Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Auckland (AKL)

About Auckland

Discover Auckland

Why visit Auckland?
Auckland blends a striking harbour setting with green volcanic hills and laid-back neighbourhoods. You can move from busy city streets to quiet beaches and coastal walks within minutes, making it easy to balance urban discovery with time outdoors.

What to expect
The city centres on the Viaduct Harbour and Commercial Bay areas, where you will find modern dining, waterfront walks, and ferries heading across the harbour. Neighbourhoods like Ponsonby, Parnell, and Britomart offer a mix of galleries, cafés, and local design stores in a relaxed atmosphere.

Plan your trip
Auckland is a natural starting point for exploring the North Island, from Waiheke Island and the west coast beaches to geothermal landscapes further south. With good transport links, you can use the city as your base before heading on to wine regions, hiking areas, and coastal towns.

Top sights in Auckland

Sky Tower

Take in wide views of the city and harbour from the observation decks, or dine in the revolving restaurant high above the skyline.

Waiheke Island

Catch a ferry across the harbour to an island known for vineyards, beaches, and scenic walking trails.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore exhibitions on New Zealand history, natural science, and Pacific cultures in an elegant hilltop building overlooking the city.

Viaduct Harbour

Stroll along the waterfront promenades lined with restaurants, bars, and marinas filled with sailing yachts.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

View an extensive collection of local and international art in a striking building that blends heritage and contemporary design.

Mount Eden / Maungawhau

Walk up this volcanic cone for panoramic views of the central city, the harbour, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Rangitoto Island

Take a short boat ride to this volcanic island and hike through lava fields and native bush to a summit lookout.

Mission Bay

Relax on a city-fringe beach with views across the water, a coastal promenade, and nearby cafés and eateries.

Experience Auckland's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Auckland is easy to navigate using buses, trains, and ferries that connect the city centre with nearby suburbs and coastal areas. Ferries from the downtown terminal offer scenic rides across the harbour, while walking is often the simplest way to explore compact neighbourhoods such as Britomart and Ponsonby.

Local life & culture
Daily life revolves around the waterfront, local cafés, and outdoor spaces, especially on warm days and light evenings. You will notice a strong appreciation for art, design, and live music, reflected in galleries, small venues, and cultural events held throughout the year in central districts and community hubs.

Where to unwind
You can slow the pace in parks such as the Auckland Domain, Albert Park, and Western Park, which provide green spaces close to the city centre. Coastal areas like Takapuna and Devonport are ideal for relaxed walks at sunrise or sunset, when the light over the harbour is at its softest.

A taste of Auckland

Street food & local specialties
Auckland offers casual food from around the region, including fresh seafood, bakery treats, and dishes influenced by Pacific and Asian flavours. Areas such as the CBD, Ponsonby, and Dominion Road are known for informal eateries where you can try a variety of meals in one outing.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern dining is concentrated in neighbourhoods like Britomart, Wynyard Quarter, and Commercial Bay, where restaurants and cafés sit alongside offices and shops. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, allowing you to sample several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants overlooking the harbour in the Viaduct and Wynyard areas, or venues housed in character buildings in Parnell and Ponsonby. Elevated spots, including restaurants in tall towers or on hillside streets, provide city and water views to accompany your dining experience.

Retail therapy in Auckland

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Auckland has several large malls and lifestyle centres with international brands, local labels, and entertainment facilities. Central shopping streets and complexes around Queen Street and Commercial Bay offer an easy mix of fashion, technology, and everyday essentials in one place.

Markets & local crafts
For local crafts and smaller businesses, explore neighbourhoods such as Ponsonby, Parnell, and Newmarket, where boutiques and studios showcase design, art, and homewares. Weekend markets in different suburbs often feature handmade items, fresh produce, and artisan products with a local touch.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets and waterfront promenades stay active with late-opening shops, cafés, and bars. Some malls and precincts extend their trading hours on selected nights, creating a relaxed after-work shopping atmosphere that is easy to reach using public transport from across the city.

Best time to visit Auckland

Summer season (December to February, peak season)
Auckland summers are warm and bright, with average temperatures around 20–24°C (68–75°F). Long evenings and calmer seas make this an appealing time for harbour cruises, beach visits, and outdoor events, with a busy yet relaxed holiday atmosphere across the city.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
These shoulder seasons bring mild temperatures of about 15–20°C (59–68°F), with a balance of sunny and cooler days. Fewer crowds, colourful foliage in parks, and comfortable conditions for coastal walks and island trips create a pleasant time to explore both city and nature.

Winter season (June to August, low season)
Winters are generally cool and changeable, with typical temperatures around 10–15°C (50–59°F). Clear days offer crisp harbour views and quiet walking tracks, while the cooler months are ideal for enjoying galleries, indoor attractions, and cosy cafés throughout the city.

Frequently Asked Questions