An expert cruise port guide to Auckland, New Zealand

Rugged and radiant, Auckland is the beating heart of Kiwi life. With a population of 1.5 million, it’s the country’s largest metropolis, so hop off your cruise ship and head downtown for glitz, glamour and entertainment.

To catch your eye there’s the world-famous Sky Tower and a bustling harbour, alongside Queen Street’s upscale bars and bistros. Or why not shuffle over to the charming suburbs of Ponsonby and Newmarket for retail therapy and delicious eats?

But there’s another side to Auckland that makes it such a fabulous place to visit. Occupying a narrow isthmus between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this city is a nature-lover’s paradise, too, surrounded by wild volcanic landscapes, glittering waters and dense rainforest teeming with life.

When it comes to culture, a gentle Polynesian rhythm blends with European and Asian influences, creating a melting pot of mouth-watering food, vibrant music and the dazzling intricacies of Maori art.

So whether you’re planning to zipline across Waiheke Island, catch a Harbour Bridge light show or sink your teeth into fresh bluff oysters, Auckland is the perfect port stop. Here’s everything you need to know...

Must-see sights in Auckland

WAIHEKE ISLAND

Take a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and you’ll arrive in paradise. That’s what you’ll think when you discover the famous vineyards, gorgeous white-sand beaches, arty neighbourhoods and lush, forested getaways of Waiheke Island.

If you’re an adrenalin junkie, take to the skies on 200m ziplines and get yourself a bird’s-eye view of ancient forests and glorious seascapes.

But if you prefer to keep two feet on the ground, schedule some downtime and soak up the sun on Onetangi Beach, with its gorgeous cafes perched on the waterfront.

AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Located in the heart of the city, this imposing institution tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and how it became the multi-cultural nation of today.

Here you can immerse yourself in an eye-opening collection of Maori treasures, as well as countless films, artworks and virtual reality displays arrayed across three floors of magnificent galleries.

From botany to battles, whatever your interest you’ll find something here to fascinate you. Admission for international visitors costs NZ$28 (about £15).

PIHA BEACH

Auckland is surrounded by beautiful beaches but the black sands of Piha on the rugged west coast are hard to beat. It’s the city’s most famous surf beach, and you may recognise the scenery from the Oscar-winning film The Piano.

Buses run daily from the city centre during peak months (November to April), taking just over an hour. Worried about rip tides? Swim in the designated safe areas and you’ll be watched over by lifeguards.

AUCKLAND ART GALLERY

On the edge of leafy Albert Park, you’ll find New Zealand’s premier art gallery, displaying national treasures and contemporary works on four floors.

Entry is free for international visitors, and guided tours are highly recommended.

Best picture spots in Auckland

SKY TOWER

Auckland wouldn’t be Auckland without its iconic Sky Tower. Thrill-seekers will enjoy base- jumping off this 328m skyscraper but we suggest a more tranquil option: visit at sunset to marvel at the stunning harbour views, then adjourn to the Sky Lounge for a tipple (or two).

MOUNT EDEN

Also known as Maungawhau, Mount Eden is one of the city’s 50 dormant volcanoes, with an impressive 50m crater at its peak.

Amble along its grassy banks, take in sweeping panoramas from its rim and snap away. Paths lead up the mountain from several directions and the walk takes around 15 minutes, depending on your fitness.

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE

This mighty structure has spanned Waitemata Harbour since the 1950s, carrying 170,000 vehicles a day between the North Shore and the CBD. A popular venue for bungee-jumping and light shows, it’s best snapped from the suburb of Devonport.

Best places to eat in Auckland

AUCKLAND NIGHT MARKET

For a glimpse into Auckland’s mix of cultures, head over to the city’s buzzing night markets, held every evening of the week in various locations.

Expect dynamic stalls and live performances from buskers, but the food is the main draw – so go hungry and treat your tastebuds to a feast of flavours (the dumplings are not to be missed)

MR MORRIS

Experience fine dining, Kiwi-style, in this light-filled interior of oak and brick.

They love their local ingredients here, so expect entrées of quail, octopus and king salmon, followed by mains of snapper, lamb and pork collar. Not drinking? Try a cocktail of mandarin, bergamot and elderflower.

FISH

In case the name didn’t tip you off, Fish does seafood and it does it well. With Waitemata Harbour as a glittering backdrop, sink your teeth into buttermilk-fried pacific oysters, torched diamond-shell clams with pickled garlic butter, and the famous Cloudy Bay clam chowder.

Best places to shop in Auckland

PONSONBY

Auckland’s trendiest urban village, this is the place to come for cheap eats, cutting-edge art and great shopping in local boutiques and homeware stores.

Peckish? Grab a bite at Korean kitchen Gaja – their tongue- tingling prawn toast is a must.

DEVONPORT

Catch the ferry from downtown Auckland and in just 10 minutes you’ll be stepping ashore in the charming suburb of Devonport. Shop to your heart’s content at designer clothing stores, bookshops and galleries selling unique works by local artists.

If time allows, hike to North Head – a dormant volcano – and marvel at stunning views of the city and Rangitoto Island.

NEWMARKET

Another of the city’s enticing suburbs, Newmarket is home to some brilliant boutiques featuring the work of local fashion stars Karen Walker, Juliette Hogan and Kate Sylvester. Among these leafy streets you’ll also find a one-stop Westfield mall.