Air New Zealand’s seasonal service between Auckland and Sunshine Coast will return in 2024.

For where to stay, dine and experiences in Auckland, as well as what you need to know before travelling outside of Australia, scroll down.

AUCKLAND

Tāmaki Makaurau, more commonly known as Auckland, this city is situated among twin harbours and volcanic hills, brimming with an array of dining, accommodation and attractions. From exploring the harbour and local wildlife to walking and hiking, locally-sourced produced served up to hopping across to one of the nearby islands, find out all there is to do in Auckland at aucklandnz.com, or scroll down for some recommendations on where to stay, dine and what to do.

STAY

The Hotel Britomart is a 10-story eco-friendly hotel in the heart of Britomart, complete with 99 guest rooms and five landing suites with outdoor terraces. From its exterior of hand-made bricks to its beautifully timber-lined rooms, the detail at The Hotel Britomart is second to none. There are door handles crafted from Northland driftwood and dipped in brass, 150,000 handmade bricks lining the walls and a feature wall made from black sand taken from Muriwai Beach. The hotel is a 5 green star design, and found tucked down a leary laneway on the ground floor is kingi, an all-day eatery that specialises in sustainable seafood.

Park Hyatt is located on Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter. While the brand is international, the Auckland hotel has been designed to reflect our country’s culture and history. The outside is designed to look like a Maori cloak and the inside is modern minimalist, with a touch of nautical. The hotel has an infinity pool which can be heated to 28 degrees and the gym is large with the latest equipment. The hotel spa also includes a Himalayan salt sauna, aromatherapy steam room and hydrotherapy area. Whether it’s drinks before a show at the nearby ASB Theatre or a morning breakfast or brunch, Park Hyatt’s location is one of its biggest advantages.

Hotel Fitzroy, curated by Fable, is tucked away on the corner of Ponsonby’s Fitzroy and Richmond Roads. It’s an historic villa with 10 suites – six are in the main villa building while four are in a separate, more modern building through the courtyard. The heritage villa’s interior has been stylishly modernised with contemporary touches and beautiful artworks, thanks to Devi Lecchi of Mandala Design. Inside, each guest room has been outfitted with premium furnishings, linens and amenities. The complimentary mini bar is also replenished daily, while the room service menu is available 24 hours.

DINE

A laid back and sophisticated food and wine experience, Ahi encapsulates the essence of New Zealand hospitality and is the realisation of a lifelong dream for friends, Chef Ben Bayly (twice named NZ Chef of the Year) and Front of House professional Chris Martin. Ahi’s menu has been devised as a culinary representation of what it means to be home, celebrating the diversity of the New Zealanders who bring produce to our tables.

Onslow is the culmination of Josh Emett’s culinary journey from London to New York and back to Aotearoa. A landmark Auckland address steeped in history; Onslow references the Old World but is decidedly modern — a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant that celebrates New Zealand’s exceptional provenance.

Homeland promotes food and producers from Aotearoa and the Pacific. Head of Food, Peter Gordan, and his partner Alastair have built a food embassy to support New Zealand producers, teach people to cook, buy local, and share recipes from their homelands – and tell trade stories to the world. Part cooking school and part dining room, Homeland is an innovation hub and connector of communities.

A restaurant that truly represents head Chef, Michael Meredith’s values and beliefs in hospitality. A visit to Mr Morris is an opportunity to experience his creativity as he showcases New Zealand’s incredible producers while also supporting a platform to nurture and create opportunities within the hospitality family and for the local community with social projects and support.

Kingi celebrates seafood; local, sustainably caught seafood that tastes like the ocean it came from. Savour the terroir of New Zealand’s oceans, dunes, river mouths and reefs while enjoying a good glass of wine. Life is sweeter in rhythm with the ocean.

PLAY

Step into a fantastical film effects workshop and explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in-the-making at Weta Workshop Unleashed. The 90-minute guided experience includes monsters, giants and robots, interactive gizmos, fantastical set-pieces from the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi and eye-popping practical effects where you can discover how the crew design, build, and bring them to life. Creative workshops are also available where you can gain hands-on tops and techniques, be introduced to special effects make-up and learn how to create wound with silicon gel and make up, or you can create your own leather keepsake in their brand-new maker’s space in the leather workshop.

The All Blacks Experience is a state-of-the-art, fully-guided guided encounter that showcases the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and our other national rugby teams in black through exceptional innovation and technology. This full sensory and interactive experience allows visitors to celebrate New Zealand’s rugby heritage, achievements, and culture. Understand and appreciate why the haka plays an integral role in physically and mentally preparing All Black teams for battle. You can then test your own rugby skills against All Blacks and Black Ferns in the hands-on, interactive zone.

Take a Terra and Tide’s Hauraki Gulf Conservation Cruise with guest guide, Olive Andrews, marine mammal researcher, ocean policy expert and polar guide. The Hauraki Gulf is known as the seabird capital of New Zealand and is also home to a number of resident and migratory marine mega fauna including dolphins, orca, Brydes whale, fin whales, sei whales and pygmy blue whales. Come out with us, on Pacific Star for a special day on the water discovering the fascinating oceanography of the gulf, natural history and biology of the resident and migratory marine life including seabirds, marine mammals, and fish and the importance of the Hauraki Gulf as a critical habitat of high conservation significance. Perfect for kids (8+) and adults alike. Includes a delicious lunch and anchoring in a secluded bay accessible only by boat, swimming, snorkelling or using kayaks and SUP’s.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

HOW DO I BOOK?

Bookings can be made on the Air New Zealand website, or in-store through your nearest travel agent.

WHEN CAN I FLY?

Returning in 2024, services operate on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Outbound to New Zealand, flights depart Sunshine Coast at 12:40pm AEST and arrive into Auckland at 5:45pm NZT. Inbound to Australia, flights depart Auckland at 9:05am NZT and arrive into Sunshine Coast at 11:10am AEST.

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?

Fare prices will depend on the seat you prefer, baggage required and add-ons (like seat selection and food).

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on travel to New Zealand, click here.