View of Auckland from Mount Eden photo via DepositPhotos
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Top 29 Best Things to do in Auckland, New Zealand

What are the Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Auckland?

29 Popular Activities and Amazing Places to Visit in Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city, boasts some of the country’s best museums and cultural institutions like the Auckland war memorial museum and the Auckland art gallery. This coastal city has many breathtaking attractions, from stunning gardens to architectural landmarks and hundreds of museums. Auckland is also known for being a family-friendly city, thanks to its numerous animal-based tourist spots and the iconic Sky Tower.

There are plenty of activities to do in Auckland, and in this post, we have compiled a list of the 29 best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand.

best things to do in Auckland
best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand

Enjoy the views of the city from the Sky Tower

View from Auckland Sky Tower by Josiah Kemp via Unsplash
View from Auckland Sky Tower by Josiah Kemp via Unsplash

Despite just being a famous landmark in Auckland’s skyline, the Sky Tower, at 328 meters, is the tallest of its kind in the entire southern hemisphere. It has been dominating the city’s skyline for the past 20 years and is one of the most visited landmarks in New Zealand. The tower is home to some thrilling adrenaline activities and a range of dining options.

If you are up for some bungee jumping, then the Sky Tower should be on top of your list of things to do in Auckland.

Go sightseeing on Motutapu Island.

Motutapu Island by Ingolfson via Wikipedia CC
Motutapu Island By Ingolfson – Self-photographed, Public Domain

The island is part of Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park and is 178 million years old. This tourist attraction is where you will see beautiful native birds like the rare Tieke. This is the oldest landmass in the area, and the island has numerous walking trails like the gun emplacements from WWII, tunnels, and other WWII sites.

The tour’s highlight is to get a Ngai Tai tribal guide who will share their traditional knowledge about the island’s history.

Go hiking on Mt William Walkway

Mt William Walkway by Beren Ackers via Wikipedia CC
Mt William Walkway by Beren Ackers via Wikipedia CC

The walkway is found on the Waikato side of the Bombay Hills, and the walkway is an advanced hiking trail that provides magnificent views from the top of Mount William.

There are two sections on this mountain, a trail is 2.5km, and it leads to the summit, while the other extends for 2km along rolling farmland.

Have fun at Auckland’s oldest park

Auckland Domain
Auckland Domain

Visit Auckland’s oldest park, Domain, is one of the things that you should do while on vacation. The park is among the most beautiful parks with open spaces, stately trees, formal gardens, miniature waterfalls, and leafy walks.

The park is ideal for strolling, picnics, jogging, and sports, and you will also enjoy free music events here.

Go sightseeing at Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve

Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve photo by Digna Subido via FB
Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve photo by Digna Subido via FB

The reserve is found on a 25-hectare sandbar that stretches out into the Tamaki Estuary; this is a stunning wetland habitat and nature reserve. The reserve’s highlight is steeped in Maori history and is an excellent place to see various native birds.

If you want to watch birds, you should get familiar with the tides as the best time to see wading birds is between full-time and half-tide from November to March.

You can walk around the three main trails in reserve, and it will take up to 90 minutes to walk around the entire area.

Visit Myers Park

Myers Park in Auckland by Ingolfson via Wikipedia CC
Myers Park in Auckland by Ingolfson via Wikipedia CC

This is situated in central Auckland, and it is popular for its steep grassy slopes and beautiful mixture of exotic and local trees; if you are interested in architecture or history, you should check out the Kauri caretaker’s cottage, which dates back to the 1850s and the children can play at the playground.

Another thing to do here is to see the replica of Michelangelo’s Moses, which is a granite sculpture of five goats gifted by the city of Guangzhou in China. There are also several bronze statues that portray native shorebirds that you can see.

Explore the Highwic

Highwic House photo by Ingolfson via Wikipedia CC
Highwic House photo by Ingolfson via Wikipedia CC

The house dates back to 1962, and it was a former home of the English immigrant and prosperous businessman Alfred Buckland. The house was built in the American Carpenter Gothic style, and the feature of the house are an elegant ballroom, old-fashioned kitchen, numerous outbuildings like a billiard house, manicured Victorian-themed grounds, and stables. You will get to see the antique coal range lit and used for cooking on the first Wednesday of the month.

Bungee jump from the Sky Tower

Auckland Sky Tower Bungee Jump
Auckland Sky Tower Bungee Jump

If you are a thrill-seeker, then this is a fun activity that you should try out. You can walk around the sky tower’s an outside ring, which is 192m high from the floor. You will have a mind-blowing view of the city which will take your breath away.

You will jump off the sky tower to land on the bull’s eye below, and you will have a video and photo while doing so, and you can even go back up and enjoy the scenic view of the city in your comfort zone.

The journey down descends at 85 kilometers per hour, turning everything into a hazy cocktail.

Have fun with your kids at Rainbow’s end theme park

Enchanted Forest Log Flume at Rainbows End Theme Park photo via Wikipedia CC
Enchanted Forest Log Flume at Rainbows End Theme Park photo via Wikipedia CC

The park is located in Manukau, and this is one of the main Auckland’s tourist attractions. It has over 20 rides and attractions which will give you and your friend maximum fun. You can try out the big five Thrill rides if you want a thrill ride. You should also let your kids 8 years and under visit the Kidz kingdom to have fun; it is also a popular spot for kids’ birthday parties.

Go sightseeing at Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain Shop in Auckland photo via FB
Crystal Mountain Shop in Auckland photo via FB

This is a 40-acre property that is located on the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges. This is home to the largest selection of minerals and crystals in New Zealand.

Tourists will marvel at the numerous rare and beautiful specimens that are on display, and you can purchase your own unique souvenirs from the on-site gift shop. Your kids can also get their own treasures if they participate in an interactive activity about the old method of panning for crystals.

Your kids will also go to the animal park, where there are many activities that they can do like pony rides, bungee trampolines, and tractor rides.

Visit West Lynn Garden and Butterfly House

West Lynn Garden and Butterfly House
West Lynn Garden and Butterfly House

This takes up 4.5 acres of land and is built and run by volunteers. There are pathways that pass through the scenic landscaped gardens, and many picnic tables are all over the grounds.

You can explore the Butterfly House, which is home to hundreds of butterflies between the months of December and April. You will have to book in advance in a group of 10 or more.

Explore the Alan Gibbs Farm

Horizons by Neil Dawson photo by Nita via Wikipedia CC
Horizons by Neil Dawson photo by Nita via Wikipedia CC

Alan Gibbs is one of New Zealand’s leading art collectors as he turned his 990-acre farm into the largest outdoor sculpture collection in the country.

This is one of the top tourist attractions that you should try and visit while in Auckland, and its highlights are specially commissioned pieces that incorporate numerous aspects of the landscape, sculptures of exotic animals like giraffes and emus, a life-size Wild West town, and a sculpture that is built around the world’s largest Tesla coil.

The farm is open to the public one day every month, and the number of guests is limited. You must book your visit in advance if you want to come here.

Visit Kiwi Valley Farm Park

Kiwi Valley Farm Park
Kiwi Valley Farm Park

This tourist attraction is excellent for the entire family to interact with farm animals like goats, dogs, pigs, and donkeys. Other animals that are found here are a possum, water buffalo, and an emu. The tour’s highlight is the unlimited pony and horse ride, free tractor rides if the weather is okay, and access to a special maze. You can arrange for birthday parties and other events if you book in advance.

Go for wine tasting at Foxes Island

Foxes Island Wines
Foxes Island Wines

The foxes island wines were founded in 1992, and it is popular for its limited production of handmade wines, which are carefully produced by expert winemaker John Belsham. You can visit the tasting room in downtown Auckland where you will be offered a chance to sample and purchase the vineyard’s current releases, library wines, and limited releases.

You will also like how the room is decorated with beautiful local art, and numerous jewelry pieces, wine-related accessories, and artwork are available for sale.

Have fun at Odyssey Sensory Maze

Odyssey Sensory Maze Auckland
Odyssey Sensory Maze Auckland

You and your kids will surely have a nice time. Tourists at this maze will be sent on a challenging journey of sensory exploration while they pass through different physical obstacles, strange sensations, sound, and lighting effects while they try to find their way out. The maze is suited for people aged 8 or above.

Explore Britomart

La Cigale French Market photo via FB
La Cigale French Market photo via FB

This is located on 16 acres of land close to Waitemata Harbor and is among the city’s largest collections of heritage buildings. The highlights of the Britomart are the Parisian-inspired farmer’s market which is known as La Cigale, which opens every Saturday and Sunday morning.

There are over 200 local businesses here, and you can try out the gourmet restaurants, go to the lively bars and the specialty coffee shops to get some drink or shop for designers’ shirts and bags at designer boutiques.

Taste the city’s most delicious ice cream

Giapo Ice Cream photo via FB Page
Giapo Ice Cream photo via FB Page

I know you have probably tasted ice cream before, but at Giapo, you will find arguably the best ice cream you have ever tasted. It is a family-owned shop that has been creating a unique flavor of ice cream for years.

Check out Cat Café

The Cat Lounge Auckland photo via FB Page
The Cat Lounge Auckland photo via FB Page

Do you love cats? If so, there is a cat café in Auckland called Cat Lounge, the first of its kind in the country. There are around 20 cats living on the premises, and you can cuddle and even feed them.

Snorkel at Goat Island

Goat Island Auckland by Sleeps-Darkly via Wikipedia CC
Goat Island Auckland By Sleeps-Darkly – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC

Located around an hour from Auckland by car, visiting Goat Island is one of the best things to do in the city. Here, visitors come to snorkel, scuba dive, or take a glass-bottom boat ride.

The island’s waters have some of the most beautiful marine life you will ever see, and you can interact with them up close.

Discover Auckland’s nightlight in Queen Street

People dining in a cafes on Queen street in Auckland via Depositphotos
People dining in cafes on Queen Street in Auckland via Depositphotos

The area around Queen Street is one of the most vibrant in the city. It features numerous bars and nightclubs, including a bar dedicated to the iconic Irish sitcom Father Ted.

If you don’t want to indulge yourself in the thick action, just stroll down the center of Auckland, especially during the weekend.

Watch gannets nesting at Muriwai Beach.

Birds nesting and flying at Muriwai Beach Gannet colony via DepositPhotos
Birds nesting and flying at Muriwai Beach Gannet colony via DepositPhotos

Every year from March to August, more than 1200 pairs of gannets nest at Muriwai Beach, making for spectacular viewing. The beach is located about an hour’s drive from the city and has a viewing platform from which visitors can catch a glimpse of this spectacle.

Visit Rangitoto Island

Auckland from Rangitoto Island photo via Depositphotos
Auckland from Rangitoto Island photo via Depositphotos

Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in the country, having erupted and formed six centuries ago. You can access this gem by ferry, which takes about twenty-five minutes, but if money is not a concern to you, a helicopter ride is an easiest and most luxurious alternative.

Upon reaching the island, you can hike up the peak, take a 4wd and explore every inch of the island.

Check out the Hunua Falls

Hunua Falls, New Zealand photo via Depositphotos
Hunua Falls, New Zealand photo via Depositphotos

Located around 45 minutes car drive from the city center, Hunua Falls are considered some of the most breathtaking cascades in the region. Visitors can even swim in the waterfall, unlike in the waters of Blue Springs.

Additionally, you can also camp around the waterfalls or trek up the hilltop.

Climb Mount Eden

View of Auckland from Mount Eden photo via DepositPhotos
View of Auckland from Mount Eden photo via DepositPhotos

Mount Eden offers panoramic views of the city of Auckland as the highest peak in the region. It should be noted that the city was founded amidst volcano peaks, with more than forty volcano cones dotted around Auckland.

Because it is also a volcano, visitors also climb mount Eden to walk around the crater.

Tour the city on an electric bike

One to explore Auckland is by electric bikes. Power to the Pedal is an organization in the city that offers electric bike tours. This activity is ideal for when you are tired of walking but wants to see around.

Also, there are different tour options, including the city lights tour (night tour), the inside loo, and the classic tour.

Enjoy an evening at Queens Wharf.

The Queens Wharf in Auckland via Depositphotos
The Queens Wharf in Auckland via Depositphotos

If you want to immerse yourself in what’s hot in Auckland, then you should set aside one evening to relax at the vibrant Queens Wharf. You will find numerous bars, fine restaurants, and an abundance of ice cream shops here.

This spot is never dull, with events and live performances staged all year through. Queens Wharf is just the place to be in Auckland for those who like an evening downtime.

Visit Blue Springs Te Waihou Walkway

The Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring near Putaruru, New Zealand by @bdearth via Flickr CC
The Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring near Putaruru, New Zealand by @bdearth via Flickr CC

A trip to Auckland, or New Zealand for that matter, is not complete without visiting the country’s most beautiful springs. Situated around two-and-half hours from Auckland city center, Blue Springs is the source of more than seventy percent of New Zealand’s bottled water.

People visit these springs to marvel at how clear the water is and to walk through the waterfalls, wetlands, and natural bush.

Take a day trip to Waiheke Island.

Sailing ship in Waiheke Island near Auckland photo via Depositphotos
Sailing ship in Waiheke Island near Auckland photo via Depositphotos

For anyone in Auckland, Waiheke Island is just a must-do excursion. Located some 35 minutes off the coast via ferry, the island is a great day trip away from the bustle of the city. Visitors flock to the island to enjoy world-class wines, delicious food, and scenic landscapes.

The island is quite small, which only makes exploring it even simpler.

Stroll the length of the Auckland coast

Google Maps Auckland Coast-to-Coast Walkway - Google My Maps
Google Maps Auckland Coast-to-Coast Walkway – Google My Maps

Walking is one of the best ways to explore and discover a new city or region. Fortunately, in Auckland, there is a famous walk known as ‘Coast to Coast’ where tourists walk from one end to the shoreline to the other.

The walk begins at Waitemata Harbor and ends at Manukau, clocking some 16 kilometers in between.

Auckland Museum
Auckland Museum

Auckland Travel and Tour Packages

Auckland has loads of fun tourist attractions and activities to do, and once you visit this city, you will see why many people worldwide have fallen in love with this beautiful city.

Do you have other recommended fun and interesting things to do in Auckland? Please feel free to share by posting a comment below.

Searching for the best Auckland hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Auckland hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Auckland, New Zealand? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, TwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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Written by Team Out of Town

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