Arrive in the City of Sails to breakfast at Odettes, a personal favourite that serves a healthy dose of eggs on seeded sourdough, with seats and atmosphere that makes you want to stay all day.

A short walk takes you to the infamous Sky Tower where for around $25 NZD you will find yourself 186 metres up, checking out the 360 degree views of the city.  For those brave enough the option to Sky Jump or Sky Walk is available; starting from $160 NZD.

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If all the adrenaline is done for the day then a stroll through the city should be next on the agenda.  Head along Queen Street and across to Newmarket where you will find the Auckland Domain and Museum.  For $28 you will have access to a large range of New Zealand and World History in a beautiful domed building, filled with Maori artefacts.

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At the end of the day there is so many food choices to fill your boots that you’ll be forgiven for finding it hard to decide.  A top choice is Commercial Bay where there is takeaway and eat in options to suit everyone and every budget.

Waking up in the City of Auckland means that you can have the lie in of choice and then head to breakfast, brunch or a nice late lunch. Heading to the North Shore, just a short drive over the Harbour Bridge or a slow ferry to Devonport will eventually lead you to the Takapuna Beach Cafe where brunch can be had with a view.

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Whether you like boutique shops or biker stores, Takapuna has something to keep you interested till it’s time for an afternoon of adventure. Take a short ride and find yourself at One Tree Hill, where a volcanic peak awaits you, flying fox included.

With the evening drawing in a night on the town should be on the cards.  For those who fancy a flutter check out the huge casino at SkyCity, following this up with cocktails at the Sugar Club and the Rooftop at QT.  If you want to splash the cash then head over to the Park Hyatt and check out the Captain’s Bar.

When it’s time to retire I can’t recommend enough a quick dash to The White Lady.  An original 1948 caravan towed by a tractor right into the heart of the city serving the best cheese toasties and chips I have ever had.

If you wake and find you still haven’t eaten enough, then Best Ugly Bagel has an array of spreads to choose from while you watch them make your bagels from scratch. Fed and ready to go it’s worth a stroll through Britomart to check out the beautiful architecture of the train station, before finally ending up at the pier.  

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For a bargain trip to Waiheke Island grab an off-peak ferry ticket for $25 NZD and leave anytime after 1pm, ensuring you head back after 7pm.  While on the island you can find your way round by hop on hop off bus, e-bike, car hire or even Tuktuk, depending on the day you have planned.

 

While they are wineries galore, you can also find diving tours, wellness day retreats, a whisky tour, art galleries, zip lining and guided or unguided walks.

 

There is something for everyone.

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As a final goodbye to the city and a short walk from the pier, take in Wynyard Quarter and two fabulous choices for dinner with Italian Restaurant Baduzzi or Pacific Asian delight The GoodLuck Coconut.