12 Things in Auckland You Need to Do at Least Once

There's a reason why so many Aussies flock to Auckland each year - it's our number one outbound destination. Not only do we share mateship with our fellow kiwis, but they're pretty much our better halves - I mean, we'd have Jacinda Ardern over ScoMo any day. And if you haven't yet visited our noble neighbours, it's time to do so. Spare a few days in Auckland, also affectionately known as the City of Sails,  before starting your South Island tour, because you'll here find a modern metropolis surrounded by hills, covered by rainforest, and dotted with dozens of dormant volcanoes.

In Auckland, everyone lives within half-an-hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and enchanting islands, and it’s this diversity that draws curious minds from all over the world. After all, Auckland is more than just a stack of things to see in a city; it’s a region that provides diverse and unique experiences, from Polynesian adventures to breath-taking scenery.

Auckland really is one of a kind, and visitors are greeted as guests in the spirit of 'manaakitanga' (hospitality, generosity and openness of spirit). Here's our guide of things to do in New Zealand’s most famous city.

If you’re only in Auckland for a short stay, it’s only right you’ll want to witness a little of everything this charismatic city has to offer. This is where a highlights half-day tour can come in handy, as you can spend all morning exploring Auckland’s most exciting and vibrant spots.

With a knowledgeable tour guide and a luxury coach that collects you from your hotel, there’s no more convenient way of learning about Auckland’s history, geography and culture while also taking in sights such as Tamaki Drive, Domain Wintergardens and the Hauraki Gulf.

You’ll then still have all afternoon to explore at your leisure or go back to your favourite bits.

Walking from coast to coast may seem like an unusual way of seeing a whole country, but in New Zealand it’s not only possible – it’s advisable! The Coast to Coast Walkway in Auckland covers New Zealand’s narrowest stretch of land. The entire walk is 16km and takes around 5 hours.

It’s traditional to begin on the east coast in Viaduct Harbour before finishing in Manukau Harbour on the west coast. Along the walk, you’ll see everything from dormant volcanoes to stunning urban landscapes and pristine park lands. What a story to tell your friends and family, too!

The Maori culture is unique to New Zealand. The indigenous people of the island named Auckland ‘Tamaki Makaurau’, meaning ‘a place desired by many’.

One way of connecting with the people, the land and the stories that shaped New Zealand and embracing the manaakitanga philosophy is by watching a Maori cultural performance at Auckland Museum.

There are numerous 30-minute shows per day, and each show catalogues the history of New Zealand and Auckland, culminating in a performance of the world-famous haka war dance.

The performance is incredibly powerful, and afterwards you’ll have the opportunity to meet, talk to, and take photos with the performers.

The Auckland Sky Tower is the most iconic building in Auckland’s skyline, providing picture-perfect views. It’s impossible to miss, lots of fun and one of the top attractions in Auckland. Here, you can head high for stunning panoramic views of Auckland and far beyond.

From this enviable vantage point, you can witness everything from iconic landmarks to nearby volcanoes. Take some pics, the them on the 'gram or share them with your friends and family using the complimentary WiFi at the top of the tower.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can even jump off the tower with SkyJump. But, if you’re looking for a more relaxing afternoon, you’ll also find a casino and the Orbit 360°, one of the top places to eat in Auckland. Here, the food is just as stunning as the views.

If you’re only in Auckland for a short time and can't take a guided tour of the whole city, then a trip up the Auckland Sky Tower is just the ticket.

If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll find Auckland a paradise, with everything from open-air street markets to high-end designer boutiques.

The hip suburb of Ponsonby is packed with boutiques, designer fashion stores, upmarket sellers of homewares and local art dealers. It’s also home to some of the top bars and restaurants in Auckland, should you need to rest between shops. Diverse, eclectic and enchanting, the area is also home to independent and second-hand bookstores, so it’s perfect for a shopping spree on any budget.

If you’re in search of style, Parnell (Auckland’s oldest suburb) is the place to be. Here you can pick up everything from unique designer clothing to exquisite handmade jewellery.

If your style is a little more alternative, then head to Karangahape Road. Here, you’ll find a quirky precinct that includes retro and edgy streetwear stores as well as some designer favourites. The whole area pops with colour, and it’s also the perfect spot to find some traditional Kiwiana pieces to take home.

Rich in culture and history, Auckland is a fabulous city that begs to be explored. A day tour with a cruise experience allows you to learn more about its history, culture, geography and development and gives you the chance to see the city from the water.

The tour couldn’t be more convenient, as you’ll be picked up from your hotel before embarking on your adventure. You’ll visit famous landmarks such as Queen Street, Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, meaning you can take in all the city’s most popular spots on the same trip.

On your cruise in Waitemata Harbour, have your camera to hand as you pass Rangitoto Island, Devonport, the Harbour Bridge, and Westhaven Marina. It’s a fantastic way to bypass the crowds as your cruise guide explains the areas you’re passing in entertaining detail. You’ll even finish off at the Sky Tower, where you can take in the best views of the city you’ve just explored. Ask your tour guide to point you in the direction of the best dinner and drinks in Auckland to finish off your day.

Auckland restauranteur Sid Sahrawat has been crowned as the king of the dining scene, with his restaurants rated as the best place to eat in Auckland.

His fine-dining establishment Sidart won 2018’s Supreme Award for restaurant of the year, while his modern Indian restaurant, Cassia, was named runner-up.

On Ponsonby Road, Sidart continues to reach new heights of excellence and everything you eat here will surprise and delight you in equal measure. Showcasing the very best of New Zealand’s seasonal produce is at the very heart of Sidart’s philosophy, and local ingredients are the star of the show. As well as being incredibly flavourful, the food here is art on a plate.

If you head to Cassia on Fort Lane, you’ll find sparkles of light and colour in an underground dining room. Here, exquisite and exotic food is served in an atmosphere where it feels like there’s magic in the air.

Waiheke Island provides a lovely break in what feels a world away from the non-stop action of Auckland’s centre.

You can ride a ferry to Waiheke Island, allowing you to admire the Pacific as you travel and unwind. On the island, you’ll find a relaxed environment.

As well as being regaled with stories by a professional tour guide, you can also explore the island’s beaches, olive groves and splendid vineyards. Grab the chance of a wine tasting or try some award-winning olive oil. This is one of the most picturesque spots in the world to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine.

The Sea Life Aquarium in Auckland is home to New Zealand’s only turtle rescue centre, Turtle Bay. You’ll find fun for all the family here, and the centre is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Auckland. There’s even a free shuttle bus service that runs every hour from 152 Quay Street.

The Shark Tunnel is incredibly educational, while Shipwreck Discovery features wrecks from around the world. With a host of talks, activities and animals, there’s a full day of adventures to be enjoyed here. You can even meet the gentoo and king penguins in the Antarctic Ice Adventure.

Many trips to Auckland may be about the sights and history, but the Sea Life Aquarium allows the whole family to enjoy a day of discovery and learning.

Formed 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, Mount Eden is the highest of New Zealand’s mainland volcanoes at 196 metres high. On your visit, you can choose to either cycle or climb to the summit, where you’ll be greeted by breath-taking views of the city and Waitemata Harbour.

A trip to Mount Eden isn’t all about the views, though, as it’s also the perfect spot to learn more about Maori culture with a visit to a former Maori settlement complete with storage pits and housing sites.

The Ngati Whatua tribe are the gatekeepers of the mountain, and they offer guided tours where a tribe member will talk you through the mountain’s rich and diverse history.

With more than 135 species and 1,400 animals, Auckland Zoo is deeply immersive. It has won a number of national and international awards thanks to its experienced, passionate and friendly zookeepers, who help to make the zoo a place of fun and learning in equal measure.

Regular talks are held throughout the zoo where you can learn everything about the animals as well as the steps being taken to protect them and encourage their preservation in the wild.

If you’re interested in animal health, then make a visit to the vet hospital where you'll see everything from lizards receiving ultrasounds to penguins getting X-rays.

Whether you’re looking for gentle giants, lively lizards or mischievous monkeys, you’ll find creatures of all shapes and sizes that capture your heart here. Plus, there are plenty of selfie opportunities available if you have your camera ready – say cheese!

From idyllic white-sand beaches to black-sand surf spots, there’s 29,000km of beach in Auckland. Whether you want to simply soak up the views or take part in activities out on the water, one of Auckland’s hundreds of beaches will have something for you.

For white sand and endless relaxation, the stunning coastline of Pakiri is tough to beat. The beach is more secluded than those closer to the city, which makes it popular with locals. With rare birds on the shore and whales and dolphins on the horizon, it’s the perfect spot to recharge your batteries.

If you’d like to indulge in a spot of surfing, then the rugged beauty of the west coast is the place to head. Piha Beach is one of Auckland’s top surfing beaches, but due to its size, it’s never too busy here. Should you fancy a break from the waves, then you can also scale Lion Rock, which stands between Piha and Little Piha beaches. This is Piha’s most historic landmark and you can visit to see the Maori carving.

Auckland offers history, culture, adventure and food. It's a sure-fire way  to get your New Zealand trip to a good start. When you add the sunny climate, the background rhythm of Polynesian culture and the proximity of all these experiences, you’ll find it easy to hop between attractions when you visit the city.