Women’s World Cup 2023: What to do and see in Auckland, New Zealand

If you are in Auckland, New Zealand for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, then you have to check out these places in and around the city. Of course, the highlight of the trip is the games, but Auckland offers so many unique things to see both within the city and in the surrounding towns.

How to get around in Auckland

The first thing you’ll want to do is rent a car so that you don’t limit yourself to seeing only the city of Auckland. If you are staying for a while and don’t want to spend as much on a rental car for the whole trip, you can use Auckland’s Link buses. They offer three different buses - CityLink for the central business district (red), InnerLink for central Auckland (green), and OuterLink for the inner suburbs of Auckland (orange). But we highly recommend getting out of the city and discovering more of what’s around at least once or twice while you’re there, and the easiest way to do that is to rent a car. It’s worth it!

RELATED: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Everything you need to know

Rotorua and the Polynesian Hot Springs

Rotorua is a town on New Zealand’s North Island, known for its geothermal activity and for being home to the Maori people. There is a ton to do in Rotorua, including visiting the beautiful lakes, rivers, and forests. The landscapes are stunning and worth the visit alone. Besides that, you can relax at their Polynesian spa, a geothermal bathing experience with hot mineral water and natural springs. You can also get active and enjoy hikes, cycling, and golf.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo Glowworm caves are on the North Island as well and are known for being home to a species of glowworm called Arachnocampa Luminosa - a species found only in New Zealand. You can take a guided tour through three different levels and experience the history of the caves as well as witness the underground Glowworm Grotto, where the only light available comes from the glowworms on the ceiling.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a suburb on the seaside in Auckland and is built around the pohutukawa-lined beach away from the central city (about 4.5 miles east). There, you’ll of course find the beautiful beach, but also great places to eat, drink, and shop. Since it’s not too far from the city center, a great idea would be to take a bike, as there is a beautiful and convenient bike path that runs along the beach.

Rangitoto Island

From Mission Bay, you can take the ferry to one of Auckland’s most iconic islands, Rangitoto Island. It is both the youngest and largest volcanic cone in Auckland and houses the largest pohutukawa forest. There, you can hike or take a guided tour to the summit (it’s about a one-hour walk each way). It will be worth it to see the views from the top!

Viaduct Harbour

Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is an upscale waterfront neighborhood with great places to eat, drink, and explore. Located within the city, you can easily walk around and when your feet get tired, you can hop on a boat on the Viaduct Harbour Marina and explore the water.

K Road and Ponsonby neighbourhoods

These are two very cool neighbourhoods in Auckland that are worth checking out! Karangahape Road (known as K Road) was formerly a busy shopping street and is now Auckland’s version of a red light district, with cultural centres, boutiques, and cafés. It intersects with Ponsonby Road, where you’ll find another cute suburb of Auckland known for its food and shopping. There are all kinds of restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, and nightclubs so it’s a great place to come during the day or at night!

Eden Park

And of course, you have to see Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium. If you’re going to any of the games, you’ll have that covered, but even on an off-day, it is a great idea to take a tour of the stadium as well. That way, you can see up close and personal things like the player’s tunnel and the locker rooms and take amazing photos from every angle!