A scenic 90-minute drive from Auckland lands you at Te Arai, one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world. For a more memorable journey, kick it up a notch with a helicopter ride from the city. Over 25 thrilling minutes you'll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the swooping coastline where two undulating links courses await. Stay onsite at Te Arai – the light-filled luxury suites, cottages and villas offer unforgettable views and put you footsteps from riding a horse along the sandy beach, stand-up paddleboarding and decadent spa treatments.

Rewarewa is a PurePod off-grid cabin that’ll make you and your travel companion feel like the only two people in the world. Through the triple-glazed glass walls and roof, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the rolling green hills and Pacific Ocean below. A nearby protected bird corridor is a haven for native wildlife, so you’ll get to see kererū and tui up close. The cabin is located just 40 minutes from central Auckland on Whenuanui Farm – keep an ear out for the faint sound of sheep during your stay – in Helensville. Pre-order the food hamper stocked with local lamb to grill on the barbecue, a selection of cheese and, for breakfast, homemade granola and berry compote.

The wonder of cinema is its ability to transport you into a world where the fantastical becomes real, from dragons soaring over billowing volcanoes to wizards battling against a backdrop of explosions. At Wētā Workshop Unleashed you’ll take a look behind the curtain on a 90-minute guided tour with the Oscar-winning team – best known for their work on the Lord of the Rings film trilogy – and get up close with the animatronics, robots and sets that bring iconic movie moments to the big screen. Afterwards, settle into a hands-on workshop and learn how to create your own prosthetic injuries or sculpt a miniature world.

NZ Oyster Farm Tours operates in the pristine surrounds of Mahurangi Harbour on the Matakana Coast, less than an hour north of Auckland. Step aboard the Shuckleferry where you’ll be handed a chilled glass of local chardonnay to complement your 90-minute oyster-filled journey. On your voyage, you’ll learn how oysters are grown, pluck and shuck them straight from the water and enjoy the unparalleled freshness of these salty bivalves. The oysters barbecued with garlic butter onboard are guaranteed to turn any sceptic into an ostreophile (oyster-lover, that is).

The unspoiled island of Tiritiri Matangi is a sanctuary for native bird species, lying four kilometres north-east of Auckland. To get there, embark on a scenic 80-minute ferry ride through the turquoise Tikapa Moana-Hauraki Gulf departing from Viaduct Harbour. Once there, hike along the island’s dramatic clifftops and pop into the lighthouse – the oldest still in operation in New Zealand. Support the isle’s ongoing conservation efforts by purchasing a guided walk with your Explore Group ferry ticket – your experienced escort will help you spot rare native species, including kōkako, takahē and kiwis, and share more about the Tiritiri Matangi’s transformation.

Auckland more than pulls its weight when it comes to indulgent wellness. Make a day of it at Cordis Auckland Chuan Spa where an extensive menu of treatments inspired by the five elements of Chinese medicine promises a full-day of pampering. Opt for the Harmony and High Tea package so you and a friend can enjoy a serene 60-minute Chuan Harmony Massage for two before grazing on picture-perfect morsels – think fluffy scones and a bouncy goat cheese panna cotta – over at High Tea by Cordis in the Chandelier Lounge.

With Auckland Sea Kayaks, you can paddle to Rangitoto – a 600-year-old volcanic cone – across the gulf while dolphins frolic in front of you. Upon arrival, hike through pōhutukawa forest and lava caves to reach the isle’s summit. Spot little blue penguins and petrels as the sun turns a vivid gold as it sinks behind Waitematā Harbour. Descend for a delicious barbecue dinner before sailing back towards the city lights. Visit during the warmer months and you’ll be rewarded with the magical sight of water glowing with bioluminescence.

Obtain a Penguin Passport and meet the world’s largest subantarctic penguin colony at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Auckland. Get up close to the lively king and gentoo penguins who call it home in an hour-long adventure with four of your mates. Want a permanent memory of you and your new black-and-white buddies? Photos are included in the price. The Penguin Passport is available every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday but the experience’s popularity means you’ll want to book ahead to save your spot.

Perched on the 16th floor, the elegant HI-SO rooftop bar at SO/Auckland could be one of the best places in Auckland to watch the sun set over glittering Waitematā Harbour. Slide into one of the terrace’s cocoon-like crimson chairs and order the peach, blackcurrant and gin Hackney Spritz or Lady Dahlia, a frothy marschino cherry, gin and lime confection, before knocking back mignonette oysters and gojuchang-slathered crispy chicken. Take the good vibes further with a decadent shiraz-and-cocoa-infused facial at SO/ Spa or swim laps in the 20-metre heated indoor pool before retiring to your suite and kicking back on your private balcony.

Rare is the nation where you can walk from one side to another in a day. Among Auckland’s most unique features is that it is sandwiched between two coastlines, so you can successfully do just that via the iconic Coast to Coast Walkway. The 16-kilometre urban route takes you from the glorious shores of Waitematā Harbour in the north through city parks and serene bushland before winding down at Manukau Harbour. It should take you approximately five hours with breaks, one of which should be at the summit of Maungawhau (Mount Eden) to marvel at the panoramic views of the city and Hauraki Gulf below.

No matter which side of the Pacific you’re on, you're sure to encounter spirited debate on the topic of where local favourites, including flat whites and pavlovas, originated from. And while the real home of the lamington is still up for discussion, there’s no denying the fact that New Zealanders know how to make theirs delicious. You can sample one of the best at the historic Chelsea Sugar Factory – the raspberry version even snagged a spot on the Iconic Auckland Eats 2024 list – or put the rivalry aside long enough to learn the art of lamington-making in a two-hour Iconic Lamington Class at Edmonds Baking School.

Footsteps from the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland waterfront, Horizon by SkyCity is an elegant five-star stay complete with 13 buzzy dining spots and a fully-equipped gym. Each of its 303 rooms and suites is decked out in sumptuous dark timber and charcoal tones with brass accents, forming a tranquil backdrop to abstract art and sculptures by Kiwi artists. On the 52nd floor you’ll find Orbit 360° Dining, a brasserie where the Kiwi-inspired three-course menu (think Lake Oahu wagyu tartare and braised Pamu Farm venison) is just as good as the panoramic views over the city. Finish your day two levels below with an Umeshu Martini and hazelnut praline eclair at the country’s highest bar Skybar, which soars 182 metres above the ground.

There are many ways to explore Auckland’s stunning east coast, but this bucket-list experience takes touring to the next level. Charter the Rua Moana superyacht to cruise around the Hauraki Gulf and its many islands. Throughout the day, you’ll visit secluded beaches, go paddleboarding or kayaking, or venture beneath the crystal-clear waters with a Seabob scooter. You also have the option to hire a private chef, Yamaha jet skis and watersport equipment such as wakeboards and tubes. 

Why Auckland Is the World’s New Cool Getaway