A city built on dozens of volcanoes offers many opportunities for spectacular views. Make a trip up One Tree Hill, Mount Eden, or the space-age Sky Tower early in your visit to orient yourself.
Hit the harbor
It's not called the City of Sails for nothing – Auckland's harbor and gulf are breathtaking. If your budget doesn't accommodate a yacht cruise, settle for a ferry ride to Devonport, Rangitoto, or Waiheke Island.
Join the café culture
Aucklanders’ love of the “brown gold” knows no limits; it's hard to find a suburb without a decent café, and many serve Fair Trade-certified beans.
Take the bus
The handy Link bus service circles around the city and central suburbs, with buses (supposedly) arriving every 10-15 minutes. Grab a route map early on and explore the main sights in an eco-friendly, hassle-free way.
Rent a car for longer trips
Apart from Link bus service, Auckland's public transport can be difficult to negotiate. To scout around the outlying suburbs, go volcano-hopping, or explore the west coast beaches, a car is still the best option.
Watch where you sit
It's considered bad manners in Maori culture to sit anywhere where food might be prepared or served, including tables and kitchen benches.
Sound it out
Maori pronunciations are not as difficult as they look. Break place-names down into syllables and sound every vowel. 'Wh' is usually pronounced 'f'. Whakarewarewa becomes fa-ka-re-wa-re-wa.
