The Ultimate Auckland Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Auckland, NZ? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The largest city in New Zealand (located on the North Island), with 1.7 million people.
Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world.
Built on and around several extinct volcanoes.
Regularly tops the list of the world’s most livable cities.
Nickname: “City of Sails” due to its marinas and abundance of sailing yachts.

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Spoken languages: English and Te Reo Māori.
Best time to visit: summer (December-February) offers warmest temperatures for beach activities, while shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) offer fewer crowds.
Arriving via airport: from Auckland Airport (AKL):
– SkyDrive Express Airport shuttle costs NZ$18 one-way to downtown (to get back to the airport, go to Platform 7 at the SkyCity Building in Hobson Street)
– Taxis charge $75 to $100 (depending on destination).
– An Uber ride may be significantly cheaper than a taxi, so check prices via the app first.
Emergency phone number: 111 (police)

Best hostel for solo travelers in Auckland: The Attic Backpackers. The main appeal here is the location: right in the centre, with a nice balcony for relaxing and socializing. Big rooms, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff make this one worth it.
The CBD (Central Business District) is easily navigated and presents excellent dining, entertainments and accommodation options for every budget. Most tourists tend to base themselves around the harbour for its charm and access to attractions.
Karangahape Road (or K’Road) has the bulk of the city’s shops and restaurants, and is also known for its nightlife.
Trendy Newmarket and Ponsonby are a short commute outside the inner city, and are the best bet for a quiet sojourn.

AT HOP is the smart ticketing system that eliminates the need for cash payment on North Star, WakaPacific, Go West, Metrolink, and LINK buses.
– Tag the card upon boarding, and then again when getting off. Additional benefits include a 10% discount on fares. See the official site for more information.
The city is served by multiple bus companies that in turn cater to different networks, all operating out of the CBD terminal.
You can easily rent a bicycle (Onzo app) or an electric scooter (Flamingo Scooters app).
Taxis: cheaper to pre-book a taxi than to hail it on the street.
Instead of a taxi, consider Uber (in-app). Unless your route is affected by surge pricing, it will probably be cheaper than a cab.
Trains: the Western Line can take you to places like Waitakere and even into the countryside for a scenic escape.

Drinking age is 18, and last call is 5 AM during weekends.
Mission Bay has the relaxed vibe of the waterfront, with casual bars and restaurants.
Viaduct claims the most happening places in the city, thanks to a variety of bars and nightclubs that attract partygoers till the small hours.
K’Road may have a notorious reputation, but it’s also the best stretch for variety. Live music, alternative bars and thumping dance clubs can all be found here.
Great bars for solo travelers: The Fiddler Irish Bar, The Eagle Bar Karangahape, Mercury Bar & Gaming Lounge, and Dida’s Wine Lounge.

Sky Tower is the most visible landmark in the city and its tallest tower. Visitors can climb up to its peak and base jump at 85km/hr or walk the 1.2 metre-wide walkway with no handrails.
Auckland War Memorial Museum has wonderful exhibits on Māori and Polynesian crafts, and features a daily cultural performance of the world-renowned haka.
Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum showcases the relationship between the country’s history and the sea through the Polynesian and European migrations.
The Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT) holds displays of civilian and military aircraft and land vehicles.
Tour the Stardome Observatory and discover the star patterns and clusters that make the southern hemisphere’s skies.
The Discover Auckland Pass (only available online) gives you access to 6 museums for $75 – valid for 5 consecutive days from a pre-selected start date.
Sculptureum: Features over 800 works of art across galleries, gardens, and a vineyard.
Waiheke Island: known as New Zealand’s ‘Island of Wine’ with dozens of vineyards, scenic beaches, and hiking trails.
– Perfect for a day trip!
– Ferries (company: Fullers360) take 40 minutes to cross, with return tickets priced at NZ$44-59.
– Typical tour prices: NZ$165-250 for 5-6 hours.
Other very popular day trips:
– Tiritiri Matangi Island (very scenic)
– Rangitoto
– Rotoroa Island
– Riverhead Forest (horse trekking)

If you’re up for it, climb to the top of Maungawhau (Mt. Eden). Perfect for an early morning or evening walk.
Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge via the custom-engineered walkways and watch the scenery as it unfolds.
Go for a swim at Cheltenham Beach (high tide only), then reward yourself with a sandwich from Chateaubriant (cafe).
Stroll along the fine black sands of Piha Beach and admire the prominent Lion Rock, a 16 million year old volcanic neck that has become a symbol of Auckland’s West Coast.
One Tree Hill is one of Auckland’s most significant volcanic peaks and an important burial place for Māori and New Zealanders. The monument and grave of Sir Logan Campbell, founding father of the city, can be found at the top set amid spectacular views.
Make your way to Achilles Point and take in the beautiful views and scenery (tip: there’s a small secluded beach nearby).
Day trip ideas: horse trekking in nearby regions like
Waitakere Ranges: just west of Auckland, offering many miles of trails through rainforest and along the coast.
Feeling adventurous? Hike the Coast to Coast Walkway, which offers city-to-coast experiences and showcases Auckland’s natural beauty.

Where to find good cheap eats: cheap and cheerful food courts can be found at Queens’ Arcade and Albert Street in the downtown area, while the food stalls in Ponsonby International Foodcourt cater to international cuisines.
Great budget restaurants: Uncle Man’s Restaurant (Malaysian), Krung Thep Thai StreetFood, Nol Bu Ne Restaurant, BannSang Korean, and Tanpopo Ramen.
Other local favourites:
– Café Viet for pho and Vietnamese coffee.
– Clementine for fresh, locally sourced breakfast.
– The Glass Goose Bar & Eatery for casual dining.

Always pack an umbrella for Auckland’s unpredictable weather. It is not uncommon to witness sun, rain and hail – all in one day.
Try to respect cultural sites and traditions. Bonus: learn a few greetings in Te Reo Māori, such as “Kia ora” (Hello).
Best beaches to visit: Mission Bay (really crowded), Kohimarama, St Heliers Beach, Devonport Beach (take the ferry there), and Takapuna Beach.
Silo Park hosts over 50 events in the summer months, including open-air cinema screenings and Friday to Saturday markets perfect for picking up trinkets and souvenirs.
Dangerous areas: Auckland is generally very safe. The only real “risk” is from opportunistic pickpockets: secure valuables, especially in busy tourist areas.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days