Auckland travel guide

Auckland falls into place if you split it into a city and Sky Tower day, and a harbour and island day.

The Sky Tower costs NZD 47 for adults aged 15 and over, including the main observation deck, the lounge and Sky Bar. In October and November it opens Monday to Thursday 9:30 to 20:00, and Friday to Sunday 9:30 to 21:30. It can close for weather or events, so check official information on the day.

Express buses run every 30 minutes between the airport and the city. Sky Tower prices are as of the check date, so re-read them before your visit; walk the city centre, and decide island plans by the weather.

Visa and entry requirements for New Zealand

Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.

• Visa waiver countries and territories (Immigration New Zealand)
• Paying the International Visitor Levy (Immigration New Zealand)
• Immigration New Zealand (Immigration New Zealand)

Sky Tower tickets cost NZD 47 for adults aged 15 and over. They include the main observation deck, the lounge and Sky Bar, and the single-entry ticket currently includes SkyDeck access. In October and November it opens Monday to Thursday 9:30 to 20:00, and Friday to Sunday 9:30 to 21:30.

Official information notes it may close for weather or events. Two people pay 2 × 47 = NZD 94. Prices can change by season, so recheck on the official website for your date.

Based on SkyCity's official information, checked on 23 October 2026.

Express buses run every 30 minutes from Auckland Airport to the city centre. Check fares in official information when booking; we leave out amounts we couldn't confirm.

Many hotels are within walking distance of the Sky Tower, which keeps travel short. Harbour and island ferry times vary by date, so check official information.

With 2 nights: walk the city on day one and go up the Sky Tower. On day two, walk the harbour and plan an island trip in the afternoon. Island trips depend on the weather, so keeping a day free helps.

With 3 nights: add an island trip or a rest on day three. The Sky Tower stays open into the evening, so going up around sunset shows you the city lights. Closing times differ by day, so choose your day first.

Plan meals in Auckland around meat pies, pavlova and green-lipped mussels. Meat pies are palm-sized pies filled with meat; pavlova is meringue topped with cream and fruit; green-lipped mussels are large mussels from New Zealand's coast. We don't pick restaurants or prices here. On harbour days, eat lunch near the harbour.

Travellers from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, which costs NZD 17 in the official app or NZD 23 on the Immigration New Zealand website; most visitors also pay the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Check whether you need a visa or an NZeTA for your passport. The Sky Tower may close for weather or events, so check on the day. The local emergency number is 111.