An Auckland tour: what to see and do

Auckland is currently dealing with the aftermath of severe storms, which struck in late January 2023, and those planning to visit should check local conditions. Ordinarily, however, February is the warmest and most welcoming month in the city. Typically, with many locals back from their summer breaks, Auckland comes to life, with bars and restaurants that spill out onto the pavements and towards the waterfront, which is never far away. Long daylight hours also mean more time to explore creative retail concepts and standout cultural attractions in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most populated, and prolific, city. As Aucklander and freelance feature writer Jessica-Belle Greer finds, the city’s ebb and flow creates space to explore at your own pace. There are even islands full of wineries and wildlife if you float across that shining sea. 

Our design-led Auckland tour: what to see and do

The Hotel Britomart

Sleek on the outside, sublime on the inside, The Hotel Britomart is a city escape that balances the buzz of Auckland’s downtown precinct with a need to (sometimes) retreat. With 5 Green Stars (a benchmark of sustainability in Australasia), this Cheshire Architects-designed hotel offers a crafted, community experience – from the 150,000 handmade bricks on the building’s exterior to the delightful bespoke details in each room and suite. See something you like? Almost everything is available to purchase, including the ceramics on the nightstand by local artists such as Elena Renker and Rachel Carter.