DESTINATION GUIDE
Auckland
Private jet charter to Auckland
Set in the stunning North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. The modern metropolis boasts a lively harbour, museums, a world-class dining scene and its colossal Sky Tower. The city is also an outdoor-lover’s paradise, surrounded by dramatic coastline fringed with black-and-white-sand beaches, national parks, volcanic islands and pristine rainforest. Get private jet charter flights to New Zealand and find out why Auckland is regularly rated one of the world’s most liveable cities.
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Wondering what to do in Auckland? Start by heading down to the harbour. It’s not hard to see why Auckland is nicknamed the City of Sails as you pass by the many boats and yachts bobbing in the bay. You can’t visit Auckland without also scaling its 328-metre-tall Sky Tower for panoramic views from the observation deck. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even Sky Jump off the top or Sky Walk around the outside on a hair-raising platform. Adventure fiends can also tackle the Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb, the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
The Auckland Museum tells the story of the city’s Polynesian, European and contemporary history, featuring the world’s largest collection of MÄori artefacts. The beautiful Wintergardens are unmissable, and art fans can follow the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail and visit the Auckland Art Gallery. For wildlife, head to Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. You can also enjoy some retail therapy downtown, where you’ll find everything from vintage shops to international stores and open-air markets.
Auckland may be home to roughly a third of New Zealand’s population, but that doesn’t mean it’s just an urban jungle. The city is surrounded by iconic Kiwi landscape and 48 volcanic cones, including Mount Eden, which offers sweeping views of the city. Some of the most incredible North Island beaches, such as black-sand Piha and famous surf spot Bethells, can be found less than an hour from Auckland. For hiking, take a daytrip to the nearby Waitakere National Park, Shakespear Regional Park or Hunua Ranges.
A 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland will take you to historic Devonport, which features wooden houses and streets from the 1800s and 1900s. This is also the base for the Royal New Zealand Navy, and there’s a museum, as well as old cannons and underground WWII tunnels, at North Head. Visit nearby Waiheke Island for some of the region’s best vineyards and walk the summit trail on Rangitoto Island’s dormant 6,000-year-old volcano.
Auckland has a thriving restaurant scene thanks to the country’s abundant waters and fertile, unspoilt land. Dine at some of the country’s top eateries which offer everything from Kiwi classics and Pacific Rim dishes to world cuisine such as Thai, Italian and Chinese. Top Auckland restaurants include Orbit 360° in the Sky Tower, Japanese food at Cocoro and local New Zealand favourites at Pacifica. Seafood is big in the city and best sampled at Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar, while you can feast on Asian delights in Food Alley.
There’s a range of luxury and boutique Auckland hotels to choose from. Highlights include the Great Ponsonby Arthotel, a converted colonial villa steeped in Pacific history, and the Art Deco inspired Hotel Grand Windsor. Chic, five-star hotels in the heart of the city and along the waterfront include the Grand Mercure and Luxury Cordis. Check into the avant-garde SO/ Auckland for views across the Waitemata Harbour.
If you’re planning a trip to Auckland, simply contact one of our team for a private jet charter quote to travel there in style.