Sky Tower & City
The Southern Hemisphere's tallest tower.
Auckland
The City of Sails — a harbour metropolis spread across 53 volcanic cones, with island vineyards, black-sand surf beaches and Māori heartland culture.
- Metro population
- 1,700,000
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Oceania
Overview
Why visit Auckland
Auckland spreads across a narrow isthmus between two harbours, dotted with 53 extinct volcanic cones that serve as the city's hilltop parks — Maungawhau/Mount Eden's crater rim gives the classic skyline view.
The harbour is the lifestyle: more boats per capita than almost anywhere, ferries to Waiheke Island's vineyards, and black-sand surf at Piha on the wild west coast. The Sky Tower's bungee looms over the Viaduct's restaurant strip.
Speed's late-2024 stream in Auckland drew the biggest crowds of his New Zealand leg — fitting for a city where the All Blacks' Eden Park is a national shrine and the haka echoes at every test.
Things to do
Top things to book in Auckland
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Waiheke Wine Day
Vineyard ferries and tastings on the island.
Piha & West Coast
Black-sand beaches and rainforest walks.
Hobbiton & Glowworms
The Shire plus the Waitomo caves in one day.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Auckland
Pick your dates once and search hotels, homes, flights and tours on every major site.
Compare two at a time
Side by side in Auckland
Tour prices change by date and group size, so each site opens with your search ready to check today's price.
Starting prices checked on Nov 9 on each company's site. Prices depend on age, country and dates; confirm before you buy.
We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Auckland
- 01
The City Of Sails
Auckland has more boats per capita than almost any city on earth.
- 02
53 Volcanoes
The city is built on 53 extinct cones — Mount Eden's crater rim is a public park.
- 03
Two Harbours
A narrow isthmus holds the Tasman Sea and Pacific within minutes of each other.
- 04
The Tallest Tower Down Under
At 328m the Sky Tower is the Southern Hemisphere's tallest — with a bungee off it.
- 05
Pacifica Capital
Auckland is the world's largest Polynesian city — the Pasifika Festival is the biggest of its kind.
- 06
A Wine Island
Waiheke's vineyards are a 35-minute ferry from downtown.
- 07
Black-Sand Coast
Piha's iron-sand surf beach sits 40 minutes from the centre.
- 08
The Haka'S Stage
The All Blacks perform the haka at Eden Park — the national shrine.
- 09
A Desired Place
The Māori name Tāmaki Makaurau means 'Tāmaki desired by many'.
- 10
Glowworms Nearby
Waitomo's glowworm cave rivers are a day trip south.
Random Auckland fact
Tap the button for a random fact about Auckland.
FAQ
Quick answers about Auckland
Where is Auckland located?
Auckland is in New Zealand, in Oceania.
What is the population of Auckland?
The greater Auckland area is home to about 1,700,000 people.
What is Auckland famous for?
Auckland is famous for New Zealand's largest city — the Sky Tower, harbours, volcanic cones, Waiheke's wineries and black-sand beaches.
Did IShowSpeed stream from Auckland?
Yes — IShowSpeed streamed from Auckland on his late-2024 Australia & New Zealand tour. See his full world tour map.
Keep exploring
All Oceania citiesMore cities in Oceania
Enjoying Famous Cities?
If these guides helped you plan a trip, or just daydream about one, you can say thanks with a coffee. Every bit keeps the site independent and free.