Auckland is the perfect place to begin your New Zealand adventure — a city that blends gentle exploration with rich cultural experiences, all at a pace that feels welcoming and unhurried.
From the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where Māori and Pacific stories come alive, to the peaceful Domain gardens just steps away, Auckland offers a beautiful balance of learning, light walking, and time to simply take it all in.
Whether you prefer art galleries, cosy cafés, or easy scenic viewpoints like Mount Eden’s sweeping panoramas, Auckland shows off the landscapes and heritage that make Aotearoa so special.
Just beyond the city, peaceful island escapes and charming seaside neighbourhoods offer even more ways to ease into the journey.
A quick ferry ride to Waiheke Island brings you to vineyards, beaches, and hilltop views — all accessible with as little or as much activity as you prefer.
Closer to town, places like Devonport feel like stepping into a relaxed coastal village, perfect for wandering boutique shops, art galleries or enjoying a quiet harbour walk.
With Mondumo’s small-group style, you can experience Auckland’s highlights with expert guidance, comfortable logistics, and the companionship of like-minded travellers — all while knowing each day is thoughtfully planned to be enjoyable, enriching, and deeply memorable.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Don’t be fooled by the name, this is not a museum all about war. The museum building itself is the War Memorial.
There is a section of the museum that covers military history but more space is dedicated to non-war topics. Level 2 – the top floor – covers War and Remembrance, Level 1 is Our World – Māori natural history, NZ flora and fauna, creation of the land, volcanoes, and some exhibits of international artefacts, the Ground Floor – entrance level – is Our People and Place – Māori and Pacific heritage and culture, a Māori meeting house and waka (war canoe), some local Auckland history and often rotating special exhibits.
The museum also has a cafe and a shop. There is another cafe at the Winter Gardens, within the Domain, a 5 minute walk from the museum.
Waiheke Ferry, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. Photo: Janice Chen
Waiheke Island
When you arrive at Matiatia Wharf, you have several options for getting around the island:
- Mudbrick, Stonyridge
- The Heke
- Casita Miro
- Onetangi Beach
- Ostend Market (Saturday mornings)
- Oneroa Village.
Mt Eden (Maungawhau) and Auckland Skyline. Photo: Nick Hovee
Mount Eden (Maungawhau)
Mission Bay
Mission Bay is one of Auckland’s favourite waterfront neighbourhoods, combining relaxed beach life with cafés, restaurants, and views across the harbour to Rangitoto Island.
The beach is sandy and calm, ideal for swimming or paddleboarding, and there’s a grassy reserve with plenty of shade for picnics.
It’s easy to reach by public bus directly from Auckland War Memorial Museum or from downtown Auckland.
The waterfront promenade continues east to other beaches like Kohimarama and St Heliers. The fountain at the centre of the reserve is often illuminated at night.
Enjoying the views of Auckland Sky Tower and skyline from Devonport te Hau Kapua. Photo: Janice Chen
Devonport (Te Hau Kapua)
Just a 12-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Devonport feels like a small seaside village with heritage buildings, boutique shops, cafés, and galleries.
It’s an easy place to spend a half day wandering. Two nearby volcanic cones – Mount Victoria and North Head – offer excellent walks and harbour views, along with WWII tunnels and gun emplacements to explore.
Devonport’s beaches are safe for swimming, and the area is known for its relaxed charm and historical character.
Auckland Art Gallert Toi O Tāmaki. Photo: Rafael Benari
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
New Zealand’s largest and most important public art gallery, the Auckland Art Gallery houses a collection of over 17,000 works.
Exhibits include Māori and Pacific art, early colonial painting, and major contemporary New Zealand and international pieces.
The gallery building blends historic architecture with striking modern design and is worth visiting for the space alone.
Entry is free to the main collection, with a small charge for special exhibitions. The gallery café and gift shop are also excellent.
New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa
Located on the waterfront at the edge of the Viaduct Harbour, this museum tells the story of New Zealand’s connection to the sea – from the first Polynesian navigators and traditional waka to European exploration, immigration, and modern sailing achievements like the America’s Cup.
Exhibits include full-size vessels, interactive displays, and heritage boats you can sail on short harbour cruises. It’s a fascinating look at how the ocean has shaped Aotearoa’s history and identity.
View from Bastion Point with Auckland Explorer Bus. Photo: Auckland Explorer Bus
Auckland Explorer Hop-on Hop-off
If you’d rather not navigate the public transport system, a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a useful way to get around the city and links up all the main attractions.
Stops 1 to 3 are centrally located and can be easily reached on foot if you’re staying downtown. In addition to the Auckland War Memorial Museum the other stops I find most interesting are Mount Eden (Maungawhau) and Bastion Point to walk down to Mission Bay. The stops are:
1 - Downtown Auckland – 23 Customs Street. Close to Britomart, Commercial Bay, Viaduct Harbour.
2 - Sky City, including
-Sky Tower (entry cost) – Auckland’s iconic tower offers panoramic city views, andthrill-seekers can try the SkyJump or SkyWalk.
-Wētā Workshop Unleashed (entry cost) – explore the magic behind Lord of the Rings,sci-fi, and fantasy filmmaking.
-All Blacks Experience (entry cost) – an interactive dive into New Zealand’s nationalrugby team.
3 - Auckland Art Gallery (free entry) – extensive New Zealand and international collections.
4 - Newmarket - Upscale retail district with designer stores and a large mall.
5 - Auckland War Memorial Museum (entry cost) – Comprehensive museum of New Zealand and Pacific culture, nature, and history.
6 - Holy Trinity Cathedral – ‘Pacific Gothic’ Anglican cathedral (free).
7 - Parnell Village – boutique shops and eateries amid charming historic streets.
8 - Mission Bay and Bastion Point – beachside suburb with historic monuments and waterfront cafes.
9 - Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium – marine life including penguins, sharks, and stingrays.
10 - Auckland Domain Wintergardens – historic glasshouses with exotic plants, next to the museum.
11 - Mount Eden (Maungawhau) – 15-minute hike for panoramic city and harbor views.
12 - Eden Park (entry cost for stadium tours) – stadium that hosts All Blacks rugby games and concerts. The stop here is in Kingsland, which is a good place to hop off for cafés and local shops, or to explore the taprooms of the “Beer Mile” – Urbanaut, The Beer Spot, Saint Leonard, and Garage Project.
13 - Auckland Zoo (entry cost) - see native New Zealand animals up close, as well as lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants and more.
14 - MOTAT (entry cost) - Museum of Transport and Technology with hands-on exhibits, historic vehicles, and working tram that does the rounds.
Auckland Tour with Rangitoto Island Volcano
Looking for a Tour of NZ?
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