Auckland & Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Known as the ‘City of Sails’ owing to the number of boats and yachts dotted across the picturesque harbour, Auckland is the main international gateway to New Zealand, and a great city to begin your road trip. After a long journey to reach Aotearoa, take a night or two to relax into Kiwi life and stretch your legs exploring this vibrant harbourside city. 

Head straight for the impressive SkyCity tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city below, the surrounding neighbourhoods and the nearby islands scattered in the ocean, including Waiheke and Rangitoto.  If you’re feeling brave, you can leap off the edge at the SkyJump or walk around the outside platform 192m above the street below at the SkyWalk. For a more sedate experience, stroll around the Viaduct area and enjoy the many bars and restaurants, head to pretty Devonport across the harbour, hike up the dormant volcano at Mount Eden, or discover the underwater world at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.

A scenic 30-minute ferry ride from the city’s waterfront, Waiheke Island is a stunningly serene escape from city life, a place where olive groves and vineyards flourish under the temperate climate and hidden beaches and bays allow for relaxed island discovery.  It’s easy to visit Waiheke for a day from Auckland by ferry to enjoy a fabulous lunch at one of the many wineries, but we highly recommend spending 2 or 3 nights here to really experience the array of activities, fabulous vineyards and scenic walks on offer.