Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, is a hotspot of activities, attractions, and natural wonders. Whether you’re a local looking for a day trip or a tourist exploring the city for the first time, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Auckland central and beyond.
What are the Best Things to Do in Auckland?
Central Auckland
Central Auckland is the bustling heart of New Zealand’s largest city and offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike. Start with a visit to the iconic Sky Tower, where you can soak in panoramic views of the city. Explore the vibrant Viaduct Harbour, home to luxury yachts, excellent dining options, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Take a stroll down Queen Street, Auckland’s main commercial hub, filled with a variety of shops and boutiques. Don’t miss the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, which boasts the country’s most extensive collection of national and international art. Finally, unwind in the serene Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the beautiful Wintergardens. Central Auckland truly offers a diverse mix of culture, history, shopping, and natural beauty.
Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is a vibrant and family-friendly destination that offers a unique wildlife experience right at the heart of New Zealand’s largest city. Home to over 135 different species and more than 1,400 animals, the zoo provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with exotic and native animals, including kiwis, elephants, lions, and more. The zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts and plays a vital role in local and international wildlife conservation and research programs. With its immersive exhibits, educational programs, and a range of exciting events, Auckland Zoo is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers and families visiting Auckland.
Auckland Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a significant cultural institution in New Zealand that provides visitors with a deep insight into the country’s history and heritage. Housed in a classical building in the lush Auckland Domain, the museum showcases an impressive collection, including Maori and Pacific artifacts, natural history exhibits, and military displays. It’s also a war memorial, with a Hall of Memories dedicated to the New Zealanders who lost their lives in the World Wars. The museum offers interactive displays and activities, making it a fascinating experience for all ages. With its grand architecture and stunning collections, a visit to the Auckland Museum is a must when exploring Auckland.
Visit the Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is an iconic part of the Auckland city skyline. Standing at 328 meters, it’s the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city, dine at the revolving restaurant, or try the SkyWalk or SkyJump if you’re feeling adventurous.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Sky Deck: This is the highest viewing platform in the tower. Here, you’ll get a breathtaking view of Auckland city and the surrounding regions.
- Sky Cafe: Located at 182 meters high, the Sky Cafe offers light meals and refreshments. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the views.
- Orbit 360° Dining: This revolving restaurant offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the city.
- SkyWalk and SkyJump: For adrenaline junkies, the tower offers the SkyWalk and SkyJump. Walk around the pergola at 192 meters high or take the leap off the tower in a controlled jump.
Explore Auckland Art Gallery
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the home of New Zealand’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art. With over 15,000 pieces, the gallery offers a unique insight into the country’s culture and history. Some of the highlights include:
- Maori Portraits: A collection of iconic portraits of Maori chiefs and high-ranking women by artist Gottfried Lindauer.
- New Zealand Historic Art: A section dedicated to artworks that depict New Zealand’s history, featuring artists like Charles Goldie and Rita Angus.
- Contemporary Art: A showcase of contemporary New Zealand art, featuring a diverse range of media.
- Art Tours: The gallery offers several tours, providing in-depth insights into the artworks and artists.
Take a Ferry to Waiheke Island
Known as the “island of wine”, Waiheke Island is a paradise for wine lovers. With numerous vineyards and boutique wineries, you can spend a day wine tasting, enjoying local cuisine, and exploring beautiful beaches. Some of the top vineyards to visit include:
- Stonyridge Vineyard: Known for its world-class Bordeaux-style red wines, Stonyridge is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs.
- Mudbrick Vineyard: With stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland city, Mudbrick offers a range of wines and a delicious menu.
- Cable Bay Vineyards: This vineyard is known for its modern winery, stylish restaurant, and breathtaking views.
Discover Rangitoto Island
A short ferry ride from the city center will take you to Rangitoto Island. This volcanic island offers a unique trekking experience and stunning views of Auckland from the summit. Here are some highlights of the island:
- Summit Track: A walk to the top of Rangitoto Island offers panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
- Lava Caves: Explore the network of lava caves formed from the island’s volcanic activity.
- Pā Sites: Visit the historic Māori pā (fortified village) sites and learn about the island’s history.
Enjoy a Day at the Beach
Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” because of its beautiful harbors and beaches. Whether you prefer the black sand beaches of Piha or the calm waters of Mission Bay, a day at the beach is one of the best activities in Auckland. Here are some top picks:
- Piha Beach: Known for its black sand, wild surf, and the iconic Lion Rock, Piha Beach is a favorite among surfers.
- Mission Bay Beach: This city beach is perfect for a relaxed day out, with calm waters, a wide range of eateries, and stunning views of Rangitoto Island.
- Takapuna Beach: On Auckland’s North Shore, Takapuna Beach offers a great mix of sand, sea, and shops.
Wander Around Auckland Central
Explore the heart of Auckland by visiting the CBD and the Viaduct Harbour. From shopping and dining to cultural attractions like the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Central has something for everyone. Here are a few must-visit places:
- Queen Street: This main commercial street in the CBD is lined with shops, restaurants, and notable buildings like the Auckland Town Hall.
- Viaduct Harbour: Once a commercial harbor, it’s now a vibrant waterfront area with bars, restaurants, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
- Britomart: A stylish shopping and dining precinct housed in heritage buildings. It’s home to a number of high-end boutiques and eateries.
Take a Day Trip to Great Barrier Island
For nature lovers, a day trip to the Great Barrier Island is a must. From hiking and bird watching to hot springs and stunning beaches, this island offers an unforgettable Auckland experience. Here are some highlights:
- Hot Springs: Visit Kaitoke Hot Springs, located in a clearing in the Kaitoke Wetland.
- Hiking: The island offers several hiking trails that take you through native forests and offer stunning views.
- Bird Watching: Great Barrier Island is home to a number of native bird species, making it a great spot for bird watching.
Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s history, from its Māori and Pacific Island heritage to its military past. Here are a few exhibits to check out:
- Māori Treasures: This gallery showcases Māori taonga (treasures), including a large waka (canoe) and several carved meeting houses.
- Pacific Lifeways: Discover the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands through a collection of art and artifacts.
- Scars on the Heart: This exhibit tells the story of New Zealand’s involvement in global conflicts.
Explore the Auckland Domain
The Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park. It’s home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Wintergardens, a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature. Here are some highlights:
- Wintergardens: This complex of Victorian-style glasshouses houses a variety of exotic plants.
- Duck Ponds: The duck ponds and the surrounding greenery offer a peaceful retreat.
- Auckland Domain Band Rotunda: This historic band rotunda offers great views of the park and the city.
Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge
For a thrilling Auckland activity, why not climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge? The climb offers stunning views of the city and the harbor, making it a memorable experience. Here are some things to know:
- Guided Tours: The bridge climb is a guided tour that takes around 1.5 hours.
- Safety: All climbers are given a safety briefing and are attached to the bridge via a safety line.
- Views: From the top of the bridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of Auckland city and the beautiful Waitematā Harbour.
In Conclusion
Auckland offers a wide range of activities and attractions. From beaches and islands to museums and art galleries, there’s something for everyone. Remember these tips when planning your trip to Auckland:
- The Sky Tower offers stunning 360-degree views of the city.
- Waiheke Island is a must-visit for wine lovers.
- Rangitoto Island offers a unique trekking experience.
- The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s history.
- A day at the beach is one of the best things to do in Auckland.
- Auckland Central has a wide range of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
- The Great Barrier Island offers a range of outdoor activities.
- The Auckland Domain is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature.
- Climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge offers stunning views of the city and harbour.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Auckland is a city that’s worth exploring. So why not start planning your Auckland adventure today?
