Auckland — City of Sails 🌉
New Zealand's largest city, spread across two harbours and dotted with volcanic cones: a cosmopolitan gateway blending Polynesian culture, world-class dining, and easy access to islands, vineyards and beaches. Hand-picked stays and a must-see icon — every link takes you straight to Trip.com to check live prices and book.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Park Hyatt Auckland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — a waterfront flagship on Wynyard Quarter's Lighter Basin, with a 25-metre infinity pool, four restaurants and bars, and boutique-scaled rooms with Le Labo toiletries and sweeping harbour views.
- Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour — smart pick, French elegance — set on a yacht-filled marina reminiscent of the French Riviera, with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, an indoor pool, and family and romantic packages that suit both couples and those travelling with children.
- The Hotel Britomart ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — hidden gem, eco-luxury — New Zealand's only 5 Green Star hotel and a Michelin Key winner, with timber-lined rooms, hand-made ceramics, organic cotton sheets, and a sustainable seafood restaurant in the heart of the historic Britomart precinct.
- Cordis, Auckland — family-friendly, spa — a modern 640-room landmark with a heated rooftop pool, the award-winning Chuan Spa, and an interactive Eight Restaurant spanning eight specialist kitchens, all within walking distance of the city's museums and galleries.
- Hilton Auckland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — scenic, waterfront — Auckland's #1 scenic hotel, built out on Princes Wharf with an art-deco, ship-like silhouette, sweeping harbour views from private balconies, and fresh seafood at the acclaimed FISH restaurant.
✈️ Flights
- Flights to Auckland (AKL) — no direct route from Manchester; fly one-stop with Qatar Airways via Doha (around 24 hours 25 minutes), or Emirates via Dubai and Singapore Airlines via Singapore.
🎟️ Experiences
- Sky Tower — Auckland's defining 328-metre landmark, ranked the #1 thing to do in the city, with glass elevators reaching the observation deck in 40 seconds, a revolving Orbit 360° restaurant, and an optional guided SkyWalk around the tower's outer rim.
🚗 Car Hire & Transfers