Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland

Auckland's waterfront centre is the start for ferries to Devonport and Waiheke, with volcanic cones such as Mount Eden giving views across two harbours.

Auckland: Auckland City Small-Group Morning Discovery Tour
Featured walk: Auckland City Small-Group Morning Discovery Tour · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, spread across an isthmus between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours.

Its centre is built around the waterfront, and dozens of extinct volcanoes rise across the city.

What makes Auckland distinctive

  • Harbour ferries
  • Volcanic cones with city views
  • The Sky Tower
  • Island trips to Waiheke and Rangitoto

Walking tours in Auckland

Hand-picked guided walks in Auckland, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.

Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 28 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Auckland · History walks in Auckland

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks · Night and ghost tours

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide sells many of the same walks and some that Viator doesn't. Their list for Auckland is chosen and ranked by GetYourGuide, not by us.

Search Auckland on GetYourGuide

The button loads content from GetYourGuide, which may set cookies. Links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you book.

Main sights

Ticket links are affiliate links: if you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • City centre

    Queen Street and the waterfront.

  • Ponsonby

    Cafés, bars and boutiques.

  • Parnell

    Historic villas and galleries.

Free self-guided walk

Waterfront and Viaduct Harbour

A free self-guided walk along Auckland's waterfront, from the Ferry Building past the Viaduct Harbour to Wynyard Quarter and the Silo Park.

1.9 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Waterfront

    From the ferry building to Wynyard Quarter.

  2. Auckland Domain

    Paths through the park to the museum.

  3. Mount Eden summit

    A climb up the volcanic cone.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Hilly in places, flat on the waterfront.

  • Weather

    Changeable; carry a rain jacket.

  • Distances

    The waterfront to Ponsonby is about 30 minutes on foot.

When to visit

  • Summer (December to February)

    Warm and the busiest time.

  • Autumn

    Settled and mild.

  • Winter

    Cool and wetter.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Auckland Airport is about 30 to 45 minutes from the centre by the airport bus.

Local transport

  • Ferries

    Leave from the downtown ferry terminal.

  • Buses and trains

    Cover the wider city.

Questions travellers ask about Auckland

How many days do I need?

Two or three days, with a ferry trip.

Can I walk up a volcano?

Yes. Mount Eden and One Tree Hill have paths to the top.

Is Auckland walkable?

The centre and waterfront are.

Auckland: Auckland City Small-Group Morning Discovery Tour
Country overview

New Zealand

A harbour city on volcanic hills

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.