Buy an AT HOP card at the airport or Britomart; it covers buses, trains, and ferries. Auckland airport buses no longer accept cash, so preload at kiosks.
City + Volcanoes
Climb Mount Eden at sunrise, cycle the waterfront to Mission Bay, and ferry to Rangitoto Island for lava caves (bring headlamp and water). Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum for Māori cultural shows and the New Zealand Maritime Museum for sailing history.
Waiheke Island
Catch the 35-minute ferry from downtown to Waiheke. Book wine tastings (Cable Bay, Mudbrick, Tantalus) in advance; vineyards limit walk-ins on weekends. Rent e-bikes for vineyard hopping and reserve beachside tables for Oneroa sunsets.
Road Trip South
Rent a car with zero-excess insurance and observe left-side driving. Rotorua is 3 hours away—visit geothermal parks (Wai-O-Tapu, Te Puia) and the Redwoods Treewalk. Continue to Taupō for lake views and base yourself there for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (shuttle bookings required).
Logistics
- Weather shifts quickly; pack waterproof shells even in summer.
- SIM cards from Spark/Vodafone sold at the airport include local discounts.
- Department of Conservation huts need reservations months ahead if you plan multi-day walks.