14-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Auckland, New Zealand

  • Day 1: Auckland Domain
    20 minutes (6.8 km) from the airport

    Auckland Domain is Auckland's oldest park and is spacious, peaceful and perfect for picnics. There are a lot of fun things to do there, from walking trails to visiting the Winter Gardens.

  • Day 2: Auckland Museum
    3 minutes (400 meters) from Auckland Domain

    The Auckland Museum is an iconic Auckland landmark and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The museum has an excellent collection of artifacts, including Maori treasures and several exhibitions focusing on New Zealand’s history.

  • Day 3: Rangitoto Island
    50 minutes (16 km) from Auckland Museum to the ferry terminal, then 25 minutes ferry ride to the island

    Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island that is home to the largest pohutukawa forest in the world. Visitors can take short walks or hikes to the summit.

  • Day 4: Cornwall Park
    30 minutes (10 km) from Rangitoto Island ferry stop

    Cornwall Park is a beautiful park that features stunning views of Auckland and is a great place for a picnic. There are also walking trails and a farm with a collection of sheep and other farm animals.

  • Day 5: Sky Tower
    20 minutes (6.8 km) from Cornwall Park

    The Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and is an iconic part of Auckland's skyline. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from the observation deck or by dining in the tower's rotating restaurant.

  • Day 6: Eden Park
    15 minutes (4.6 km) from Sky Tower

    Eden Park is New Zealand's biggest stadium and is famous for being the home of the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium or enjoy a match.

  • Day 7: Piha Beach
    40 minutes (38 km) from Eden Park

    Piha Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in New Zealand and is surrounded by beautiful black sand. Visitors can explore the beach, take a swim or try their hand at surfing.

  • Day 8: Western Springs Park
    25 minutes (7 km) from Piha Beach

    Western Springs Park is a lovely park that's home to the Auckland Zoo, as well as a large lake where visitors can feed the ducks and swans.

  • Day 9: Auckland Harbour Bridge
    20 minutes (6.1 km) from Western Springs Park

    The Auckland Harbour Bridge is an iconic Auckland landmark and visitors can take a guided walk or a bungee jump off the bridge for an adrenaline rush.

  • Day 10: Botanic Gardens
    20 minutes (13.5 km) from Auckland Harbour Bridge

    The Botanic Gardens feature a stunning collection of gardens and exotic trees from around the world. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks and picnics on the grounds.

  • Day 11: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
    10 minutes (2 km) from Botanic Gardens

    The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is a must-visit spot for art lovers, with over 15,000 works of art in their collection.

  • Day 12: Mount Eden
    10 minutes (3.3 km) from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

    Mount Eden is a dormant volcano that is a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views of the city. Visitors can hike to the top and enjoy the views.

  • Day 13: Auckland Zoo
    10 minutes (3.5 km) from Mount Eden

    The Auckland Zoo is a fantastic place to visit and is home to over 1,400 animals. Visitors can see everything from tigers to giraffes and even watch a kiwi bird encounter.

  • Day 14: Otara Market
    25 minutes (15 km) from Auckland Zoo

    Otara Market is an outdoor market that offers a unique experience for visitors. This market offers locally made crafts, live entertainment, and fresh food from around the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Auckland Museum (2-3 hours, $25)
  • Rangitoto Island (5-6 hours, $36 round trip ferry ride)
  • Cornwall Park (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Sky Tower (1-2 hours, $32)
  • Eden Park (1-2 hours, $26 for a tour or $28 for a match)
  • Piha Beach (3-4 hours, free entry)
  • Western Springs Park (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Auckland Harbour Bridge (2-3 hours, $149 for a bridge climb or $195 for a bungee jump)
  • Botanic Gardens (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Mount Eden (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Auckland Zoo (3-4 hours, $39)
  • Otara Market (2-3 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $429- $499

Transportation

Transportation in Auckland is easily accessible and reasonably priced. Public transport includes buses, trains, and ferries. The AT HOP card provides easy and discounted transportation options. The hop-on-hop-off bus is another option for tourists which travel to most of the popular tourist spots. Taxis and ride-sharing groups like Uber are also readily available but more expensive.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Waiheke Island or taking a day trip to Rotorua. For those who have a shorter trip, consider skipping Otara Market or the Auckland Zoo. If you're on a tight budget, consider visiting free attractions such as Cornwall Park and Mount Eden.

Airports

The Auckland Airport (AKL) is located in the city of Auckland, 21 kilometres south of the city centre. It is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, connecting it to destinations all over the world.

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