Hire a vehicle in Auckland and enjoy
Auckland is New Zealand's largest metropolis, surrounded by stunning harbours and views of the sea, it is known as the “City of Sails”. It is, for that reason, the economic heart of the country. Auckland sprawls between the Manukau Harbour in the west to the Waitemata Harbour in the east. Even the central city is located on the stunning water-edge of the Viaduct Harbour. For the tourist or person visiting Auckland, the easiest way to access its many attractions is by car. There are many monuments, museums and art galleries that are well worth a visit. The islands of the nearby Hauraki Gulf are also an opportunity to enjoy New Zealand's spectacular national parks. Auckland is the gateway to the far north, but you will need a rental car!
Auckland Climate
Under the Köppen climate classification, Auckland has an oceanic climate, while according to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), its climate is classified as subtropical with warm humid summers and mild damp winters. It is the warmest main centre of New Zealand. The average daily maximum temperature is 23.7 °C (74.7 °F) in February and 14.7 °C (58.5 °F) in July. The maximum recorded temperature is 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) on 12 February 2009, while the minimum is -3.9 °C (25.0 °F). Snowfall is extremely rare: the most significant fall since the start of the 20th century was on 27 July 1939. Snowflakes were also seen on 28 July 1930 and 15 August 2011.
15.2°C / 59.4°F
Average annual temperatures
1210.7mm / 47.67inches
Average annual precipitation
135.7 days
Average annual precipitation days
Auckland recommended destinations
- Auckland Harbour Bridge
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- One Tree Hill
- The Sky Tower Auckland
- Waiheke Island
Auckland Harbour Bridge
This iconic bridge is in the centre of the harbour. It was built in 1959 and is more than a kilometre long and some 43 meters high. It is the main crossing between downtown Auckland and the northern reaches of the North Island. Activities include the Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb and the opportunity to try the 40 meter bungee jump!
Auckland War Memorial Museum
The formal and imposing neoclassic designed building dating from 1929, stands at the top of the Auckland Domain. It was built as a memorial dedicated to the New Zealand soldiers who fought in World War I. Today it houses an impressive collection of artifact that trace the whole of New Zealand history. Of particular interest is the Māori galleries and the extensive natural history collection.
Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
This is one of Auckland's favourite attractions because Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium allows you to get up close and personal with under-water sea life. Walk among the aquariums via a series of tunnels, where you can observe everything from tropical fish through to sharks and stingrays. It also houses an Antarctic Encounter gallery, which lets you see penguins in their natural habitat.
One Tree Hill
It is truly remarkable to find a rural scene in the heart of New Zealand's largest city. For many Aucklanders the volcanic cone of One Tree Hill is almost sacred. The hill is 182 meters high and is situated in Cornwall Park. The slopes contain the remnants of a Māori Pa. At the top is a monument remembering Sir John Logan Campbell who gifted the land to Auckland.
The Sky Tower Auckland
The skyline of Auckland is dominated by the Sky Tower, standing at 328 meters high. It is New Zealand's highest building. There is no better place to see the panorama view of the sprawling cityscape from the observation deck. Once there visitors can walk the 192 meter high Sky Walk or use it as a platform to carry out a Sky Jump!
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is the most popular and lovely sunny spots to visit in the Hauraki Gulf. What will impress is not only the lovely walks for hikers, including the Church Bay Circuit, but the village atmosphere and the thriving café culture! Surrounded by white-sand beaches, it is well worth the short, 35 minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland to visit this incredible island.