Auckland in 48 Hours: A Whirlwind Tour of City Wonders

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by Charlotte

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Auckland 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day journey through Auckland, a city that blends natural beauty with urban excitement. Begin your adventure at the Auckland Zoo, a local gem nestled in a characteristic neighborhood, where you'll spend 2 hours marveling at the diverse wildlife. Next, elevate your experience with a 2-hour visit to Mount Eden, offering panoramic views that make for a breathtaking sightseeing tour. Conclude your first day with a 2-hour exploration of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, delving into the region's military history and culture. On day two, dive into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium for an hour of aquatic discovery. Then, set sail with the Auckland Sailing Club, where yachting and water sports provide an exhilarating hour on the water. Spend a leisurely 3 hours at Cornwall Park, a lush city park perfect for relaxation and picnics. Finally, visit One Tree Hill, a historic farm offering serene landscapes and a final hour of tranquility. This 2-day itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Auckland's best, from its zoological wonders to its maritime adventures, all while surrounded by the city's stunning natural beauty.

Top 6 Hotels in Auckland
TOP 1
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
hotelStar
5/5
57 reviews
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TOP 2
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport, an IHG Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
40 reviews
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TOP 3
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
hotelStar
4/5
71 reviews
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Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
hotelStar
4/5
67 reviews
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Novotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport
hotelStar
4/5
129 reviews
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Novotel Auckland Ellerslie
Novotel Auckland Ellerslie
hotelStar
4/5
102 reviews
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Day 1: Unveiling Auckland's Natural and Cultural Gems

1

Auckland Zoo

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Kickstart your Auckland adventure with a visit to the Auckland Zoo, a verdant oasis nestled in the characteristic neighborhood of Western Springs. Spend a couple of hours marveling at the diverse range of wildlife housed within this conservation-focused sanctuary. The zoo offers an immersive experience, allowing you to witness animals from around the globe in thoughtfully designed habitats that mimic their natural environments.

Attraction Info

  • Motions Rd, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 11/1-2/28,9:30am-4:30pm;Open from 3/1-10/31,9:30am-5:30pm,It is open every day except for Christmas, and the specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Sidart Restaurant
Sidart Restaurant
4.4/5 · 18 reviews
2.8 km from attraction
Sails Restaurant Auckland
Sails Restaurant Auckland
4.5/5 · 13 reviews
3.5 km from attraction
Sid at The French Cafe
Sid at The French Cafe
4.6/5 · 23 reviews
3.7 km from attraction
Odettes Eatery
Odettes Eatery
4.5/5 · 20 reviews
3.8 km from attraction
The Blue Breeze Inn
The Blue Breeze Inn
3.5/5 · 16 reviews
2.5 km from attraction
Dear Jervois
Dear Jervois
4.2/5 · 10 reviews
2.4 km from attraction
10 min,4.43 km
2

Mount Eden

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After communing with nature's finest at the zoo, ascend to the breathtaking heights of Mount Eden. This dormant volcano offers a panoramic sightseeing tour of Auckland from its summit, with the cityscape on one side and the harbor on the other. Allocate two hours to soak in the 360-degree views and capture memories against the backdrop of Auckland's most iconic natural landmark.

Attraction Info

  • Auckland, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 1/1-12/31(Summer),7:00am-8:30pm;Open from 1/1-12/31(Winter),7:00am-7:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Frasers
Frasers
4.2/5 · 17 reviews
1.5 km from attraction
Grand Park Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Grand Park Chinese Seafood Restaurant
4/5 · 20 reviews
2.6 km from attraction
Sid at The French Cafe
Sid at The French Cafe
4.6/5 · 23 reviews
2.8 km from attraction
The Blue Breeze Inn
The Blue Breeze Inn
3.5/5 · 16 reviews
3.5 km from attraction
Petit Bocal
Petit Bocal
4.4/5 · 12 reviews
1.2 km from attraction
L'Oeuf
L'Oeuf
4.4/5 · 13 reviews
2.0 km from attraction
13 min,6.15 km
3

Auckland War Memorial Museum

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Conclude your day with a reflective journey through New Zealand's history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Located in the heart of Parnell, this military museum is a tribute to those who served and sacrificed. Spend the remaining two hours of your day exploring the extensive collections of Maori and Pacific Island artifacts, as well as exhibits dedicated to New Zealand's natural and military history.

Attraction Info

  • Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Sat-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm;Open on Mon, Wed-Fri,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Tue,10:00am-8:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Orbit 360° Dining
Orbit 360° Dining
4.5/5 · 122 reviews
1.9 km from attraction
Eight Restaurant
Eight Restaurant
4.2/5 · 26 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
Depot
Depot
4.5/5 · 89 reviews
1.9 km from attraction
The Sugar Club
The Sugar Club
4.6/5 · 20 reviews
1.9 km from attraction
The Grove Restaurant
The Grove Restaurant
4.4/5 · 19 reviews
2.0 km from attraction
Frasers
Frasers
4.2/5 · 17 reviews
2.7 km from attraction
3.4/543 Reviews
3.4/543 Reviews
Parnell
|0.54km from Auckland War Memorial Museum
4.4/591 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent91 Reviews
Newmarket
|0.65km from Auckland War Memorial Museum
0/50 Reviews
Parnell
|0.68km from Auckland War Memorial Museum
3.6/50 Reviews
3.6/50 Reviews
Parnell
|0.68km from Auckland War Memorial Museum

Day 2: Aquatic Adventures and Green Escapes in Auckland

1

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

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Begin your second day in Auckland with a splash at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, a magical underwater world located at 23 Tamaki Drive. Dive into an hour-long journey where you'll come face-to-face with an array of sea creatures. Marvel at the vibrant marine life in the themed zones, from the icy wonders of Antarctica to the colorful inhabitants of the coral reef.

Attraction Info

  • 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:30am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

De Fontein Belgian Beer Café
De Fontein Belgian Beer Café
4.5/5 · 5 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
Yard Bar & Eatery
Yard Bar & Eatery
5/5 · 1 review
3.8 km from attraction
Meadow Restaurant, Bar & Cafe
Meadow Restaurant, Bar & Cafe
3.9/5 · 14 reviews
3.3 km from attraction
St Heliers Bay Cafe & Bistro
St Heliers Bay Cafe & Bistro
4.5/5 · 11 reviews
3.5 km from attraction
Movenpick Mission Bay
Movenpick Mission Bay
4.3/5 · 20 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
Cibo
Cibo
4.7/5 · 18 reviews
3.1 km from attraction
13 min,0.98 km
2

Auckland Sailing Club

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Set sail from the underwater to the open seas with a visit to the Auckland Sailing Club. Just a stone's throw away at 8 Tamaki Drive, spend an exhilarating hour feeling the ocean breeze as you learn about yachting and water sports. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a curious novice, the club's picturesque setting provides a perfect backdrop for an aquatic adventure.

Attraction Info

  • 8 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
16 min,7.53 km
3

Cornwall Park

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After your nautical experience, take a leisurely 3-hour stroll through Cornwall Park, a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of the city at Green Lane West. This expansive city park is a tapestry of lush greenery, historic sites, and walking paths. It's an ideal spot to unwind, have a picnic, and watch the gentle pace of Auckland life go by.

Attraction Info

  • Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 7:00am-8:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Grand Park Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Grand Park Chinese Seafood Restaurant
4/5 · 20 reviews
0.9 km from attraction
The Good Home Mt Eden
The Good Home Mt Eden
5/5 · 2 reviews
3.6 km from attraction
Sake Bar Nippon Epsom
Sake Bar Nippon Epsom
/5 · 1 review
1.0 km from attraction
ONE TREE GRILL
ONE TREE GRILL
4.4/5 · 5 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
Pasta & Cuore
Pasta & Cuore
4.3/5 · 4 reviews
2.7 km from attraction
Sun World Chinese Restaurant 新世界海鮮酒
Sun World Chinese Restaurant 新世界海鮮酒
4.1/5 · 9 reviews
3.4 km from attraction
13 min,0.69 km
4

One Tree Hill

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Cap off your day with a visit to One Tree Hill, a significant cultural and historical site located at 670 Manukau Road. Spend an hour exploring the farm, walking up to the summit for panoramic views, and delving into the area's Maori and colonial history. As the sun sets, reflect on the natural beauty and the stories that have shaped this iconic Auckland landmark.

Attraction Info

  • 670 Manukau Road, One Tree Hill, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 7:00am-7:00pm
3.3/547 Reviews
3.3/547 Reviews
Epsom
|0.97km from One Tree Hill
4/50 Reviews
4/5Very Good0 Reviews
Epsom
|1.04km from One Tree Hill
4.2/51 Reviews
4.2/5Very Good1 Reviews
Epsom
|1.25km from One Tree Hill
0/50 Reviews
Onehunga
|1.27km from One Tree Hill

Top Things to Do in Auckland-2024

TOP 1
Sky Tower
Sky Tower
4.6/5 · 770 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 11,600 review
Highlights:

As a landmark of Auckland, the Sky Tower is 328 meters high and is connected with other buildings to form a huge sky city. The Sky Tower has three transparent elevators, with a speed of 18 kilometers per hour, It only takes 40 seconds to the observation deck and Orbit 360° Dining, where you can overlook the entire Auckland city. You can watch a beautiful sunset and the night view of Auckland If you go there in the evening. Additionally, the Sky Tower is also a goodplace for a high-altitude walk, which is led and guided by a coach on the 192-meter-high outer ring platform of the Sky Tower.

△ Climb the 328-meter-high Sky Tower

△ Overlook the beautiful city night view

△ Challenge more exciting projects

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TOP 2
Mount Eden
Mount Eden
4.6/5 · 464 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,949 review
Highlights:
Mount Eden is located about 5 kilometers south of Auckland's city center and is 196 meters high. It is the highest among the many volcanic cones in Auckland, and it is also the natural commanding height of Auckland. There is a lookout on the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the city view of Auckland. Mount Eden, named for George Eden, an earl of Auckland, has erupted several times, the most recent one being estimated to have been 15,000 years ago. This hill is formed by the accumulation of volcanic ejecta around the crater. From a distance, it looks like a large inverted conical bowl. The bottom of the pit has become a lush green space, which is very special.
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TOP 3
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
4.5/5 · 187 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,074 review
Highlights:

Kelly Tarton's Auckland is an aquarium converted from an abandoned sewage plant. It was completed by New Zealand marine archaeologist Mr. Kelly Tarton for 10 years. There are 8 major themes on display with its own characteristics. In the fascinating winter wonderland, you can take the Icefield Expedition Vehicle into the viewing area at minus 2 degrees Celsius and watch the colonies of King and Gentoo penguin walking on the artificial snow or diving underwater. You can also experience the excitement of big sharks and Stingrays swimming by in the transparent glass landscape tunnel of the underwater world, and witness how the mighty giant lobster coexists harmoniously with its neighbors. If you want to see it up close, you can put yourself in a cage into the shark viewing tank, or even dive directly into the shark viewing tank.

△ Watch giant sharks up closely

△ Learn more about marine life in the Southern Hemisphere

△ Watch the adorable feeding process of the colonies of King and Gentoo penguins

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TOP 4
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum
4.6/5 · 254 review
Highlights:
The Auckland Museum, also known as the Auckland War Memorial Museum, is described as a touchstone of New Zealander culture and spirit. It is not only a museum showing Maori history and culture, but also a war memorial reflecting the history of World War II. 1. Overview of the Museum The Museum is located in Auckland's Central Park in the heart of the city, an impressive neoclassical building with different contents on each floor. The first floor showcases the life of the South Pacific islanders, with unique ethnic handicrafts, restored Maori meeting places and daily necessities exhibitions, including a 25-meter-long battle boat. The second floor is a natural science exhibition that includes information about the origin of the earth, the origin of life, various animal and plant materials and specimens. The third floor displays the weapons used in the world wars, etc., to commemorate the soldiers who died in the two wars. 2. Watch Maori cultural performances to learn about New Zealand's cultural history The Auckland Museum conducts rich Maori cultural performances every day, including welcome ceremonies, cotton ball songs and dances, stick dances, weapon demonstrations and Maori war dances that embody the essence of tribal culture to the extreme. The performance is 30 minutes long, and the museum is designed to be very interactive and worth savoring. Priceless Māori treasures, splendid natural history, wonderful Māori cultural performances and occasional exhibitions, must be the best choice to learn about New Zealand.
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TOP 5
Queen Street
Queen Street
4.5/5 · 248 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,193 review
Highlights:
Queen Street is an important commercial street in Auckland. The street is about 3 kilometers long, starting from Auckland's waterfront in the north and ending at Karanga Heipi Road in the south. The main street was built in 1840 and named after Queen Victoria. Queen Street is Auckland's prime location, and you can't go wrong here if you want to shop. 1. Feel the various classical ornate buildings along the street. The buildings on both sides of Queen Street are a major attraction. The Edwardian Baroque-style Auckland Dock Building, the 19th-century Greek Revival-style Bank of New Zealand Building, the British Gothic-style building Patrick's Cathedral, the British colonial-style Auckland City Hall, the colonial historical buildings and modern high-rise buildings complement each other, conflicting and harmonious. From the pier, stands the century-old yellow pier building. 2. Gift shops and wool products stores, Auckland's shopping paradise Queen Street There are gift shops and wool products stores on both sides of the street, selling handmade wool robes, Maori carvings, jade, jewelry, shell jewelry and other souvenirs. There is a bronze statue of a Maori warrior holding a wooden club on Queen Street, which is said to be out of respect for the Maori, because Auckland is a place where the Polynesians (the Maori are one of them) are very populated in the world. Smith & Caughey's department store is New Zealand's oldest and most beloved department store. 3. Civic Theatre, Auckland Town Hall, Sky Tower The landmark buildings of Auckland followed by the Civic Theatre. It is located at the intersection of Queen St and Wellesley St. It is located at the corner of the street, and the facade is not large. The building has been restored and is grand and magnificent. It is mainly a venue for opera, musicals and theatre, and is also an important venue for the Auckland International Film Festival. Auckland City Hall is not far away, a typical neo-Baroque building. Not far from Queen Street is the iconic Sky Tower, which can be seen from Queen Street and not far from it. It is a dazzling sight in Auckland. 4. Christmas Parade Feel the festive atmosphere One of the biggest festivals on Queen Street is the annual Christmas Parade. The event is usually held in late November and early December. Visitors should try to arrive on both sides of Queen Street several hours in advance to occupy a position with a good view. The Christmas parade fully demonstrated the tolerant and multicultural society of New Zealand. There were typical English bands, as well as Chinese dragon dance, lion dance and waist drum teams. Major companies displayed their own floats, which were very lively.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Auckland 2 Days Itinerary