Things to do in Auckland

Nature · 40 minutes by ferry from downtown

Vineyards, olive groves and swimming beaches, close enough that people commute from it.

Local tip: Go on a weekday. Take the ferry to Matiatia and walk the coastal track to Oneroa rather than paying for a wine tour — the views are the point and they're free.

Nightlife · City fringe

Auckland's most characterful strip — bars, live music, vintage shops and the queer scene, on a ridge above the motorway.

Local tip: 'K Road' to everyone. The good places are up the stairs and down the alleys, not on the street frontage. Start at St Kevins Arcade.

Landmark · Central suburbs

A volcanic cone in the middle of the city with a deep crater and a 360-degree view over both harbours.

Local tip: One of about 53 volcanoes in the Auckland field, all of which could erupt again. Walk up at dawn; the summit road is closed to vehicles to protect the crater.

Nature · West coast, 45 minutes by car

Black iron-sand surf beach under Lion Rock, backed by the Waitākere rainforest.

Local tip: Genuinely dangerous water — swim between the flags or not at all. Check whether the Waitākere tracks are open first; many are closed to protect kauri trees from dieback.

Food · Ponsonby

Restored villas turned into the city's best-known restaurant and bar strip.

Local tip: Ponsonby Central is the reliable move for a group with different tastes. Prices reflect the postcode — Sandringham's Indian food is better value and better food.

Nature · West coast, past Bethells Beach

A freshwater lake behind an enormous black sand dune, reached on foot across a stream.

Local tip: Almost no visitors get past Bethells to the lake. Walk the dune, swim in the lake, and you'll likely have it to yourself on a weekday.