North Island · Explorer’s field notes
How to Auckland
Where every Hôtel du Van journey begins. A city of two harbours, fifty volcanic cones and islands a ferry ride away.
Auckland videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.
AVOID · Auckland
What to avoid in Auckland
- Driving the van into the CBD — narrow car-park height limits and very expensive street parking.
- The Southern and Northwestern motorways between 7–9am and 4–6:30pm.
- Bus lanes and T2/T3 transit lanes — they are camera-enforced.
The top ten
Where to go, eat & take coffee
Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.
- 1See & do
Sky Tower
Get your bearings from 220 metres up — both harbours and the volcanic field laid out like a chart.
Cnr Victoria & Federal Streets, Auckland CBD 1010 
2See & doWaiheke Island ferry
Forty minutes across the Hauraki Gulf to vineyards, olive groves and white-sand bays.
Downtown Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay Street, Auckland CBD 1010
3See & doAuckland War Memorial Museum
The finest collection of Māori and Pacific taonga anywhere — the perfect prologue to the road ahead.
The Domain, Parnell, Auckland 1010
4See & doMaungawhau / Mount Eden
Walk to the rim of a 28,000-year-old crater for sunrise over the city.
250 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
5See & doPiha Beach
Black sand, Lion Rock and wild west-coast surf, forty-five minutes from town.
Seaview Road, Piha 0772
6EatAuckland Fish Market
Fresh-shucked oysters and fish & chips by the water on your first evening.
22–32 Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010
7EatDepot Eatery
Al Brown's buzzing no-bookings kitchen — clams, sliders and a proper Kiwi welcome.
86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD 1010
8EatOrtolana
A glasshouse dining room with produce from its own farm; beautiful for breakfast or dinner.
31 Tyler Street, Britomart, Auckland 1010
9CoffeeKokako
Organic, fair-trade roaster with a relaxed all-day menu off Ponsonby Road.
12 Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
10CoffeePonsonby Central
A covered lane of cafés, bakers and small kitchens — ideal for stocking the van's pantry.
136 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Do not make these mistakes!
1. Forgetting the Northern Gateway toll
The SH1 toll road north of Orewa has no booths. Pay online within five days or a fine follows the van.
2. Camping anywhere you like
Auckland only allows self-contained vehicles at designated sites. Wardens patrol beaches at night and issue fines.
3. Heading to Piha in a rush
The road is steep and winding. Allow time, and always swim between the flags — west-coast rips are serious.
Continue the voyage
Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.