Flights to Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most exciting city. Book flights to Auckland from the UK with Airinme.com.

Situated on the northernmost tip of the North Island, charming Auckland is built on a volcanic field and combines urban thrills with a reverence for natural landscapes and wildlife. Visit Rangitoto Island, home to the last volcano to erupt here six centuries ago, or explore the Waitekere Ranges for bush walks a stone's throw from the city. Get fantastic views from the Sky Tower viewing platform or at the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

And when you're ready to relax, Auckland's CBD – its downtown area – is teeming with fantastic restaurants and cafes. Start planning your adventure today: book flights to Auckland with Airinme.com. 

Things to do in Auckland 

1. You could say Auckland is a dangerous city – it's built on around 50 volcanoes, though the last eruption was 600 years ago. Take a trip to Rangitoto Island to explore this looming shadow in Auckland's topography.
2. Hop on the ferry back to the city and pop in to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn more about the city. This free attraction has a wonderful range of exhibits dedicated to local history, and its War Memorial galleries are moving tributes to lives lost in battle.
3. Want to see Auckland from high above the city? At 328m tall, Sky Tower in Auckland's CBD is New Zealand's tallest building. Catch a glass fronted lift up to the viewing platform and – if you're feeling really brave – do a SkyJump off the building.
4. Need another adrenaline rush? Book a place on an Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb. Steel yourself for the dizzy heights, but it's worth it for the breathtaking views of Auckland and Waitemata Harbour.
5. Explore Auckland's green spaces on your holiday: Auckland Domain is the oldest park and one of the city's largest, while the Auckland Botanic Gardens is home to over 10,000 plants from over the world.
6. Head west to Waitekere, which was a separate entity before 2010 but is now part of Auckland. The Waitekere Ranges are a great spot for bush walks, while Piha Beach is a stunning – but sometimes dangerous – swimming spot.
7. See where the locals' sporting passion lies at Eden Park. Get a ticket for a match at this famous rugby and cricket ground while you're in town, or take a tour on non-match days.
8. Auckland Art Gallery is home to New Zealand's biggest and most important art collection. Spend a few hours here scouring its fascinating works by international and home-grown artists.
9. New Zealanders love their wildlife, and Auckland Zoo is one of the city's most cherished attractions. Time your visit with their regular zookeeper talks to learn more about their animals. It's a great experience, no matter what age you are.
10. There's plenty to see below the sea too: dive into Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium and explore a network of mesmerising underwater viewing tunnels. You can even dive with sharks. 

Shopping in Auckland

Whether it's browsing the freshest local fruit and veg or looking for trendy clothes and accessories, people in Auckland love to shop and there are loads of shopping centres to visit here. 

Shopping malls in Auckland

The Downtown Shopping Centre is the prime place to shop in the CBD, with everything you need under one roof. But there are loads more shopping malls to discover in Auckland's suburbs: head to Westfield St Lukes or Sylvia Park for high-end fashion, while the Dress Smart outlet mall is packed with great deals and discounts. 

Auckland markets

Browse the city's many markets to get a feel for local life. Farmers markets are a great place to taste the best of local produce. Look out for gleaming jars of sweet New Zealand honey to take home with you, as well as excellent coffee. 

Eating in Auckland

New Zealand isn't known for its food, but the variety of restaurants in Auckland mean you'll always find something delicious. There's a vibrant café culture in the city too, so coffee lovers are well-catered for. 

New Zealand specialities

Make sure to sample kumara (sweet potato) chips while you're in New Zealand, usually served with sour cream. Fresh seafood and fish and chips are also a favourite with locals, meat pies are a common snack and pavlova is a much-loved dessert (though its parentage is also claimed by Australia). 

Restaurants in Auckland

Eat out at Orbit, the Sky Tower's restaurant, for fantastic views that rotate every hour. Grill restaurants, like The Grill by Sean Connolly and One Tree Grill, are popular too. And thanks to its large east Asian population, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese foods are well-loved in Auckland, and great noodles and sushi are easy to come by. 

Insider's Tips 

In an emergency, dial 111 for police, fire or ambulance assistance. This number is free from all phones. 

British travellers do not need a visa to travel to New Zealand if their stay does not exceed six months. However, you will need to meet strict regulations: find out more online. 

The currency here is the New Zealand Dollar, which is different from both the Australian Dollar and the US Dollar. 

Remember, seasons in New Zealand are reversed. The weather in Auckland tends to be mild and wet in winter (June to September) and warm and humid in summer (December to March). 

Getting there from Auckland Airport 

By bus

The Airbus Express service connects Auckland Airport with the city centre every 10 minutes. Bus services also run between the airport and Manukau and North Shore. 

By taxi

There are designated ranks for taxis and airport shuttles outside the main arrivals hall. You can also pre-book transfers with airport-approved taxi firms, including Auckland Co-op Taxis.

Care hire

Planning to drive around New Zealand? Pick up a rental vehicle at a car hire desk next to the international arrivals area.