Auckland Central Business District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Auckland CBD showing cbd and street scenes
Auckland Ferry Terminal showing a marina, night scenes and city views
Viaduct Harbour showing a city, night scenes and a bay or harbour
Auckland which includes night scenes and street scenes
Viaduct Harbour featuring a sunset, a city and a bay or harbour

Explore Auckland’s inner-city hub to find historic architecture alongside contemporary designs, the revitalised Auckland Waterfront and a busy shopping precinct.

A walking tour of Auckland CBD (Central Business District) showcases some of the city’s finest architecture, best dining and most exciting shopping destinations. Check out Auckland’s economic and geographical heart to experience urban life in the city. You’ll find Auckland’s entertainment district centred on Aotea Square, the peaceful green spaces of Albert Park, one of the southern hemisphere’s tallest buildings, a harbourside promenade and a selection of museums, galleries and shopping precincts.

Auckland CBD is bounded by the harbour coastline to the north and major motorways on the remaining sides, comprising an area of approximately 433 hectares (1,070 acres). A great place to start is the Britomart precinct in the CBD’s northeastern corner. Grab breakfast at a buzzing café or pick up fresh produce at the weekend farmers market. This exciting district also has a shopping strip that features designer labels and local boutiques, as well as restaurants and bars. Further shopping destinations include Vulcan Lane, High Street and Chancery.

Re-energise with a freshly brewed coffee and stop by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki to see a range of internationally acclaimed artworks and local treasures. Take a moment to sit amid the greenery of the adjacent Albert Park and visit the nearby community hub of Aotea Square. This busy square fronts several theatres and events venues. Don’t miss 360-degree views of the city from the soaring Sky Tower.

If you’d like to experience New Zealand’s international palate, head to Karangahape Road or City Works Depot to select from a range of multicultural cuisines. As evening falls, be sure to check out the city lights from one of the chic bars and restaurants on Viaduct Harbour. Find other casual dining options nearby at Wynyard Quarter, home to the Auckland Fish Market and some of the city’s freshest fish and chips.

Reach Auckland CBD via train to the Britomart Transport Centre close to the waterfront or Grafton Train Station on the area’s southeastern border. Local bus routes intersect throughout the CBD and there are several large parking facilities in the area.

Explore outside the CBD on a daylong stroll along the Coast-to-Coast Walk, a trail that connects two harbours, pretty parklands, historic quarters and picturesque volcanic cones.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Auckland Central Business District Hotel Deals

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
The price is AU$178 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$178
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,361 reviews)
"Good hotel. Not really international 5 star equivalent. Was advised housekeeping could still be done at 5pm when the hotel is busy - not ideal if you want to relax and enjoy your room in the later afternoon before dinner. We had to ring both days to get our room serviced despite having the service ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$194 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$194
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,741 reviews)
"Best comfy bed and bedding"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
SkyCity Hotel

SkyCity Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is AU$170 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
AU$170
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, 11 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,764 reviews)
"Area was walkable to a lot of shops and dining. Rooms were clean and well kept. My kids wished we stayed a few more nights here. Two complaints. Elevators and parking. They only had one set of elevators working unless you had VIP access. There were a few times with a large group of people and luggage ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

SkyCity Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Corner Wyndham & Albert Streets, Auckland
The price is AU$168 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
AU$168
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (879 reviews)
"The stay and staff were fantastic. This hotel turned an otherwise failure of a trip bearable. I was able to eat at various places, get a couple of massages, do some shopping and enjoy myself even though I couldn't do any of the things I went to Auckland for due to an information data breach and having ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

3 out of 5
80 Wellesley Street West, Auckland, Auckland
The price is AU$121 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$121
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (530 reviews)
"Great place to stay and bed and pillows are great"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
Horizon by SkyCity

Horizon by SkyCity

5 out of 5
85-93 Hobson Street,, Auckland, Auckland, Auckland
Fully refundable
The price is AU$191 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$191
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (465 reviews)
"Becoming my hotel of choice when in Auckland"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Horizon by SkyCity
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Auckland Central Business District

Default Image

Viaduct Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Viaduct Harbour. Check out New Zealand Maritime Museum or Princes Wharf while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Halsey Street Tram Stop to get around town.

Viaduct Harbour
Auckland Domain showing a garden

Parnell

Visitors often come to Parnell for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Parnell Rose Gardens and Auckland Museum. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at The Strand Station.

Parnell
Default Image

Grafton

If you're spending some time in Grafton, Grafton Bridge and Symonds Street Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Grafton
Ponsonby featuring shopping and signage

Ponsonby

Unique features of Ponsonby include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Ponsonby Road or All Saints Anglican Church while you're exploring the area.

Ponsonby
Default Image

Newmarket

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Newmarket. You might consider stopping by Westfield Newmarket while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Newmarket
Devonport which includes street scenes

Devonport

Shopping, restaurants and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Devonport. Make a stop by Cheltenham Beach or Mount Victoria while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Devonport

Auckland Central Business District Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: