Not all holidays are created equal. While some trips involve jam-packed weeks of activities, adventure and sight-seeing, other getaways are all about rest and relaxation.
If you’re en route to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, you can choose your own experience. Boasting the best of both worlds, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland’s Māori name) has something for the thrill-seekers and peace-chasers alike.
As for us? We’re taking the route to relaxation.
From luxury retreats to glamping, tranquil spas and restorative walking trails, Auckland is one of the best wellness destinations in the world (plus, it’s only a three-hour flight from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane).
Here, we discover how to recharge and find our Zen across the Tasman.
Sleep In Eco-Friendly Luxury
It’s not just about personal wellbeing—it’s about the wellbeing of our planet too. When booking accommodation, a hotel’s sustainability creds are just as crucial as the location, stylish interiors, and facilities. Check into New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, The Hotel Britomart (a sustainability rating for buildings and places).
Nestled in a laneway in Auckland’s Britomart precinct and overlooking the Waitematā harbour, this luxury hotel is within walking distance to must-visit bars, restaurants, and cafés—including the in-house restaurant, kingi. Inside, expect Scandinavian interiors and walls peppered with works by New Zealand artists.
Visit Auckland Art Gallery
Boost your art-therapy fix at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Looking at art can assist with stress reduction and improve your wellbeing, so add this city centre gallery to your itinerary.
At Toi o Tāmaki, enjoy ever-changing exhibitions alongside the permanent art collection (the largest in New Zealand) of historic, modern and contemporary international and Māori art. Don’t forget to fuel up at the Gallery’s sunlit café for a delicious selection of food and specialty coffee.
Indulge In A Spa Day
When it comes to spas in Auckland, we’re spoilt for choice. At SO/ Spa (housed within SO/ Auckland hotel) de-stress and realign your body, mind and soul with an array of relaxing treatments, like the 90-minute volcanic stone treatment using heated basalt stones.
Feel your best at Pullman Spa at the Pullman Auckland Hotel (which features a sun terrace, indoor heated lap pool, sauna, steam room, spa treatment rooms and more), or take a moment to yourself pre- or post-treatment in the heated Zen areas at East Day Spa found within the SkyCity Hotel.
Dine At East Restaurant
Wellbeing extends to the plate at Sudima Hotel’s East Restaurant. Here, the menu is stacked with plant-based dishes that are influenced by a variety of Asian countries. Try a vegetarian Southern Thai yellow curry, or dig into East’s delicious version of Beijing’s peking duck—replaced with peking jackfruit. Sit back in the cosy bottle-green interiors and enjoy an evening of mindful eating.
Go On A Nature Walking Tour
If New Zealand is known for one thing, it’s the country’s incredible hiking trails. From lush forests to stunning beaches, there are hundreds of beautiful walks designed to help you switch off and reconnect with yourself (and up the step count while you’re at it).
If you’re not sure where to start, turn to Waiheke Island eco tours by Terra & Tide. Take the Nature Therapy Walk to slow down, and connect with yourself and with nature in a unique forest bathing experience. Indulge your senses and leave refreshed and restored.
A 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a blissful haven (to explore the island, pick up a hire car from GO Rentals‘ island base).
Brought to you by Visit Auckland. Visit the website for more great ideas.
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