Take a look at out list of the top 20 things to do in Auckland
Auckland is the most populous city of New Zealand, although it’s not the capital. It is located on the North Island of the country on a so-called isthmus, a narrow land between two major bodies of water. Because of this, the city is one of the few cities which has two harbors on two separate shores. The area was populated by the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand before the British settlers arrived. It quickly became the capital, but not long after that, the title went to another city. The city is still very popular and just as important when it comes to tourism, commerce and entertainment. We have collected the top 20 best things to do in Auckland so that you can know even more details about places to visit here.
- Rangitoto Island
The Rangitoto Island is a widely known landmark of New Zealand and Auckland, as it can be easily seen from the city. It’s a 5.5 km wide volcanic island that is well known for both being a great place for hiking and for providing excellent vistas of the city. Coming here is a must if you want to see the city from a different angle, or if you just want to spend your time exploring a volcanic island. Guided tours are available, but there are numerous hiking trails if you just want to explore alone.
2. Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is a large national park not too far from Auckland, and it offers a big variety of activities. You can go hiking along the countless trails throughout the park, or rent a bike and use that to traverse the area. If you are more into seeing animals and exotic plants, then there are numerous spots for that which you can check on a map. Beaches can also be found at the park, which is of course useable for swimming and so on.
3. Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park to Auckland is like Central Park to New York. It’s a large urban park that offers an abundance of greenery, not to mention the unique features like the remnants of a pre-European Maori fort and the remains of the park’s donor. There are also playgrounds, areas for having a picnic and a lookout offering a nice view. Coming here is one of the best things to do in Auckland if you just want to take a break and relax.
4. Mount Eden
Mount Eden might seem like it’s just a hill, but it is actually a dormant volcano covered entirely in grass. It provides a great view of the downtown of Auckland as it is the highest natural point in city. Many notable buildings are also located at the hill, and a lot of famous people live or lived here.
5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves is actually pretty far from Auckland, but it is without a doubt worth a visit, as it is quite famous. It features a boat ride through Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave ceiling, animals that can only be found in New Zealand. Taking photos is unfortunately not allowed, but just seeing it is quite enough, as it is simply breathtaking.
6. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki features more than 16,000 historic, modern and contemporary art pieces, the oldest of which was created between the 10th and 12th centuries. There are works from European artists as well as artists from Australia, New Zealand and of course Maori people.
7. Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is located not far from Auckland, and it features several vineyards, an olive grove, three white-sand beaches and a variety of shops and restaurants. Some people like to come here for the guided tours and wine tastings, while others come for the beautiful beaches to relax. Either way, the island shouldn’t be missed by anyone.
8. Auckland Zoo
The Auckland Zoo is the largest zoo in New Zealand, giving home to around 875 animals from 138 species. Numerous different but equally great exihibits are available for visitors, both for adults and children. The zoo is praised for giving much space to animals and seemingly taking very good care of them, as it should be.
9. Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary that is considered one of New Zealand’s most successful conservation projects. The animals found on the island include little spotted kiwi birds, tuataras, takahe birds and North Island kokakos. If you want to see exotic animals in natural environments, then this is the place to go.
10. Viaduct Harbour
Viaduct Harbour is a former commercial harbour in Auckland, which is now a center for countless restaurants, bars and other eateries. It is just as famous as Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Hotels and museums can also be found here, but one of the most popular things to do here is walking along the harbour and watching the ships go by.
11. Auckland War Memorial Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum focuses on the history of New Zealand (and especially the history of the Auckland Region), natural history, as well as military history. The most important part of the museum and the building is the memorial itself to fallen soldiers that died during the wars.
12. Queen Street
The Queen Street of Auckland is the major commercial thoroughfare of the city. Many upscale shops like Gucci and Louis Vuitton can be found here, but numerous movie theatres, regular theatres, government buildings, museums and restaurants are also located here. It’s clearly a central hub of the city from which tours should be starting. Just by walking down the street allows you to see many great attractions.
13. Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is located near the Queens Street and it’s a large tower that offers visitors a chance to get a 360-degree view of the city, eat at a cafe or one of two restaurants (including one that revolves) or walk around and even base-jump off the attraction’s platform by wire. Coming here is one of the best things to do in Auckland as it gives you a great way to see the city.
14. Devonport
Devonport is a suburb of Auckland, and famous for its harbourside dining and drinking establishments and its heritage charm. Coming here is a great idea because the view can provide an excellent way to enjoy your meals. If you are not hungry, you can just take a stroll or visit the Devonport Naval Base.
15. Hobbiton Movie Set
Any Lord of the Rings fan will probably know that almost all of the real life locations seen in the movies are actually in New Zealand. The Hobbiton Movie Set is the location of the actual town they built for the movie, although the inside of the buildings are not actually there. It’s located quite far from Auckland, but it is best visited from there. It’s a must-see for fans of the movie, or anyone who is interested in seeing such a beatiful little half-fictional town.
16. New Zealand Maritime Museum
The New Zealand Maritime Museum offers an excellent insight into the maritime history of New Zealand and sailing in general. Exhibition themes include Polynesian and Maori vessels and navigation, Whaling and sealing, European voyages of discovery, Modern commercial shipping, Early coastal trading, Recreation and sporting maritime activities, and much-much more.
17. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is a public aquarium housing around 1800 animals. The facility has several exciting exhibitions like the Antarctic Ice Adventure, the Stingray Bay, the Pacific Shark Zone, the Shipwreck Explorer, the Fish Gallery, the Seahorse Kingdom and more. It’s the best place to see marine animals if you are interested in them.
18. Auckland Town Hall
The Auckland Town Hall is a historic building on the Queens Street, known both for its original and ongoing use for administrative functions, as well as for its famous Great Hall and its separate Concert Chamber. It’s a beautiful building in all aspects and a popular icon of the city.
19. Auckland Ferry Terminal
The Auckland Ferry Terminal is the hub of the Auckland ferry network that connects the downtown of the city with suburbs in North Shore, west Auckland, and south Auckland, and the islands in the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. The building itself is located at the end of Queen Street. The older part of the building faces the street and the city itself, while the newer part faces the harbour. The terminal is popular both for transportation and its history and importance.
20. Auckland Domain
The Auckland Domain is the oldest and one of the largest urban parks in Auckland. The park contains all of the explosion crater and most of the surrounding tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano. Several sports fields occupy the floor of the crater, while museums, a hospital, green houses and gardens fill the other parts of the park.
