Dubbed as the City of Sails, Auckland is a coastal city and a tourist hotspot brimming with seaside activities, nature getaways, and adrenaline-pumping adventures.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there are plenty of things to do in Auckland! There are heaps of attractions for you to explore—from the fascinating underwater world of SEA LIFE to the sky-high experience at Orbit 360°, and more!
Here are the top 30 fun things to do in Auckland:
- Explore the underwater wonders of SEA LIFE in Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
- Dine in the skies at Orbit 360° Dining
- Go on a dinner cruise in the City of Sails
- Discover the diverse wildlife at Auckland Zoo
- Check out Auckland from 220m above street level at Sky Tower
- Visit Waiheke Island (accessible via ferry from Auckland!)
- Explore Tiritiri Matangi Island (and get there via ferry, too!)
- Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Cave with this day tour
- Leap from up to 20,000 feet with this skydiving experience
- Delve into the magical world of special effects and props with Weta Workshop
- Conquer mazes, obstacles, and optical illusions at the Odyssey Sensory Maze
- Delve into history at Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Sail through the City of Sails
- Have a boozy tour at Auckland’s wine country
- Explore Waitemata Harbour
- Visit the iconic One Tree Hill
- Shop, dine, and have a boozy night out at the good ol’ K-Road
- Visit the woolly creatures of Sheep World
- Check out the numerous butterflies at Butterfly Creek
- Unwind, jog, or stroll at Albert Park
- Unleash your inner artist at Auckland Art Gallery
- Learn all about maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum
- Visit the Museum of Transport and Technology, a.k.a MOTAT
- Explore the flora of Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens
- Travel back in time at Howick Historical Village
- Traverse the Coast to Coast Walkway
- Go on a Takapuna-Milford Heritage Walk
- Have a food trip at Viaduct Harbour
- Go birdwatching at the Tāwharanui Ecology Path
- Explore the East Coast beaches
1. Explore the underwater wonders of SEA LIFE in Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
There’s no need for a deep-sea submarine to see the magical and diverse world under the sea. All you need is a visit to SEA LIFE in Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium! Home to thousands of marine wildlife, you’ll see the largest penguin colony in the Southern Hemisphere, numerous rescued turtles at Turtle Bay, as well as hundreds of fish, seahorses, sharks, and other aquatic life swimming about in the gigantic aquariums.
2. Dine in the skies at Orbit 360° Dining
Situated at SkyTower, the highest man-made building in the Southern Hemisphere, Orbit 360° Dining offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city’s landscapes, coast, and surrounding volcanoes. This is one of the best places to visit in Auckland for sky-high views paired with a marvellous dining experience.
3. Go on a dinner cruise in the City of Sails
Aptly named the City of Sails, Auckland has a vibrant coastal culture with numerous cruises and ships skimming the waters. One of the best things to do in Auckland is to go on an Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise, where you can enjoy a delicious three-course meal while enjoying the sea breeze and views!
4. Discover the diverse wildlife at Auckland Zoo
From marine to terrestrial to avian animals—Auckland Zoo has them all! Image credits: @aucklandzoo on Instagram
Auckland Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals from 135 different species. From animals that hail from waters, those that dwell on land, ones that climb trees like adorable red pandas, to ones that fly in the sky—Auckland Zoo has them all! This is a must-visit stop for wildlife lovers visiting Auckland!
5. Check out Auckland from 220m above street level at Sky Tower
You already know that SkyTower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, but did you know that it has a viewing deck 220 metres high? Here you can see panoramic views of the city and its surrounding coasts and countryside. You can even visit in the evening for a romantic sunset and nighttime views of the city!
6. Visit Waiheke Island (accessible via ferry from Auckland!)
Waiheke Island is a quaint town with several vineyards, white-sand beaches, nature walking trails, and other attractions that offer a reprieve from the busy city life. You can visit via a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, which offers its own spectacular views! In fact, the tour of Waiheke doesn’t start when you step on the island. It starts when you board the ferry from Auckland.
7. Explore Tiritiri Matangi Island (and get there via ferry, too!)
Hop aboard a ferry at Downtown Auckland and embark on a 75-minute ferry ride to Tiritiri Matangi Island. It’s a predator-free island home to numerous species of birds, some of which are endemic to New Zealand. You can also stroll the scenic Hobbs beach, check out the country’s oldest Pohutukawa trees, visit the Tiritiri Matangi lighthouse, and more!
8. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Cave with this day tour
Lord of the Rings fans, you’re going to love this! One of the best things to do in Auckland is to visit the Hobbiton Movie set and snap pics of yourself in Middle Earth! You’ll also get to check out the enchanting bioluminescent glow worms of Waitomo during this day tour!
9. Leap from up to 20,000 feet with this skydiving experience
Up for the thrill of your life? An 85-second freefall at over 200 kilometres per hour ought to do the trick! Strap on your safety gear and get the adrenaline pumping with this Auckland tandem skydive experience!
10. Delve into the magical world of special effects and props with Weta Workshop
Film buffs, this is your chance to learn all about movie magic at Weta Workshop! Image credits: @wetaworkshop on Instagram
Discover how the out-of-this-world creatures, sets, and effects were created for your favourite movies with Weta Workshop! Learn all about the movie magic that goes into designing creatures and sets, sculpting fantastical creatures, and forging weapons! Definitely one of the best things to do in Auckland for film buffs!
11. Conquer mazes, obstacles, and optical illusions at the Odyssey Sensory Maze
Bring the whole fam and have an a-maze-ing time at the Odyssey Sensory Maze. It’s littered with mind-boggling optical illusions, exciting obstacles, and mazes filled with mirrors, balloon tanks, vortex tunnels, and more! To make the most out of your visit, how about getting a one-hour unlimited re-entry ticket?
12. Delve into history at Auckland War Memorial Museum
History buff? One of the best things to do in Auckland is to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum! Here you can learn about New Zealand’s natural and military history through comprehensive exhibits of artworks and artefacts. You can also learn about the rich heritage of the Tāmaki Makaurau and watch live cultural performances from the Māori people!
13. Sail through the City of Sails
Explore the waters of Auckland’s harbour (and maybe see a dolphin or two! Image credits: @exploresailing on Instagram
Hop aboard a 50-foot monohull sailing yacht and sail across Auckland’s picturesque harbour. Feel the breeze as you admire the city skyline from the waters and enjoy the complimentary drinks onboard! You can also enjoy the live commentary so you can learn more about the city.
14. Have a boozy tour at Auckland’s wine country
On this tour of Kumeu, West Auckland, you’ll visit three of the city’s best vineyards, where you can sample the wines produced there. You’ll also be treated to a mouth-watering vineyard lunch paired with a glass of wine!
15. Explore Waitemata Harbour
One of the best free things to do in Auckland is to take a laid-back walk at Waitemata Harbour. It’s one of the city’s most iconic harbours that showcase picturesque city skylines and an amazing view of Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Want to know other cool and cheap stuff to do in Auckland when you’re on a budget? Check out our recommendations!
16. Visit the iconic One Tree Hill
Make sure to check out the iconic One Tree Hill. Image credits: @visitauckland on Instagram
One Tree Hill (not to be confused with the television show) is an obelisk that serves as a tribute to the Māori nestled on a volcanic peak. It’s named after the lone pine tree that once stood at the summit. A climb up to the peak to One Tree Hill is definitely a can’t-miss thing to do in Auckland.
17. Shop, dine, and have a boozy night out at the good ol’ K-Road
Karangahape Road, also known as K-Road, is a street that never sleeps in New Zealand, laden with shopping, dining, and cultural experiences that make for a fun night out. You can cap off a fun day with a boozy time at their cool bars.
18. Visit the woolly creatures of Sheep World
You’ll make a lot of woolly friends over at Sheep World, the country’s leading centre for sheep and production of wool. Aside from meeting adorable sheep up close, you’ll also learn how they are taken care of and how vital they are to New Zealand’s economy.
19. Check out the numerous butterflies at Butterfly Creek
Let the butterflies flutter up to your fingertips at Butterfly Creek. Image credits: @butterflycreek on Instagram
One of the best things to do in Auckland with kids is to visit Butterfly Creek, a sanctuary for numerous colourful butterflies that can land at the palm of your hands! Aside from the vibrant butterflies, you can also see various wildlife at Butterfly Creek, from saltwater crocs, creepy crawlies, and furry farm animals.
Want to check out more family-friendly activities in Auckland? Check this out!
20. Unwind, jog, or stroll at Albert Park
Located at the heart of Auckland CBD, Albert Park is considered one of the most important public parks in the city and a great place to unwind. You can admire the eye-catching Victorian fountain at the centre of the park or simply go on a leisurely stroll to destress.
21. Unleash your inner artist at Auckland Art Gallery (temporarily closed due to COVID Alert Level 4)
If you’re an artist or art buff, then you can’t miss the chance to go to the Auckland Art Gallery. It’s home to one of the most extensive art collections, both local and international, in the country. One of its notable galleries is the Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art, which showcases art from 100 Māori artists.
22. Learn all about maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum
Learn all about sails and ships at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Image credits: @dstgeorgephoto on Instagram
One of the best things to do in Auckland is to visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum—after all, Auckland is known as the City of Sails! The country’s rich maritime history is preserved and exhibited through collections of artefacts, galleries, events, heritage sailings, and more.
23. Visit the Museum of Transport and Technology, a.k.a MOTAT (temporarily closed due to COVID Alert Level 4)
The Museum of Transport and Technology, or MOTAT for short, is a science and tech museum that highlights Kiwis’ brilliant innovations from past to present. Its exhibits showcase the finest technologies for aviation, transportation, railways, and more!
24. Explore the flora of Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens
If you love plants of all kinds and masterfully crafted sculptures, then one of the best things to do in Auckland is to visit Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens. It’s a centre for diverse plant species sold to the public and would definitely please the plant parents out there!
25. Travel back in time at Howick Historical Village
A visit to Howick Historical Village is like time travel, but with the time machine! Image credits: @howickhistoricalvillage on Instagram
Stepping into Howick Historical Village is like going back in time. It’s made up of surviving colonial buildings in the area, used to recreate New Zealand’s colonial villages. It’s also home to gift shops where you can shop for antique knick-knacks to commemorate your trip back in time!
26. Traverse the Coast to Coast Walkway
Get your blood pumping and embark on a journey through the 16-kilometre Coast to Coast Walkway, which spans Waitematā to Manukau. You’ll spot diverse wildlife, such as the iridescent blue kingfishers, sparrows, and blackbirds, as well as pass through small forests dense with plant life.
27. Go on the Takapuna-Milford Heritage Walk
Learn about the buildings, residential homes, beaches, and marina on the Takapuna-Milford Heritage Walk. It’s perfect if chill walks through public roads and paths are more your speed. You can go at your own pace and admire the sights, including the impressive Hauraki Gulf.
28. Have a food trip at Viaduct Harbour
Dine harbour-side at Viaduct Harbour! Image credits: @viaductharbour on Instagram
Viaduct Harbour is a hub for dining and entertainment with its slew of harbour-side restaurants and rooftop bars with fantastic views of the city, sea, and sailing ships. When in Auckland, you can’t miss out on the seaside dining scene here!
29. Go birdwatching at the Tāwharanui Ecology Path
The Tāwharanui Ecology Path, with its several wildlife habitats including native bushes, streams, beaches, and coastal wilderness, is the perfect home to diverse avian life and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Here you can spot Variable Oystercatchers, North Island Robins, New Zealand dotterels, and more!
30. Explore the East Coast beaches
Auckland’s Eastern coast is laden with spectacular beaches perfect for morning or afternoon strolls. You can explore Takapuna Beach, 10 minutes away from Auckland CBD, the serene Milford Beach, or the golden sands of Orewa Beach.
Looking to do an epic road trip from Auckland to Wellington?? We’ve come up with an epic itinerary to get you started on your journey!
