Auckland and Northland
HubAuckland is New Zealand's biggest city and where most international visitors land, with harbour ferries, volcanic cones and Waiheke Island close by. North of the city, Northland has the Bay of Islands, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Cape Reinga at the very top. Give the city a few days, then allow at least two nights up north; November to April is warmest.
Quick facts
- Auckland Airport
- About 21 km and 26 minutes from the city by road (estimate)
- From our Auckland Airport to the city guide
- Auckland to Cape Reinga
- About 420 km, 5 hours 45 minutes (estimate)
- From our Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach guide
Plan it:Twin Coast Discovery road tripThe 10-day North Island road tripThermal Explorer road tripThree weeks in New Zealand
Auckland and Northland on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Coming up in Auckland and Northland
See the events calendar
Official links for Auckland and Northland
All useful linksAuckland Airport (opens in a new tab)
Flight status, parking, buses and how to get between terminals at the main gateway.
Auckland Transport (opens in a new tab)
Buses, trains, ferries, AT HOP and road works across Auckland.
AT buses, trains and ferries (opens in a new tab)
Journey planning for Auckland public transport, including airport buses and harbour ferries.
Fullers 360 (opens in a new tab)
Auckland harbour ferries, including the main service to Waiheke Island.
SeaLink (opens in a new tab)
Vehicle ferries to Waiheke and Great Barrier, the option if you are taking a car.
Barrier Air (opens in a new tab)
Flights to Great Barrier Island and other regional hops from Auckland.
Safe Swim (Auckland) (opens in a new tab)
Water quality and swimming conditions for Auckland beaches, updated through the day.
NorthlandNZ (opens in a new tab)
The official visitor site for Northland, including the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga.
More Auckland and Northland guides
AucklandThe best day trips from Auckland: Hobbiton, Waitomo, the Coromandel and closer escapes
NorthlandCape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach: getting there and tours
AucklandAuckland Airport to the city: buses, trains, taxis and rideshare compared
NorthlandTwin Coast Discovery road trip: a Northland loop in 5 days
AucklandWaiheke Island day trip: ferries, wineries and beaches
AucklandWhere to stay in Auckland: the best areas for first-timers
NationwideBungy jumping in NZ: every site compared
NationwideFerries in NZ beyond Cook Strait: Waiheke, Stewart Island and more
Nationwide