7-Day Ultimate Auckland Adventure: Exploring New Zealand’s Vibrant City and Surrounds

Day 1: City Orientation

Auckland, New Zealand on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Federal Delicatessen, known for its classic New York deli style and diverse menu. It opens at 7:30am, perfect for an early start.
NZD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Sky Tower Visit

Visit Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Hauraki Gulf. The observation deck opens at 9am, so morning is ideal to avoid crowds.
NZD38, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk through Queen Street and Aotea Square

Explore the bustling Queen Street’s shops and cafés, then relax at Aotea Square, a cultural hub with fountains and open spaces.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Enjoy fresh local seafood and New Zealand flavours at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar, popular for oysters and casual dining. Open from 12pm.
NZD40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Discover New Zealand and international art in the country’s most extensive art collection, open 10am–5pm.
NZD20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll through Albert Park

Relax with a scenic walk through Albert Park, a peaceful green space located near the art gallery, perfect to unwind before dinner.
Free, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Baduzzi

Savour modern Italian small plates at Baduzzi, located in the Britomart precinct, famous for its vibrant atmosphere. Open from 5:30pm.
NZD55, 1h30m
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Day 2: Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand on April 25, 2025

7:45am

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Catch an early ferry from Auckland Ferry Terminal to Waiheke Island (approx 40 minutes), enjoying scenic harbour views.
NZD42 return, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at The Shelly Beach Lounge Bar

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with sea views at this popular café near the ferry terminal, open from 8am.
NZD30, 1h0m

10:15am

Wine tasting tour

Visit select Waiheke vineyards such as Mudbrick and Cable Bay for wine tastings and stunning vineyard views. Most open from 10am, tours can be pre-booked.
NZD60, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard

Relish seasonal gourmet dining with spectacular views at Mudbrick’s restaurant, open from 12pm.
NZD50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Oneroa Village

Stroll around the charming Oneroa Village with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Beach time at Onetangi Beach

Relax or walk along the white sands of Onetangi Beach, fantastic for sunset views.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Ferry back to Auckland

Return ferry to Auckland, catching the views of the city skyline at dusk.
Included, 0h40m

7:15pm

Dinner at Coco’s Cantina

Cap the day with Mexican-inspired dishes in Auckland’s lively Britomart dining precinct, open until late.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nature & Forests

Waitakere Ranges, Auckland, New Zealand on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Atomic Coffee Roasters

Start with freshly brewed coffee and breakfast in this local roastery café, opens at 7am.
NZD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Waitakere Ranges

A 40-minute drive west takes you to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park for woodland walks and waterfalls.
NZD10 parking, 0h40m

9:15am

Walk the Kitekite Track

Enjoy a 2-3 hour bushwalk to Kitekite Falls, a stunning 40m waterfall, a must-see in the park. Track closes at dusk.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Piha Café

Head towards the wild west coast and enjoy fresh, simple fare at Piha Café, open 7am to 4pm.
NZD25, 1h0m

1:45pm

Relax at Piha Beach

Explore the black sand beach of Piha, famous for its surf and dramatic landscapes.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive back to Auckland City

Return to Auckland for evening dining, about a 45-minute drive.
Included, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Grove Restaurant

Enjoy refined New Zealand cuisine using local ingredients at The Grove, one of Auckland’s top dining spots. Open from 5:30pm.
NZD90, 1h30m
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Day 4: Museums & Parks

Auckland, New Zealand on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Best Ugly Bagels

Grab a quick and delicious bagel sandwich and coffee. Opens at 7am.
NZD15, 0h45m

8:45am

Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore New Zealand’s history, Maori culture, and natural environment at this renowned museum, open from 10am but worth arriving early to queue for entry.
NZD25, 2h30m

11:30am

Walk through Auckland Domain

Enjoy the large public park surrounding the museum with gardens and green spaces.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Prego

Relish authentic Italian flavours at Prego, located near the museum and open from noon.
NZD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology)

Discover Auckland’s history of innovation with interactive exhibits and heritage vehicles. Open 10am–5pm.
NZD20, 2h0m

4:30pm

Coffee break at Atomic Coffee Roasters

Refuel with excellent coffee before dinner, opens 7am to 4pm.
NZD8, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cassia

Experience refined Indian-inspired cuisine in a modern setting. Cassia opens from 5:30pm.
NZD65, 1h30m
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Day 5: Island Adventure

Rangitoto Island, Auckland, New Zealand on April 28, 2025

6:45am

Breakfast at Garage Project Roastery

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast prepared to fuel your day. Opens at 7am.
NZD18, 0h45m

7:30am

Morning Ferry to Rangitoto Island

Take a 25-minute ferry from Auckland, arriving early to enjoy the volcanic landscape and hiking trails.
NZD38 return, 0h45m

8:15am

Hike to Rangitoto Summit

Climb the lava fields and native forest to reach the summit with incredible views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. Allow 2-3 hours return.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch on the island

Bring a packed lunch or purchase snacks to enjoy on the island with spectacular views.
NZD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore coastal areas and snorkeling

Relax by the island’s clear waters or explore marine life via snorkeling gear rental (seasonal, check availability).
NZD15 gear rental, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return ferry to Auckland

Head back to the city as afternoon turns to early evening.
Included, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro

Dine on fresh seafood and contemporary dishes with views of the harbour. Open from 5pm.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Historic Devonport

Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Devonport Chocolates

Indulge with freshly made breakfast and artisan chocolates in this local favourite. Opens at 8am.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Ferry to Devonport

Enjoy a 12-minute ferry crossing from Auckland’s city centre to this charming seaside village.
NZD10 return, 0h20m

10:00am

Climb Mount Victoria Summit

Ascend this well-known volcanic cone for sweeping views over Auckland city and harbour. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

Explore New Zealand’s naval history at this engaging museum by the waterfront. Open 10am to 4pm.
NZD15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Esplanade Hotel

Enjoy classic Kiwi pub fare and craft beers in a relaxed setting overlooking the waterfront.
NZD35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk along Cheltenham Beach

Stroll the sandy beach and watch the boats in the bay, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ferry back to Auckland

Return to the city to prepare for dinner and your final night out.
Included, 0h20m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sidart

End the day with innovative fine dining at Sidart, offering a contemporary tasting menu. Reservation advised. Opens 6pm.
NZD120, 2h0m
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Day 7: Waterfront & Viaduct

Auckland, New Zealand on April 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Odettes Eatery

Modern brunch spot with a fresh, seasonal menu in a vibrant downtown location. Opens at 7:30am.
NZD25, 1h0m

9:45am

Walk along Auckland Waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely stroll from Wynyard Quarter to Viaduct Harbour, soaking in harbour views and public art installations.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit New Zealand Maritime Museum

Dive into New Zealand’s rich maritime heritage with interactive exhibits and galleries. Open 10am–5pm.
NZD22, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Oyster & Chop

Savour fresh oysters and premium steaks by the waterfront, a refined but relaxed dining venue. Open from midday.
NZD50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Silo Park

Spend your afternoon at this creative urban park with great harbour views and occasional events.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shopping at Wynyard Quarter

Browse local stores and boutiques for souvenirs and unique gifts.
Varies, 1h0m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Masu by Nic Watt

Enjoy contemporary Japanese robata dining at Masu, one of Auckland’s top-rated restaurants. Opens 5pm.
NZD70, 1h30m
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