New Zealand, housed in a landmark building on the edge of Albert Park in the heart of Auckland. Regularly hosts touring international exhibitions and offers a calendar of talks, performances, film screenings and children's activities to complement its exhibition programme. Has a shop and café.
A large park (75 ha) on an extinct volcano. It has the War Memorial Museum on its highest point and also the historically important winter gardens with impressive flower bed displays, tropical plants and statues (free). There are scenic views of the Waitemata Harbour and islands of the Hauraki Gulf from in front of the museum.
Despite the name, this is not primarily a war museum – it is a general museum and one of the best in New Zealand. It stands in an imposing position in Auckland Domain. It includes excellent displays of Māori and other Polynesian peoples' arts and crafts, the geography of the Auckland region, and daily Māori cultural performances (ground floor). The top floor records names in stone, sobering tombs and lists of war events and their locations. There's a planetarium and a cafe. The museum was constructed in the 1920s as a memorial to those who fought and died in wars. The cenotaph in the grounds below the museum entrance is the focal point for annual ANZAC Day remembrance services.
The zoo has the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, with 120 animal species, over 750 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands (an African savannah) set in 17 hectares.
Large modern Anglican cathedral that opened in 1965 and can seat 1100 people. Next to it is St Mary's Church, the largest wooden Gothic church in the world, built in 1886 and moved to the present site in 1982.
It's on the scenic Tamaki Drive and is the home of Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It includes a trip through a transparent tunnel while the fish and sharks swim all around you, and tanks of rays with feeding-time talks.
A sculpture by Michael Parekowhai in the form of a 1950s house, which sits on the end of the wharf. You can't enter the house, but you can look in the windows at the lighting display inspired by the southern skies and a stainless steel sculpture of Captain James Cook. The artwork was installed in 2017. It can be viewed any time, but it may be best to avoid days when cruise ships are alongside.
An interactive technology museum with over 300,000 items, divided among two campuses: one showcasing aviation artifacts, and the other (larger) one on general science and technology, with a focus on communications (history of the telegraph, for example) and transportation. Look out for the WWII Avro Lancaster Bomber and the Solent Flying Boat in the Sir Keith Park Memorial Aviation Collection.
The highest natural point in Auckland at 196 m above sea level, this volcanic peak provides 360-degree views from beside the 50-metre deep crater at its summit. There are numerous pedestrian entrances from surrounding streets to the hill's walkways.
Many interesting exhibits chronicle New Zealand's maritime history, including actual yachts from the America's Cup and interactive displays and machines. There is an Auckland harbour cruise on an old-style cargo scow that takes about 1 hour and costs extra (adult $25). You can also see the "ship in a bottle" exhibit, and meet the volunteers working on the models.
The second highest peak in the city at 182 m above sea level, this volcanic cone offers panoramic views of the city. An obelisk on the summit marks the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, a founding father of Auckland city. The summit has not had a solitary tree, for which it was known, since 2000. Terraces where the structures of a fortified Maori village (pa) once stood are still visible on the slopes. The peak is surrounded by One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park, the largest parkland on the Auckland isthmus, where you can see cattle and sheep grazing within a major city. There is a children's playground near the Stardome (see below).
At 328 m, this is the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering views of up to 80 km away and fine dining in the Orbit revolving restaurant.
Anglican church. The fine neo-Gothic stone church building opened in 1905.
Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Joseph
Busy catholic cathedral which can have 3000 attend one of the 4 masses on a Sunday. The foundation stone of this traditional stone building was laid in 1884, on a site granted by the Crown in 1841.
A waterfront public space built around former industrial silos, with public art, a playground, basketball facilities and seasonal events.
A large central public square beside Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Centre, used for festivals, markets, performances and civic events.
A public square outside Waitematā Station. Its basalt paving forms a whāriki, or welcome mat, and the space is used for events and civic gatherings.
A civic and performance building opened in 1911, containing the Great Hall, Concert Chamber and a large pipe organ.
A 1929 atmospheric theatre with a Moorish-style auditorium, a starry ceiling and the smaller Wintergarden performance space.
An 18-room mansion started in 1863. It was the centre of social life for its area during the late 19th century.
Built in 1863–64 as a home for a vicar's family. Much smaller than Alberton and Highwic. Well preserved interior showing middle class family accommodation in the late nineteenth century.
House built in 1857 for John Kinder (1819 – 1903), the headmaster of a nearby Church of England School. A couple of rooms are used for exhibitions, but the interior has not been preserved.
Home for a very large family (21 children, although the older ones would have left before the youngest was born) built from 1862.
Wallace Arts Centre
An art gallery with a very substantial collection in a mansion built 1877-79. A collection of New Zealand art is displayed as the Arts Centre. The large Monte Cecilia Park surrounds the house and was once its grounds.
If you have a head for heights, you can walk up the arch of the Harbour Bridge. Bungy jumps from the bridge are also available.
Sea kayaking tours including to the islands of Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe and Motukorea (Browns Island). Auckland is a unique sea kayaking location. Tours suitable for all experience levels. Tours launch at St Heliers - free pickup from downtown.
Explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park during a 4.5-hour marine eco-safari on a purpose-built vessel, the Dolphin Explorer. They have years of experience and guarantee that you will see marine mammals – or your next trip is free.
New Zealand's top sports stadium, hosting cricket in summer and rugby union in winter - the All Blacks national rugby team often play here. In 2023 it staged matches in the Women's World Cup for soccer, co-hosted by NZ and Australia. Event tickets often include free train travel to and from the park – get off the train at Kingsland not Mount Eden Station.
Waitemata Harbour sailboat cruises on a boat from the Pride of Auckland fleet. Also offer a 2-hr Sailing Experience on an original America's Cup yacht. Other activities are available.
The track is 9 km long in total, but meets the roads in many places, so you can easily do just part of it. It includes areas of native forest.
Indoor maze with several rooms, each with a unique theme, and allowing for a different sensory experience: guess the smell/sound/object (by touch); find your way out of a room full of mirrors; swim through a balloon pit etc.
A dormant volcano island that stands prominently near the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour. Climb to the summit for fantastic views of the harbour and Auckland city. Take a picnic or have a swim. There is a guided tour that will take you most of the way up the volcano (on a very bumpy road in a tractor trailer) for about $30. There are no shops on the island, so buy any food and drink you need before you go. Toilets are available at the harbour.
A cable-controlled base jump from a height of 192 m on the Sky Tower. Also the Sky Walk, a walk around a 1.2 m walkway with no hand rails.
A short tram loop, run by MOTAT. Operating hours and length of loop in operation depend on the redevelopment in progress in the area. Two vintage trams are used on this route.
Every year the residents of this street put up a stunning display of lights on their houses. The street has many early 20th century houses tightly packed together. The display can be seen by driving along Franklin Road, but this is clogged with traffic on these nights and the display is best seen on foot. On some evening buskers and choirs are outside a few houses.
A guided, interactive attraction exploring practical film effects through original horror, science-fiction and fantasy sets created by Wētā Workshop.
A performing-arts and events centre on Aotea Square containing the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Herald Theatre and exhibition and function spaces.
A guided interactive attraction about New Zealand rugby, covering the All Blacks and Black Ferns, Māori culture, the haka and rugby skills activities.
A CBD park laid out in the 1880s, with flower gardens, specimen trees, a floral clock, sculptures, artworks and two field guns from 1879.
A park that can be used as route between Queen St and K Rd (passing through St Kevin's Arcade). Has a children's playground.
A seafood market and food hall with a retail fishmonger and several eateries serving seafood and other takeaway and dine-in food.
Small central supermarket.
Small central supermarket.
Badly damaged by a fire in June 2025, closed until 2027 for repairs.
The only supermarket on Karangahape Road. Asian Supermarket.
Large central Asian supermarket.
Plant-based bakery with a variety of "you wouldn't know it's vegan" pastries.
Very good value for money. North African cuisine.
Delicious gourmet burgers. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Excellent kebabs and pitas, a step above typical post-clubbing fare.
Levantine meals from an Israeli chef.
Serves tapas and other dishes. Often busy but worth the wait.
Great Japanese restaurant. Requires reservation for all days of the week. Great value for money.
Elegant, flavourful Asian fusion with an emphasis on plant-based dishes.
An Epsom restaurant serving modern New Zealand and European cuisine with a seasonal menu and a large wine selection. Established in 1996. Selected for the 2026 Michelin Guide.
A popular place with the after-work crowd. Serves traditional Belgian beers alongside Belgian cuisine, including mussels and frites.
Student bar with decent prices.
A bar and club featuring different music nights.
Entertainment complex with a dozen bars & cafes including Bellota, a Spanish tapas bar.
formerly Northern Steamship
Gastropub.
A brewery and pub with a great selection of traditional beer and wine.
(formerly Fridge & Flagon)
Hole-in-the-wall brewery - gem of craft beer making old recipes and modern drinks. Beer sold in pints, cans and flagons.
A brewery serving beer from Behemoth Brewing Co. Small plates of food available but can be fairly expensive.
Smallish "cellar door" style, serving tasting flights of 6 or so beers. You can select your beers or let the staff choose for you.
A brewery and bar serving craft beer and cider. Food is available.
A bar with a large rotating selection of craft beers. There is a food truck which changes weekly.
Serving beer from Brothers brewery and food to share.
Has dorms with up to 10 beds and private rooms. Now run by the Haka House, having been previously owned by the YHA. They have another hostel nearby on Karangahape Road.
Just 4 beds in the dorm rooms. Nice atmosphere, kitchen and laundry.
Easygoing, friendly, cheap.
Budget hotel with reliable wifi, a small gym, laundry room, and breakfast included. Luggage storage available.
Run by the YMCA, this is half-way between a hostel and a hotel. All the rooms (singles, doubles and triples) are ensuite with a fridge and TV, but are a little basic compared to a hotel. There is a laundry, large shared kitchen and lounge on the ground floor. The YMCA also have a hostel nearby with dormitories and single/double rooms.
Four-star plus hotel with restaurant and bar. Serviced apartments available.
Close to Aotea Centre, the Town Hall, restaurants and shopping. 70 studios, one and two-bedroom serviced apartments all with kitchen and laundry facilities. One of a number in the Quest Serviced Apartments chain in Auckland.
formerley Rendezvous Hotel
A grand 4-star plus hotel built in 1989 with 452 guest rooms and suites, a bar, Straits Cafe, and Katsura Japanese restaurant. The lower-priced rooms when discounted are very reasonably priced for a hotel of its rating.
Luxury 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom serviced apartments with harbour views.
Beautifully renovated 1901 Edwardian townhouse.
Five-star luxury hotel, formerly called the Langham.
Four-star plus hotel with 352 guest rooms and suites.
A modern waterfront building with great views over the harbour. Quite close to the ferry terminals and a short walk to the Wynyard area.
Five-star hotel in the CBD with 340 rooms and self-contained apartments, free Wi-Fi, health club and spa, restaurant.
Apartment hotel in the business and dining precinct at Viaduct Harbour.
A luxury apartment hotel in the CBD featuring balconies with harbour & city views.
Five-star luxury hotel.
High-end quality Maori and Polynesian art. Collaborates with local designers, artisans, jewelers and carvers and covers the whole price range for greenstone and other Polynesian art.
It used to have lots of craft stalls, then was renovated and reopened in 2013.
Value chain store for household goods, clothing and a small selection of food.
Large 3-floor shopping mall, which opened in 2019 with David Jones and Farmers department stores and a Woolworths supermarket.
Not exclusively books by women writers, but those are clearly the focus, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The shop is relatively small but has an interesting selection, including sizeable sections focused on writers from New Zealand and LGBTQI+ books.
A downtown shopping and dining precinct with fashion, beauty and specialty shops as well as a large food and restaurant area.
The Waitemata (Britomart) Transport Centre on the corner of Queen St and Customs St near the waterfront in the CBD is the final arrival/departure point for the Auckland Transport (AT) train network that links Central…
Read in the guideUber is available throughout central Auckland and most of the rest of Auckland.
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