Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city, is under going a transformation in preparation for significant expected growth over the next 10 years. As you walk the city streets, you can’t help but notice the construction surrounding you. Auckland is particularly well suited to walking and we spent a lovely couple of days exploring the Auckland CBD and nearby Viaduct Harbour. As a proud Sydney Sider, I couldn’t help but notice some suspicious similarities with my home town. Coincidence? I think not! Read on for all the details …
Auckland CBD
We flew into Auckland in business class on the Emirates flagship A380. If you are looking for a little extra luxury in your trans-Tasman flight I highly recommend it and if you are heading to New Zealand for the first time check out my New Zealand essentials post which has all the info you need to plan an unforgettable trip. Customs was a breeze and we were driving off in our bargain Airport Rentals hire car in no time. Auckland CBD was a mere thirty minutes drive away and when we checked in to our brilliant accommodation at CityLife Auckland we parked the car and left it there for the next two days as we explored the city on foot. By the time check in was completed and we were settled in our room it was about 6pm and we headed straight out to make the most of the remaining daylight. CityLife fronts Queen St which is littered with shops all enticing you to spend your hard earned but I resisted and we headed left towards Victoria St en-route to Auckland Skytower, which looks very similar to Sydney Tower if you ask me! We were going to go up to the top, but I though the entry price of $29pp was a little steep for what we would get out of it. By this time our thoughts turned to dinner and we consulted our trusty friend Trip Advisor to peruse the nearby Auckland restaurants. We were delighted to find Cafe Midnight Express which serves up authentic Turkish cuisine to rave reviews (#12 of 1733) was only steps away from the tower. We took advantage of the $25 2 course special offered from Sunday – Tuesday but if you are in the area at lunchtime you can’t beat the $10 express special. After dinner we stopped in at the nearby Countdown supermarket to stock up on essentials (read chips, coca-cola and chocolate!) in preparation for our epic New Zealand road trip.
Next morning, we hadn’t fully adjusted to the 2 hour time change and woke earlier than expected. There are lots of amazing things to do in Auckland, but our short amount of time in town limited our options somewhat. Not wanting to waste a minute, we hit the streets straight after breakfast, but this time we headed right towards the harbour. We strolled past Gucci, Dior, Prada and the like and while I was tempted, The Hubs kept me on track. The major works are concentrated in this end of town and the skyline is littered with mammoth cranes busily building a better Auckland. Many of the projects are not due to finish for some time but I’m sure it will be amazing when it is all done. Keep your eyes peeled for unexpected street art as you walk around, I particularly liked the giant bronze of a Moa Bird and couldn’t resist a pic. Anyone else think he looks just a little angry?
Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Hang a left once you hit the water at the end of Queen St and head past the New Zealand Maritime Museum with KZ1 out the front. If you have a little more time book a heritage sail on one of their four vessels. A little further along you will find yourself in Wynyard Quarter (named after Wynyard in Sydney perhaps?) and the Auckland Viaduct Harbour. I love this place! The buildings are modern, intricate and right up my alley. Give me stainless steel and glass over heritage features any day! The funky ASB building was a stand out example of design done well. If you are feeling peckish stroll down ‘eat street’ and pick from the myriad of cafes and restaurants that surely offer something for every taste. Amble along a little further and you’ll find a children’s playground complete with a paddling pool. While it was Spring, November is still a little chilly in Auckland so I was surprised to see a few brave toddlers splashing about. They obviously breed them tough ’round here! One of my favourite parts of Viaduct Harbour is The Gantry. I love the symmetry and the contradiction of industrial metal covered in delicate greenery is not lost on me. You can also climb the structure for a birds eye view over the whole area.
If you have come this far, you might as well go all the way. Walk right to the end of the promenade for views across the harbour to the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge (title photo). Does the arch remind you of another famous Harbour Bridge down under? Hmmmmm …. I think the designer may have taken inspiration from my home town’s famous coat hanger. Make sure you check out the love lock wall while you are there. Be more prepared than I was and bring along your own special padlock to add to the mix as a lasting testament to your love. Head back the way you came but detour around the Marina on the way back to the city centre. I was super excited to see a Park Hyatt under construction right on the water’s edge. At a cost of $200m I can only imagine it will be spectacular! Take a moment to meander around the super yachts and fancy apartments and indulge in a daydream about what it would be like to live the privileged life while you admire a different angle of Auckland’s tallest tower. Our time in Auckland was short but definitely sweet and we reluctantly left the glistening viaduct harbour to depart for the next part of our New Zealand adventure. As our return flight departed from Auckland, we did get to spend another few hours in this cosmopolitan city before we headed home; most of which were spent quaffing fancy champagne in the Emirates lounge at Auckland International Airport before flying home in style First Class on an Emirates A380. What can I say, it’s a hard life but someone has to do it!
While I am never going to admit that any harbour in the world could possibly rival Sydney’s (biased much? lol), Viaduct Harbour and the Auckland CBD have lots to love and if all the construction going on is anything to go by, it’s only going to get better. Have you been to Auckland? What was your favourite part? Did you take the time to explore the Auckland CBD and Viaduct Harbour? Let me know in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: I stayed as a guest at CityLife in the heart of the Auckland CBD during my trip to New Zealand. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains an affiliate link that may earn me a few cents commission if a qualifying purchase is made.
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Linda says
Yay, my city! Glad you liked it — I’m so happy to see how it’s developed over the last ten years, and how it’s continuing to grow.
Siddhartha Joshi says
Auckland has never really been on travel list, but you certainly have sold it to me 🙂 Thanks for the detailed guide and all the tips…
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It tends to be a place people fly in and out of and we were guilty of that as we had just one night in town. I wish we had stayed longer.
elisa says
with all the surrounding volcanoes i did not pay much attention to the port except for a couple of pictures. a pity because it deserves some hours sunbathing in a bar terrasse with your favourite drink and views over the ships. But I agree with you: I prefer Sydney’s port 😀
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Sydney does have a magnificent harbour and I’m all for a glass of wine in the sun ?
stacey veikalas says
We have never been to Auckland but it looks amazing. I would love the shopping for sure, and a glass of wine on the harbour would be the best way to end a day!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You’ve sold me with the wine Stacey!
Vicki Louise says
Great guide to Auckland! We visited a few years ago and hit most of the highlights you mentioned, but didn’t notice that much construction going on. We had just flown from Chile and were only there for 3-4 days so I could probably blame the jet-lag for my not noticing! It’s really not that far away – I should make an effort to go back and do all the bits I missed last time.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I think the construction has only been in the last year or so. It’s a bit like Sydney, our CBD is a mess at the moment and we are being asked to be ‘patient’ lol. That’s one thing Sydney Siders really lack!
Rhonda Albom says
You certainly hit a lot of the highlights of Auckland CBD. There is a lot of construction, both in buildings and infrastructure. The bird in your photo is a moa (extinct).
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks so much for letting me know. Now corrected 🙂 I still think he looks angry lol
Punita Malhotra says
I loved Auckland’s harbour packed with all those restaurants and its proximity to Rotorua makes its a must-add, don’t you agree? We couldn’t see any of the street art that you mention, but did go to the SkyTower. Witnessed someone bungee-jump off it !!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Very accessible to Rotorua Punita. You can bungee off everything in NZ lol
Alice Chen says
Pinned! This looks awesome! I will definitely be visiting Auckland when I get a chance!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Alice! I hope you make it there soon ?
Marcus and Mel says
We are surprised how contemporary and stylish the harbour and CBD looks. We have always imagined New Zealand and its cities to have a smaller town feel, we are obviously wrong.
Must try and get there in the next few years, it’s a long way but flying Emirates business would certainly help the journey pass in comfort
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Contemporary is my thing so I loved it. I hope you make it to NZ soon. There is much to love ?
Fiona Maclean says
I’ve never been to NZ (or Australia for that matter). Your pics are so colourful and vibrant it makes me want to jump on a plane
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Do it Fiona ? I’m sure you’ll have a great time
Suze says
I haven’t yet been to New Zealand but would love to visit. I like the kiwi bird sculpture! As for the love locks, does their weight harm the bridge? I know that’s the case in Paris
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hope you get the chance to see NZ for yourself Suze. I’m no engineer but the locks are on a wharf not a bridge so I’m guessing it’s a different situation than Paris.
Mike Cotton says
I’m moving to NZ at the end of the year and I am looking at making the North Island my home for a while. I last visited Auckland back in 2009 and I’m curious to see how it has changed since then.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s so cool Mike! Maybe you can buy one of those fancy apartments on the Marina. I know we thought about it ?
Birthe (from Wandering the World) says
We have been to Auckland, but unfortunately didn’t have time to explore the city. After 4 weeks of road tripping the south and north island of New Zealand, we had to catch our flight to New York City. It looks awesome though!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I think this is the case for many visitors Birthe. We ourselves has very little time in Auckland. As its so close we are hoping to get back for a long weekend and see a little more soon.
Gokul Raj says
That is some major development coming in a couple of years. It may be the most populous but doesnt look like one, maybe because I am from India, I feet that way 😛
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hahaha Gokul well NZ is never going to compare to India for population lol.
Lauren West says
I really like the look of that “eat street”! It looks like a really fun place to stroll and pick out what you’re feeling like eating. I’ve never been to Auckland or NZ, but this city definitely looks like it’s worth checking out! Looks like you had beautiful weather in your trip.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
We were there a bit early to eat but I saw lots I would love! NZ should defo be on your list Lauren ?
Annette Richmond says
CBD looks beautiful! I’d never heard of it, so thanks for sharing! I noticed the fence of locks, that seems to be happening more and more worldwide. I know the one in Paris is having locks removed because the weight is too much for the bridge. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful photos!
http://fromannette.com/
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Wow Annette I am shocked you have never heard of Auckland. It’s a major city in New Zealand. I don’t think these locks will present the same issues as in Paris as they are not on a bridge but rather at the end of a wharf. Next time I will be adding one 🙂
Kreete says
It’s great to finally read about the CBD in Auckland after months of virtual running in the gym following tracks filmed in Wellington, Aucland and all over NZ. I am so glad you got to go there as now I can find out about great places where to go once I make it down there. I love how you say give me stainless steel over heritage features and I would take up climbing that structure for the views any day! It’s a shame the Skytower was too expensive though! They like to put up the prices for visitors, don’t they!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Glad to find another modernist! I see everyone ooohhh and aaaahhhing over heritage and honesty I just think Meh that’s old lol It wasn’t that the Sky Tower was THAT expensive I just didn’t think we would get the value out of it as we probably would have only spend about 5 minutes at the top in our busy schedule but that’s just me.
kathy (from walkaboutwanderer.com) says
I haven’t been to NZ yet but I have been to your home town before although it was a long time ago. I can definitely see the similarities between the two.
It is incredible how much cities now charge to do things such as the Sky Tower. I just feel that it is too much and would have also skipped it.
Interestingly there are some places in Europe where the padlocks on bridges have been removed due to the weight on the structure. It is so sweet to read the padlock that has 1991 on it. At first glance I thought wow, it really has stood the test of time. Then I realise that was their marriage date 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Suspiciously similar Kathy lol. I did exactly the same thing with the date Kathy and yes I had heard they were removing some but apparently they keep popping back up! This one was on a wharf so o don’t think weight would be an issue but you never know.
Lara @ Find Your World Girl says
Auckland looks amazing! I missed it on my NZ trip but it sounds like if I wait a few years I’ll have a lot more to see!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It certainly should be Lara ?
Anna Hammerschmidt says
This all sounds amazing! I really want to go to Auckland
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I want to go back Anna lol
Joy Sheehan says
I was just in Auckland and totally could’ve used this blog post! lol
Such great ideas! I’ll be saving this post for my future visit 😀
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hope you enjoyed your trip Joy. I’m sure I will be back at some point!
Daniela || Ipanema travels to says
Never been to NZ. Hope one day I will have the chance to visit not only Auckland!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
NZ has so much to offer! I could explore for weeks on end and still not manage to see everything!
Megan | Red Around The World says
I would love to have explored, or spent any time in, Auckland when I was in NZ a few years ago. It looks like an awesome city and I love the pictures!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I actually would t have minded a few extra days there to be honest. Next time (and there will be a next time!) I want to spend a few days in the city and get out to Waiheke Island.
Tatum Skipper says
My friend just moved to Auckland and I keep hearing how wonderful it is! The harbor looks so awesome though. Will need to make a trip sooner than later!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Perez r excuse to visit Tatum if you have a friend in town ?
Aysha says
Great post. Both harbours sound amazing! NZ is pretty high up on my countries to visit, especially seeing as have family there that I’ve never even met.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Oh you should definitely go then Aysha!
Lauren says
Cool piece about two seemingly very cool cities. Sadly I’ve yet to go to either of them 🙁 I’m inspired though!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Put them on your list Lauren! You won’t be sorry ?
The Curious Creature says
I’ve wanted to visit New Zealand for YEARS. On my top 3 for sure — both harbours sound and look magical. One day, one day!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hope you get there soon! Only three hours away so why not do both ?
James Smith says
I’ve never heard the term Sydney sider before, I know what to say the next time I meet someone from Sydney! I like how you stocked up on your road trip, that is my shopping list too for a road trip. The kiwi bird does look a little angry, I wouldn’t it to come to life like in Night at the Museum. Eat street looks like it suits everyone’s taste, hopefully you visited a burger bar which you will write about in the future!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s what I always use James but don’t know if there is an official term … Everything else just sounds so wrong! Gotta get the essentials hehehe. No burgers this time around but the Turkish at Cafe Midnight Express was spot on!
Sonja says
Aww this made me miss New Zealand! I haven’t spent a lot of time in Auckland but it is a great place to wander around and explore. It is similar to Sydney I think in a way, but I agree Sydney is much grander!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I love a city that’s easily walkable and I think Auckland has the she slightly on Sydney on that front simply because it is so much more compact. I’m not biased at all (no really!) but I think Sydney is stunning and as much as I travel it’s always nice to come home ?
Alexandra Ogden says
First off, I have to say that YES, that bronze kiwi does look a bit angry….maybe it’s because he looks a bit like an awkward brontosaurus? Poor chap!
I think I’d do the same as you and skip the skytower for that price… isn’t it crazy what tourist attractions will charge for a view? Shameful!
It appears that the lock-up-your-love thing is becoming a trend… I’ve seen it in quite a few cities. I wonder if anyone has done it more than once with a different partner (I have a bit of a cheeky, unromantic mind!) haha.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Lol he (the kiwi) really took my fancy though. We if’ and ahh’d for ages about wether to pay for the tower and when neither of us were that set on it we just have it a miss. I really wish we had taken a lock! There is one in Ubud Bali as well. I’ll have to be more organised when I go there in March! I bet there is people that have random locks everywhere with different people lol
Raymond Carroll says
Pinned on Pinterest, Allison. Great post. I have friends in Auckland and would love to visit there one day (I also have a good friend in Sydney, and would love to visit your hometown one day also). I agree that the architects of Auckland had Sydney in mind when they sat down and put pen to paper, lots of similarities. Your pictures are great! Wish I was there now. Take care and safe travels!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Raymond! Looks like you will have to add both Auckland and Sydney to your bucket list. I can hardly blame them for using Sydney as inspiration as it truly is a beautiful city. ?
neha says
The CBD harbour does sound very interesting. You had quiet a wonderful time, isn’t it? I never knew of ‘eat street’ or the kind of bargain you stuck with $25 2 course special. We plan to visit here, but a few years down the line. And as you said, with all the construction going down, hope it will be much better by then
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It should be wonderful when you go Neha. Hope you have a fantastic time in Auckland ?
Hendrik says
Auckland seems to be truly a great place to visit nowadays since I love these city where you see things developing and transforming (saying that while lived in Berlin the last 5 years).
You point out some really interesting places here – the harbour looks quite impressive and I agree, interesting architecture of the Viaduct Harbour as well. I wish one day I can also tell you about my favourite place in Auckland 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hope you get there soon Hendrik!