My 24-hour visit to Auckland!

When most people think of visiting New Zealand, Queenstown usually tops the list. But skipping Auckland—New Zealand’s largest city with over 1.5 million people—means missing out on a whole different side of the country.

I recently spent 24 hours exploring Auckland, and it completely surprised me.

My day began at the Auckland Domain, the city’s version of Central Park. With its wide-open green spaces and shady forest paths, it was the perfect place to soak up some summer sun—especially after leaving behind the freezing winter in New York City. Just beyond the trees sits the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where I learned about the ANZAC army and gained insight into New Zealand’s history and national identity.

Leaving the park, I wandered into the charming neighborhood of Parnell and found a cozy brunch spot called Rhu. Their honey toast was next-level good—definitely a must-try.

After fueling up, I headed downtown and strolled down Queen Street, Auckland’s main shopping hub, which buzzes with life. From there, the waterfront was just steps away. I explored Queens Wharf, walked along the piers to North Wharf, and eventually landed at the Auckland Fish Market. The sweet and juicy dumplings from Bang Bang Kitchen were a definite highlight.

I wrapped up my day on Ponsonby Road, known for its trendy boutiques and cool local shops. It’s the kind of place where you could easily lose track of time.

If you’re considering studying abroad in New Zealand, don’t overlook Auckland. It’s got the perfect blend of culture, nature, and city energy—and 24 hours was just enough to make me want to come back.

About the Author...

This blog post was written by Noah Stern, a CIEE Open Campus Block student who has explored the world through his study abroad experiences with CIEE. Having studied in Sydney, Kyoto, and Madrid, Noah has embraced the unique academic and cultural offerings of each location. His time in these cities has also opened the door to even more travel opportunities—including a visit to Auckland, New Zealand!