Existing as New Zealand’s most populous, diverse, and multicultural city, Auckland, also referred to as Tāmaki Makaurau, is an extremely popular tourist destination. The city is a vibrant hub of food, music, arts, and culture. Auckland is a truly magical place, sprawled over mighty volcanic hills and surrounded by two harbours. The landscapes are stunning, the culture is fascinating, and the people are welcoming and approachable.
The city is bursting at the seams with urban adventure, natural beauty, and incredible wonders. There is just so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming! Something for everyone! The thrill-seekers, the nature lovers, and the art enthusiasts. But not to fear, this author has whittled down the very best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand so your Kiwi adventure can be as magical as possible! These attractions, I am sure, everyone will appreciate and enjoy these. So, have a read and find out what this author’s top ten things to do are in the awe-inspiring city of Auckland, New Zealand.
The Sky Tower
Existing as a prominent feature in Auckland’s skyline, the Sky Tower is the tallest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The Sky Tower is incredibly popular amongst both locals and international tourists, offering individuals panoramic, three-hundred-and-sixty-degree views of the stunning city of Auckland. This attraction boasts many wonderful opportunities. Not just breathtaking, landscape views, but fine dining, bungee jumping, and keen travelers wanting to travel to the top of one of the most magnificent pieces of modern architecture. This is a fantastic experience and one that this author definitely recommends. Have a look at the Sky Tower experiences on offer and take your pick, I’m sure you will find something you will enjoy!
Location: Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Mountain Eden/Maungawhau
One of the most beautiful, natural wonders offered by the city of Auckland! Mount Eden, or Maungawhau, exists as the highest point in all of the city and is a must-stop destination. It is also incredibly unique! This is due to its shape. Mount Eden towers one hundred and ninety-six metres above sea level and boasts an astonishing bowl-like crater with a mighty depth of fifty metres! It is a sight to behold! Climbing to the top you are not only offered a monumental hike with fantastic views of the crater in question but three-hundred and sixty-degree views of the stunning city of Auckland. So, if the Sky Tower doesn’t take your fancy but you still want some breathtaking views of the city, then perhaps a hike up Mount Eden will take your fancy.
Location: Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie
One Tree Hill, or Maungakiekie, is a one hundred and eighty-two-metre high volcano, serving as a memorial place for Maori and other New Zealanders. Maungakiekie translates to the mountain of the kiekie vine previously existed as the largest indigenous settlement of the Maori people, prior to European colonisation. To mark Auckland’s 1940 centenary commemorations, a thirty-metre-high stone obelisk was erected atop the natural feature. So not only is this a wonderful natural feature of Auckland, but a fantastic place to pay your respects to the prior occupants of the land on which you stand.
Location: 670 Manukau Road, One Tree Hill, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
The Auckland War Memorial Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is unique in that it is the first of its kind in the entirety of New Zealand. The museum currently exists as a site of commemoration for those who died or were injured during the war, currently possessing some of New Zealand’s most significant archival records and heritage treasures. There is so much to learn and discover in one of the most important locations in the city. Specifically, the museum is home to some fantastic remnants of Maori and Pacific artefacts, forming a very impressive collection. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is also known for its annual Anzac Day dawn service commemorations. The museum is a very important site and is very precious to the locals, so make sure to stop by and pay your respects, whilst learning about the history of the incredible country in which you are visiting!
Location: Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Piha Beach
Famous for its unique, rugged scenery, Piha Beach lies just west of Auckland and is a fantastic day out and a break from city life. The beach is complete with black sand and fantastic Maori and Lion Rock carvings, making the location a very popular landscape for photographers and artists. In fact, Piha Beach has been featured in a number of motion pictures, for instance in the 1993 film ‘The Piano’. The beach is an incredibly unique destination that you could tour around for hours, soaking in the Kiwi sun and admiring the interesting structures and carvings. There is even a multitude of walking trails that lead to quaint waterfalls and even more fascinating landscapes. The area boasts so much natural beauty and is truly worth a visit. So, soak in the sun, admire the scenery, and appreciate the incredible beach on which you stand.
Location: 55 Marine Parade North, Piha 0772, New Zealand
The Tiritiri Matangi Island
Calling all nature lovers! Tiritiri Matangi Island is calling your name! With an overwhelming multitude of wildlife, greenery, and natural beauty, a trip to this kiwi island will be one that you will never forget. The island can be reached via the Auckland City Ferry, and once you arrive, you will be greeted by a local ranger who will begin conducting your own personal island tour. Or, if you’re wanting adventure on your own, find your own route! Choose from the many surrounding walking trails and tracks and explore the island at your own pace. Tiritiri Island actually exists as a wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to protecting threatened and endangered species of native bird and reptile species. The island is a true paradise of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered, so embrace your wild side and take a ferry trip to the island!
Location: Auckland 0930, New Zealand
The Shakespear Regional Park
The Shakespear Regional Park is the most popular, most visited, and most accessible open sanctuary in the entire South Australian region. The park boasts much natural beauty and provides a pest-free habitat for endangered wildlife. So much so, that dogs and other pets are not even permitted here! It is a truly safe space for animals who are the most in need! Why not take a visit to this secret haven? Take a fulfilling hike, be at one with nature and go camping, or simply soak in the splendor of this splendid little park. Lovers of natural beauty, this one is for you!
Location: 1501 Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay, Auckland 0930, New Zealand
The Great Barrier Island
Embrace island life! The Great Barrier Island is the sixth-largest island in all of New Zealand and is an incredible location to visit. The island has become somewhat iconic, being the first of its kind to reach Dark Sky Sanctuary status. The Great Barrier Island boasts breathtaking landscapes, awe-inspiring beaches, and a multitude of challenging but rewarding hiking trails. The island allows you to truly get back to nature in one of the most beautiful locations, not only in New Zealand but arguably in the entire world. The Great Barrier is unique in that is the only island in the Auckland region to offer a multi-day wilderness walk. This walk is named the Aotea Track and is very popular amongst tourists and locals alike. The views accessed via the Aotea Track are indescribable and make the multi-day hike incredibly worthwhile.
Location: Great Barrier Island / Aotea 0961, New Zealand
Mission Bay
Mission Bay exists as a picturesque, seafront suburb located in the city of Auckland, New Zealand. The area is known for its myriad of fantastic stores, fine dining opportunities, and stunning beaches. There are just so many places to eat, drink, and enjoy! Complete with stunning views of the surrounding Kiwi islands, the suburb of Mission Bay truly has it all. Stop for a bite to eat, tour through the quirky and quaint stores, or perhaps stop for a cheeky beverage in one of the many pubs or bars! If none of that takes your fancy, the area itself boasts a lovely, peaceful atmosphere with unbeatable views of the ocean. So, a trip to Mission Bay is worth it purely for a walk around the suburb to soak in the atmosphere and take in the fantastic landscapes!
Location: Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
The Auckland Botanical Gardens
With a mass amount of greenery, foliage, and vibrant flowers, a visit to the Auckland Botanical Gardens is arguably mandatory! What’s more, admission is completely free! Located fifteen miles outside of Auckland and spanning one hundred and fifty-eight hectares of land, the gardens comprise a huge area of greenery. The atmosphere is peaceful and delightful, and the wildlife residing in the gardens is a sight to behold. There is so much to discover and explore. In addition to the natural beauty and fascinating architecture, the gardens boast many fun events and workshops for visitors to take part in! So, the Auckland Botanical Gardens are a treat for your eyes and they’ll also expand your horizons and broaden your mind. Make sure to visit this beautiful venue and learn about the history of the gardens whilst taking in the masses of greenery and natural beauty just waiting to be admired.
