DISCOVER AUCKLAND IN WINTER

Starting to get that winter travel itch? Luckily, you don’t have to travel far for a compelling holiday destination. Our own bustling city of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Explore diverse food scenes, dive into Māori heritage, or bask in nature in the lush Waitākere Ranges.

Whether it's enjoying a glass of wine in a cosy vineyard or indulging in boutique shopping, here’s why Auckland is the ultimate hibernation break destination.

A seasonal paradise

Where better to enjoy the season than out in some of Auckland’s stunning surroundings?

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the region:

Take a wine tour of Waiheke Island: Nothing beats the warm, golden hues of a hillside vineyard in autumn. Hop on a ferry to picturesque Waiheke Island to eat and drink your fill while you enjoy the changing colours of the leaves. For ease, grab Fullers360’s Wine and Dine package, or book a new direct sailing to the legendary Man O’ War with Explore Group.
Check out Matakana Village Farmers Market: Hosted every Saturday, one of the region’s most beloved, the Matakana Village Farmers Market has something for everyone. Don’t miss the special Matariki Market on Friday, 28 June, featuring Kapa Haka performances, flax weaving, music and more.
Get out for a game of golf: Head 90 minutes up north to Te Ārai Links, one of the most scenic world-class golf courses in the country. Featuring breathtaking views of the Pacific, Ric’s Restaurant, five-star accommodation and one of the world’s largest putting greens, this golfing destination is sure to impress.

Matakana Village Farmers' Market hums with life every Saturday

A feast for foodies

Auckland is home to a wealth of incredible and unique culinary experiences. Discover the most delicious dishes around the city, as nominated by the public, in this year’s top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats.

Here are some of the highlights (though you have to see the photos to truly appreciate them).

Scampi pasta from the famous Amano – make sure not to miss out on their equally delicious pastries
Grilled cabbage, ajo blanco with chilli jam from Candela – a beautifully presented vegetarian dish you can find up on Karangahape Road
Braised lamb shanks from Manuka Café and Restaurant – pop over on the ferry to Devonport on the North Shore to try this hearty meal
Tower Burger from Andy’s Burgers and Bar – complete with a Sky Tower-shaped skewer, this colossal burger isn’t for the faint of heart
Raspberry cream donut from Crafty Baker Titirangi – a hidden gem out west to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Aburi salmon roll from Taiko – these salmon rolls are beautifully presented and equally delicious
Crispy fried eggplant from Three Seven Two – why not give this dish a try while you’re over on Waiheke?

Wine and food are in abundance throughout the Auckland region

Laugh, cheer, and soak up the experience: unmissable events

This year, Auckland is hosting some of the country’s most exciting events including:

The NZ International Comedy Festival features some renowned comedians, including Rhys Nicholson (16 and 17 May) and 26 May for Last Laughs, the final show of the festival. Other international comedians that are also visiting Auckland with some great gigs include Dawn French (29 May to 1 June), Chelsea Handler (5 July), Ali Wong (8, 9 July), Celeste Barber (4 August), and Ed Byrne (16 August).
The All Blacks are playing at Eden Park against England on 13 July and then against ^{Argentina on 17 August}. If you’re an ABs fan, make sure not to miss the All Blacks Experience.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine is performing Forest Song and Don Quixote on 20 and 22 June, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet is presenting performances of Solace on 8, 9 and 10 August.
For the first time ever, the World Choir Games are taking place in New Zealand. Come and listen to over 300 choirs from over 50 countries at the world’s largest choir competition from 10-20 July.
Check out The Robertson Gift exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery to see works by master artists, such as Dalí, Picasso and Cezanne, up close with nothing blocking your view!
Learn how seabirds are signalling the declining health of our ecosystem at the new interactive Sentinel exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Get your geek on and discover more of the world of movie-making at the immersive Wētā Workshop Unleashed.

Memorable shopping and accommodation

In the last few years, Auckland’s shopping districts have expanded with exciting new additions for those after some retail therapy.

Commercial Bay features not only some of the best restaurants in the city, as well as an extensive food court, but also some of the most exclusive shopping experiences.

On the other side of the beautifully refurbished Te Komititanga square sits the Britomart shopping district, featuring boutique shops – including the only Allbirds store in the country!

Hop on the train at Britomart and in under 20 minutes you’ll be in Newmarket, home to Westfield Newmarket (New Zealand’s largest shopping centre) and dozens of shops, including Balenciaga, Burberry, Coach, and more.

When it comes to accommodation, Auckland boasts some of the most luxurious hotels in the country. Check out these options when booking your trip:

Intercontinental Hotel – with a convenient location and harbour-view rooms, the city is right at your fingertips with this just-opened hotel
Crowne Plaza – a perfect midtown retreat, the Crowne Plaza is minutes away from some of Auckland’s best theatres and restaurants
Airedale Boutique Suites – this refurbished landmark building sits in the heart of the city and offers stylish, intimate suites
JW Marriott – blending modern 5-star luxury with timeless grandeur, JW Marriott Hotel Auckland offers travellers a prestigious address that’s in the heart of the Auckland.

Myriad shopping options abound in Auckland

Experience the unexpected in Auckland

Getting away for a mid-winter escape is a great way to break up the year, and Auckland is the perfect location for a well-earned holiday.

Plan your trip today, and stay up to date with all the great things happening in Auckland by signing up to the Discover Auckland newsletter.

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Experience the unexpected in Auckland!