Auckland offers big city thrills alongside the trademark picturesque scenery New Zealand is famous for. When you step off the plane, visitors who flock to the city centre will find themselves spoiled for choice – Queen Street and ‘K’ Road offer an abundance of shops and cafes to explore, while the nearby Viaduct provides the perfect spot for a post-shopping drink (with some breath-taking harbour views).
Auckland is famous for its waterfront lifestyle, located on twin harbours and boasting a deep history as a colonial port city and major trading post in the South Pacific. To this day, you can’t go far without catching sight of the hundreds of sails that dot the seascape horizon, adding a whimsical atmosphere to this lively city.
With so much on offer to soak in, hiring a car at one of Hertz’s convenient Auckland locations will give you the best chance to make the absolute most of your New Zealand trip.
Auckland’s must-see attractions
When exploring Auckland, there are plenty of activities to discover the essence of Auckland’s culture:
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Visit the Sky Tower Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city; or for the more courageous, try the SkyWalk or SkyJump!
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Try your luck at spotting dolphins, whales, and other marine life on a whale watching cruise.
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Visit the Howick Historical Village to uncover an early Auckland settlement.
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Take a stroll through Cornwall Park, Auckland’s answer to New York City’s Central Park.
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Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum to learn about the country’s rich maritime history.
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Drive over to the suburb of Devonport for scenic views of Auckland and a peaceful, laidback atmosphere.
If you’re keen to make the most of your stay, be sure to keep an eye out for what’s on in the city. With events on each week, expect to catch a range of exciting sports and music occasions at Spark (formerly Vector) Arena. Don’t forget to check out the many film, art and comedy festivals that run annually.
Wining and dining in Auckland
When it eventually comes time to pause your adventuring and refuel with a bite to eat, Auckland offers some of New Zealand’s most diverse and culinarily unique restaurants and eateries. As a melting-pot of different cultures, the food is influenced by cuisines from all over the world and delicious no matter the size of your budget.
For those wanting a fine-dining experience, Japanese restaurant Masu boasts an internationally acclaimed chef and a non-judgemental atmosphere, along with a stunning décor. Taking Japanese staples and putting a distinctly New Zealand twist on them is the name of the game at this popular establishment, perhaps best exemplified by the grilled lamb cutlets or spicy miso tacos.
For those a little more price-conscious, who nonetheless want a unique and authentic New Zealand experience, it’s hard to go past Apero – a small rustic spot with casual wooden tables and exposed brick interiors. There are few places that will make you feel as instantly at home, with a menu as quintessentially New Zealand as it is delicious. Try the rustic sausage and goat’s cheese croquettes and you absolutely won’t leave disappointed – though you may need to loosen your belt a notch or two by the time you’re done.
Venturing beyond the city
While there’s plenty to do in Auckland itself, the city is situated close to many natural attractions that the greater New Zealand area is known for:
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Catch the ferry and head over to Waiheke Island; embark on one of the many coastal walks, relax on the beach or visit a wide selection of wineries.
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Visit Tiritiri Matangi Island by ferry to check out some of New Zealand’s rarest and endangered bird species
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For the movie buffs, a trip to the ‘Hobbiton’ movie set from The Lord of the Rings is a two-hour trip away by car – most say it’s worth the journey
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Hit the road for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to find yourself at the beautiful Waitamo Glow-worm caves
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Hike the summits of some of Auckland’s inactive volcanoes, such as Mt. Eden, Mangere Mountain, Mt. Wellington and One Tree Hill – which was popularised in a song by Irish rock band U2.
Hiring a car with Hertz will offer you the flexibility of seeing everything Auckland has to offer (and beyond)! Hertz in Auckland is conveniently located in the CBD, so whether you’re here for business or for pleasure, we’ll make your travels easy.
