Auckland & Upper North Island, New Zealand

Auckland straddles two harbours with the Sky Tower and Waitemata's volcanic islands, the Bay of Islands' 144 islets and dolphin pods, the Coromandel Peninsula's Cathedral Cove, and Waiheke's vineyards 35 minutes by ferry.

Highlights

When to Visit

Dec-Feb

New Zealand summer with Bay of Islands sailing at peak, Pasifika Festival in mid-March aside, and Waiheke vineyards at peak with weekend ferries packed.

Sep-Nov

Spring shoulder with humpback whales migrating past the Bay of Islands, pohutukawa trees blooming red in late November, and Cathedral Cove walking pleasant.

Mar-May

Autumn shoulder with sea still warm at Cathedral Cove, Auckland Arts Festival in mid-March, and Pasifika Festival celebrating Pacific Island culture at Western Springs.

Jun-Aug

Mild winter at 14°C with reliable rain, but the Bay of Islands stays accessible and Auckland Restaurant Month in August fills the city's harbour-side scene.