As New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland is bursting at the seams with great food, coffee, nightlife, shopping and a colourful culture to keep any visitor or local busy. Discover our favourite places in Auckland.
A passion for great food, coffee, nightlife, and shopping, Auckland is bursting at the seams with the colourful culture that comes from being the country’s most cosmopolitan city.
Once named the country’s capital by early settler William Hobson (the then governor of New Zealand), Auckland now boasts the biggest population of all urban areas. Visitors come from far and wide, with Auckland Airport seeing around one million international travellers a month, while the city is also home to the largest Polynesian population in the world.
The city straddles the Auckland volcanic field and saw quite a bit of action back in the day. The volcanic cone known as One Tree Hill stands as a dominant landmark to remind locals of their once precarious position. Neighbourhoods such as Stonefields sit atop the ancient lava flow, really adding to the mystery of the city.
The abundance of inlets and harbours mean Aucklanders are never far from the sea, and a short ferry ride away are picturesque islands and scenic reserves. Nicknamed the ‘City of Sails’ thanks to the people’s obsession with gliding upon the ocean, it’s been said that nearly one in every three households in Auckland has a boat.
Keep your eyes peeled on Ponsonby Road for famous faces, eat and drink from some of the best hospitality spots the country has to offer, and soak up the special feeling that you won’t get anywhere else of sharing a city with over 1.5million other people.
Glow Up With Auckland’s Best Facials
![Women in spa with under-eye skincare patches wearing a dressing gown and towel wrapped around head](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/stories/feature/glow_up_with_aucklands_best_facials/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938221.jpg)
We all need a little ‘me’ time every now and again - especially when life in the big smoke becomes a little too hectic. And what better way to remedy (or at least mitigate) the chaos than by booking a facial and giving your skin the TLC it deserves?
Your Guide to North Island Road Tripping
![Lush and green Te Toto Gorge Lookout in Raglan New Zealand](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/stories/feature/neatest_north_island_road_trips/Te_Toto_Gorge_in_Raglan_Lookout_o1CiPX0.jpg)
The North Island is bountiful in its diverse scenery, from geothermal activity to golden sand beaches, enchanting forests to rolling green farms - it’s a landscape that ticks all the boxes. The North Island is also rich in Māori culture, vibrant cities and authentic Kiwi experiences.
A New POV: The Best Seats in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
![Beautiful view looking out across Auckland from Mt Eden](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/stories/feature/a_new_pov_the_best_seats_in_t%C4%81maki_makaurau_auckland/View_of_Mt_Eden.jpg)
With approximately 53 volcanic centres spread out across the region, it’s hardly a surprise that Auckland offers an abundance of seriously good views.
A Parnell Guide to Christmas
![Colourful items of clothes on a rack under bright lights.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/stories/feature/a_parnell_guide_to_christmas/Faradays_parnell_Auckland.jpg)
Take a trip to Auckland’s oldest suburb, wander the historic buildings and beautiful shops, and embrace the Christmas magic of Parnell.
Explore our Directory
View AllTosca
![Wooden interior of Tosca in Remuera Auckland with smiling barista standing behind counter with coffee menu in background](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=640//media/uploads/places/place/tosca/Tosca_1.jpg)
Tosca, a beloved espresso bar nestled in the heart of Remuera's vibrant 1050 precinct, has quickly become a local favourite.
Holiday
![Looking through glass door entrance of cafe with a barista standing behind coffee machine and customer sitting waiting](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/holiday/Holiday_1.jpg)
Who doesn't love the feeling of being on holiday? That’s the ethos behind Holiday, an understated café in Mount Eden aiming to bring the relaxed joy of a...
Small Mercies
![The yellow and white painted interior of Small Mercies Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/small_mercies/Small_Mercies_Auckland_1.jpg)
Auckland’s Small Mercies is a whole lot more than just a donut shop— it’s a warm and inviting space, alive with the aromas of specialty coffee and...
Unyoked
![A cosy looking bed next to a window in a cabin.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/unyoked/UnYoked_Auckland_2.jpg)
Firstly Australia, and with locations in the UK, the nature company Unyoked has at long last made it to the shores of New Zealand.
Florets
![A customer dining outside Florets Bakery Auckland on a sunny day.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/florets/Florets_Auckland_1.jpg)
Tucked amongst the Grey Lynn shops lies Florets, a cosy neighbourhood bakery with a strong focus on creating sustainable and nutritious sourdough bread.
Mor Bakery
![Two women smiling in front of the camera outside a cafe.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/mor_bakery/Mor_Bakery_Auckland_13.jpg)
There is nothing quite like a freshly baked pastry to start the day, a simple fact well grasped by those at Mor Bakery in Auckland.
Folds Patisserie
![The entrance to Folds Patisserie Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/folds_patisserie/Folds_Patisserie_Auckland_1.jpg)
Inconspicuously nestled amongst the hum of Dominion Road in Auckland is Folds Patisserie, an Asian-inspired bakery seamlessly blending flavours from South East Asia with New...
Tala
![A male chef working behind the counter inside an open kitchen.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/tala/Tala_Restaurant_Auckland_2.jpg)
What started out as a pop-up restaurant at Karangahape Road’s Bar Magda in 2022 saw subsequent success for TALA, which has now permanently relocated to Parnell Road.
Objectspace
![A colourful art installation inside Objectspace Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/objectspace/Objectspace_Auckland_13.jpg)
Objectspace in Auckland is a public gallery dedicated to the fields of design, craft and architecture.
Norma Taps
![A man and woman chatting to a staff member at the counter at Norma Taps in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=640//media/uploads/places/place/norma_taps/Norma_Taps_Auckland_4.jpg)
Sustainability and creativity combine at Norma Taps, an innovative space making its home in Auckland’s City Works Depot.
Sumer Art Gallery
![The purple and white exterior of Sumer gallery in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/sumer_art_gallery/Sumer_Art_Gallery_Auckland_1.jpg)
It’s hard to miss. The building façade is painted in semaphore-like triangles of bright purple and white, located centrally on Beach Road near Britomart.
Roses Dining Room
![The tiny restaurant inside Roses Dining Room in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/roses_dining_room/Roses_Dining_Room_8.jpg)
Roses Dining Room may seem a little unconventional, but they’ve certainly got the recipe right.
Culprit
![Plates of food next to a menu that sees 'Culprit' in black and white.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/culprit/Culprit_Auckland_10.jpg)
Tucked away up a narrow central Auckland staircase lies Culprit, a trendy and sophisticated inner city hideout serving nostalgic New Zealand cuisine with a modern global edge.
Crushes
![Racks of clothing at Crushes, Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/crushes/crushes_lowres-6.jpg)
An eclectic mix of all things homemade, handcrafted, New Zealand made and vintage.
Maison des Lys
![A coffee and croissant on a table.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/maison_des_lys/Maison_de_Lys_Auckland_8.jpg)
Maison des Lys is an artisan French pâtisserie but with a real point of difference.
Fort Greene
![The green painted entrance to Fort Greene.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/fort_greene/Fort_Greene_Auckland_2.jpg)
What started out as a humble sandwich stall has evolved to become a much-adored, artisanal bakery and cafe that has more than made its mark on Auckland’s Karangahape Road.
Forest
![The colourful outdoor courtyard at Forest.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/forest/Forest_restaurant_Auckland_13.jpg)
Forest may be one of Auckland’s only semi-formal vegetarian restaurants, but owner and chef Plabita Florence hopes it is so much more than that.
OOH-FA
![Pizza and wine on a table at OOH-FA.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/oohfa/OOH-FA_Auckland_1.jpg)
Anyone who appreciates the genius behind Auckland’s Pici - an intimate space with a limited offering, is going to love Ooh Fa: the same owners, the same philosophy and...