Visit A Volcano, Then Clock Off At A Vineyard in This Coastal City Worth Crossing the Ditch For

If you’re plotting a 2026 escape, consider this your sign. Just a short, direct flight from Australia’s east coast, Auckland delivers a big-break energy with minimal travel time.

Whether you’re flying in or wrapping up a wider North Island journey, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a must-visit, deserving at least three days to experience it in all it's glory. It's the kind of place where vineyard lunches, island-hopping adventures and rooftop bars all sit within easy reach. Add a thriving contemporary Māori culture woven throughout the region, and you’ve got a destination that’s totally soul-nourishing.

To help you make the most of it, we teamed up with  Discover Auckland  to pull together this epic guide. Pack your bags, rally your travel buds and follow along for an unforgettable Auckland getaway.

Where To Eat

Real talk, Auckland is a dream destination for its culinary chops. Swithing up the tone depending on the season, the harbour city serves up a seriously stacked dining scene—think seafood feasts by the water, rooftop bars with skyline views, and destination dining just a short ferry ride away.

Kick things off on the mainland by booking your way through some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most in-demand tables. Tala in Parnell is a nonnegotiable stop; the sleek venue serves up traditional Samoan fare you’ll still be thinking about days later. For nonna-approved pasta, head to Bianca in Ellerslie, while Gemmayze Street on Karangahape Road delivers bold Lebanese flavours.

Craving an island escape? Waiheke is just a short ferry ride away and ups the ante with destination dining and goosebump-inducing views. Book a table at Ki Māha, steps from the white sands of Onetangi Beach, where a produce-driven menu celebrates the very best of Aotearoa. Or settle in at Tantalus Estate, where impossibly beautiful dining rooms and a vine-framed terrace set the scene for a long, leisurely lunch built around seasonal ingredients.

Ready to raise a glass? Auckland’s drinks scene delivers. Sip sky-high cocktails at Queens Rooftop with views of Waitematā Harbour, or head to Parasol & Swing, a rooftop fave in the heart of the Viaduct. Over in Ponsonby, The Broken Lantern is a solid all-rounder, while Caretaker, hidden in a cosy cellar in Britomart, is well worth seeking out for art-like cocktails.

If you’d prefer to leave the planning to the pros, hop on a culinary tour with The Big Foody or TIME Unlimited’s cultural experiences tours.

Where To Play

Auckland serves up a choose-your-own-adventure itinerary that hits whether you’re here for nature, culture or a bit of both. Start by hopping across the harbour to Rangitoto Island, where a summit walk rewards with sweeping coastal views, then on a different morning make your way through the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Think golden beaches and laid-back trails on Motutapu Island, swim-and-picnic perfection on Motuihe Island, wildlife encounters and clifftop tracks on Tiritiri Matangi, and a mix of art, heritage and serene swimming spots on Rotoroa Island. Top tip: Allow a full day to explore each of the islands to ensure you do them justice. 

Short on time but keen for a big day out? Get out on the water with Explore Group, whose wine-and-wildlife cruises and sailing trips make exploring the Hauraki Gulf effortless. Want to stay on the mainland? Jump on an e-bike with Power to the Pedal for everything from custom city routes to sunset and twilight rides along the waterfront.

Golf lovers should embark on a scenic drive north to Te Arai Links, where dramatic dunes and ocean-view fairways deliver one of the country’s most scenic rounds. Local tip: hire a car with GO Rentals and turn it into a coast-meets-play day trip.

Back in the city, dive into Auckland’s cultural side at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, an iconic landmark sharing powerful Māori and Pacific peoples stories. Art lovers should carve out time for Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, home to major international exhibitions alongside moving collections of Māori art. And for something completely different, feed your creative side at Wētā Workshop Unleashed, a 90-minute immersive experience pulling back the curtain on movie magic.

Where To Stay

Between long lunches, late nights and ferry-bound adventures, you’ll want a base that feels like part of the experience, not just somewhere to crash. Fortunately, Auckland’s design-forward stays blend design-forward stays with just the right amount of indulgence that makes downtime just as appealing as heading out.

If you're seeking coastal views and good vibes, then QT Auckland ticks every box. Think sparkling Waitematā vistas with a bold fit-out, an award-winning restaurant and a buzzy rooftop bar. Sweet tooths will want to check into the Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, where 24-hour in-room Sundae Service and a daily Chocolate Hour turn dessert into a lifestyle choice. After something more wallet-friendly? Copthorne Hotel Auckland City offers a quieter base with the same levels of comfort. 

For a slower pace, base yourself in one of Auckland’s prettiest inner suburbs at the The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre. With galleries, heritage streets and epic coffee right on your doorstep, it’s ideal for a culture-soaked weekend away.

Flying in and out? Novotel Auckland Airport lets you land and kick straight into holiday mode, no transfers required.

Discover more Auckalnd long-weekend inspiration on Discover Auckland. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Discover Auckland  and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here. 

Image credit: Supplied. Eat: Ki Māha, Play: Te Arai Links, Stay: QT Auckland.