Auckland is the largest city and main metropolitan area of New Zealand. Indeed, the next bigger city is Sydney in Australia. The town itself is rather modern. The principal features you will notice wandering around are the hills and the sea plus limited Victorian heritage. It's only from a viewpoint such as Mount Eden that you grasp what the town was built on: volcanoes, Mount Eden being one of them.

In total, we stayed for two days in Auckland and visited both Rangitoto Island by ferry and the three volcanoes in Auckland (One Tree Hill, Mount St. John, Mount Eden). The views of the city were nice, but if I had to choose, I would rather go to Rangitoto Island.

OUV

Supposedly, these volcanoes have significant Maori heritage. Of the sites I visited, I noticed nothing Maori about them. And certainly not when compared to Rotorua, a place brimming with Maori culture.

Rangitoto island is probably the most interesting site in Auckland, being a rather young island (600 years) with plenty of nature to explore. I am neither a geologist or biologist, though, so I can't judge the OUV. I would have also liked to see the stoneworks, but it's outside of town and we didn't manage to get there.

Getting There

Auckland is the central transport hub of New Zealand, being it's biggest city. So unless you stay exclusively on the Southern Island you will pass through. The Volcanic Fields in the city can be reached by bus and foot. For Rangitoto Island, you can take a ferry from the harbour. They will make you clean your boots etc. to protect the wildlife on the island.

Practical remark re rental cars: One way rentals starting in Auckland are more expensive than those ending in Auckland. So, it makes sense to make Auckland your last stop.

While You Are There

Personally, I would keep my time in Auckland short. You will probably have to pass through, due to flight connections, but a single night and day in Auckland should be enough. The true gems of NZ are on the southern island anyhow. And if you want some city life, I found Wellington as a city nicer.

In Auckland, I can recommend the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the trip to Rangitoto. Throw in a hike up Mount Eden and you have your program for a day covered.