Auckland never ceases to amaze. Vibrant eateries, exciting experiences and luxury stays are all just a beat away in the heart of Auckland. Look no further, at just over a 3-hour flight, it's perfect for a weekend escape.
We’ve teamed up with Visit Auckland to help you plan where to eat, what to do and where to stay on your next home-away-from-home holiday.
Stay
Cordis Auckland
You'll get the ultimate dose of luxury with a stay at the Cordis Auckland hotel. Elegant and upscale, this place oozes sophistication. When it comes to relaxation, take a dip in the heated rooftop pool and jacuzzi or unwind at the in-house day spa. Come night, enjoy a Kiwi-inspired cocktail at Our Land is Alive—al fresco of course—before gorging on international flavours at interactive restaurant Eight. If you want a lighter affair, try high tea at Chandelier Lounge. With 244 new rooms open in the Pinnacle Tower, you can bring all your friends with you.
The Hotel Britomart
Check into New Zealand's first-ever Five Green Star hotel—The Hotel Britomart. The downtown haven has it all from the unique brick-clad exterior to stylish timber-lined rooms complete with beautifully tiled bathrooms, handmade ceramics, built-in couches and minibars stacked to the brim with local goodies—you'll certainly be living your best life when you stay here.
Mövenpick Hotel
Eat your heart out, the luxury ice cream brand has launched this sweet 207-room spot—Mövenpick Hotel. It comes complete with a 24-hour in-room Sundae Service, and a daily 'Chocolate Hour' where you can watch experts craft cupcakes, chocolate truffles and other treats. Talk about indulgence.
Eat
Harbour Society
The only thing better than straight-up seafood is seafood with sea views. Even better if those views are of the sparkling Auckland Harbour, seen 15 storeys up through floor-to-ceiling windows. Harbour Society—located in the SO/ Auckland Hotel—bursts with playfulness and energy which can be seen right in its menu. Seasonal and ever-evolving, the chefs masterfully blend Asian flavours with Kiwi ingredients, so you’ll be tasting the best New Zealand has to offer. Chef Roy Giam’s signature is woodfired dishes, a technique chosen to retain the purest flavours and an absolute must if you ask us.
East
Who said plant-based eating had to be boring? Being more sustainable and sacrificing meat doesn’t mean sacrificing taste is the mantra at East, located on the ground floor of the Sudima Auckland City. With chefs hailing from Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka, the flavours here will convert even turn the most die-hard carnivores. A must is its signature creamy Penang curry. And make sure you wash it down with one of the venue's cocktails of the month.
Dans le Noir?
Challenge your tastebuds with a dining experience like no other. Dans le Noir? is bringing dining in the dark back to the Grand Millennium. In pitch darkness, you’ll be guided to your chair by visually impaired waiters and walked through a mystery three-course Japanese-inspired menu, by Chef Akihiro Nakamura. By giving up your sight, you open your other senses to a whole different adventure. There’s no such thing as having eyes too big for your belly here.
Do
EcoZip Adventures
Take to the skies with EcoZip on Waiheke Island, a multi-award winning zipline experience that lets you fly above vineyards and lush forest canopies all while soaking up the incredible Auckland skyline. With three separate lines, and two running alongside each other, you can share the experience side-by-side with a friend. And don’t worry, the experience isn’t over once you reach the landing deck. Carry on sightseeing with an eco-immersive forest walk to discover more about the flora and fauna that call this beautiful island home. Ideal for nature and adventure lovers of all ages and abilities. 
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
This wildly immersive 90-minute hosted experience takes you on a journey through the mind-bending world of movie-making. Animatronics, prosthetics, artwork and pre-production departments of the prolific Wētā Workshop gets you up close to the action. Cap off the hands-on Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience with a Fantasy Creative Workshop where you’ll create your own movie landscapes. Feeling creative?
All Blacks Experience
For those who have dreamt of one day donning the black jersey, the All Blacks Experience guided tour is a must. Learn the story, feel the passion and experience what it really means to be part of All Blacks history. You can even test your kicking and catching, and who knows, you may be an undiscovered talent. The Rugby World Cup is just around the corner after all.
Auckland has so much on offer. Find all there is to experience and make planning your next visit to Auckland easy at Visit Auckland.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image: Supplied, The Hotel Britomart and EcoZip Adventures