The Best Things to Do in Auckland: A Visitor’s Guide

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, set on two harbours and surrounded by volcanic cones, islands and rugged coastlines. It’s a brilliant city for coming urban life with nature, offering a range of activities! I was very lucky to have a friend living in Auckland, at the time of my visit, so she took me under her wing and showed me some great spots. Here are the top things to do in Auckland, from cultural landmarks to outdoor activities.

Explore the Auckland Waterfront and Viaduct Harbour

The Auckland waterfront is a lively area with restaurants, bars, and scenic views. The Viaduct Harbour, in particular, has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of dining options and a view of the marina. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the water, try the local seafood, or take a boat tour to see Auckland from the harbour. Regular ferries depart from here to nearby islands, which makes it a convenient spot for island hopping.

Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum

Located in the Auckland Domain park, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. It offers a look at New Zealand’s history, including Māori and Pacific Islander cultures, early colonial history and natural history exhibits. The museum also has a moving memorial to New Zealanders who served in the world wars. I found it to be a fascinating visit, showcasing New Zealand’s heritage. There are often live cultural performances too – particularly during weekends! I highly recommend visiting if you’re in Auckland.

Stroll Around the Auckland Domain and Wintergardens

The Auckland Domain is a large public park set on the grounds of an extinct volcano. It’s Auckland’s oldest park and it’s ideal for walking, picnicking, or enjoying some nature! I would say the best thing to do is see the Wintergardens – a series of glasshouses filled with exotic plants and seasonal displays. I’m a big fan of Botanic Gardens, so I enjoyed this. The Auckland Domain is also home to sculptures and walking trails that offer views over the city and Waitematā Harbour.

Take in the View from Sky Tower

Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and offers panoramic views over Auckland. You can take a lift to the observation deck, where there’s 360-degree views of the city, the harbour and the nearby islands. I am terrified of heights, so decided to sit this one out. But hostel friends I made raved about this for days after. They even have SkyJump for the adventurous people, where you can free-fall from the tower’s height!! The SkyWalk allows you to walk around the exterior platform of the tower at 192 metres high. Both of these sounded petrifying, but again, friends I made there said it was brilliant!

Explore Wynyard Quarter

Wynyard Quarter is a waterfront neighbourhood in Auckland, with a mix of green spaces, waterfront views and a variety of eateries. Highlights include Silo Park, where you’ll find outdoor movies and events, or North Wharf, where you’ll get meals with a view. There are also a number of great seafood and local cuisine in this area too! I liked coming here for a chilled spot. enjoying the Auckland Harbour and watching the local boats.

Discover Māori Culture at Tāmaki Makaurau

Auckland is rich in Māori culture and there are several places where you can learn more about this incredible culture, including the Tāmaki Makaurau. There are guided tours offering insights into the city’s Māori history, including visits to significant cultural sites. You’ll find Māori cultural performances at the Auckland Museum, as well as carvings, art and traditional stories that give context to New Zealand’s indigenous history. Marae visits are also available, where you can gain a deeper understanding of Māori customs and traditions.

Day Trip to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its beaches, wineries and relaxed island atmosphere. It’s a a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, so it’s very easy to do as a day trip. The island has a variety of vineyards that offer wine tasting and cellar door experiences, alongside cafes and restaurants with views over the Hauraki Gulf. There are also a number of walking trails through native bush and coastal areas, as well as water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Unfortunately, I was too short on time to properly enjoy Waiheke Island, but if time permits, it’s a great place for a few days of enjoying slower pace of life and sample local wines.

Visit the Auckland Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has the most extensive collection of national and international art in New Zealand. It includes works from well-known Māori and Pacific Island artists, as well as pieces from European and Asian art traditions. The gallery itself is an architectural blend of modern and historic elements, with temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. It is free entry to the gallery, although some special exhibitions may have a fee. With over 15,000 works, Auckland Art Gallery is definitely worth checking out during your time in Auckland.

Explore Mount Eden (Maungawhau)

Mount Eden is a volcanic cone that offers one of the best vantage points in Auckland. A hike to the summit will reward you with panoramic views of the city, harbours and surrounding volcanic landscape. Honestly stunning!! The crater itself, known as Maungawhau, is a significant Māori site and holds cultural importance. It is a heritage site, so be sure to be respectful of the environment here. The walk to the top only takes about 10–15 minutes and is suitable for most fitness levels.

Shop and Dine in Ponsonby

Ponsonby is an inner-city suburb, known for its vibrant atmosphere, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. This neighbourhood is popular for its mix of modern and historic buildings and is definitely worth checking out during your visit to Auckland. The main Ponsonby Road is lined with bars, eateries and specialty stores. I was only there for 3 nights, but it seemed to come alive with a fun bar and live music scene.

Take a Cruise on Waitematā Harbour

Waitematā Harbour is a defining feature of Auckland’s landscape and a cruise is a great way to see the city from the water. Various cruises are available, from short tours to dinner cruises and sailboat rentals. The harbour cruise provides views of the city skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and the islands in the Hauraki Gulf. There seemed to be hands-on sailing experiences or even participate in races.

Auckland Zoo and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

There are also a number of activities for families visiting Auckland! Auckland Zoo has a wide range of animals from around the world, with a big focus on conservation. The zoo is spacious and well-maintained, offering interactive exhibits and special animal experiences. With over 130 species here, it’s a great place to spend the day in Auckland. Another popular attraction for kids is SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. This features underwater tunnels, penguin colonies and marine exhibits.

Auckland FAQs

What is the best way to get around Auckland? Auckland has a comprehensive public transport system, including buses, trains, and ferries. The AT HOP card is a convenient option for multiple trips. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also widely available.

When is the best time to visit Auckland? Auckland is a year-round destination, but the warmer months (November to March) are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. This is also peak tourist season, so booking in advance is recommended.

Are there beaches near Auckland? Yes, Auckland has several accessible beaches. Mission Bay and Takapuna Beach are popular for swimming and picnicking, while Piha and Muriwai on the west coast offer black-sand beaches and surfing opportunities.

Can you visit active volcanoes in Auckland? Auckland’s volcanoes are dormant, but they do provide excellent hiking and viewpoints. Rangitoto Island and Mount Eden are among the most popular spots for exploring volcanic landscapes!

Popular Day Trips from Auckland

While Auckland has a lot to offer, there are several day trip options for you to explore more of the surrounding region.

Waitakere Ranges: A short drive from Auckland, this regional park offers hiking trails, waterfalls and stunning lookouts. I would say highlights include the Karekare Falls and the black-sand beaches of Piha and Muriwai.

Hobbiton Movie Set: Fans of The Lord of the Rings films can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, roughly 2-hours away from Auckland. The set includes reconstructed hobbit homes and guided tours.

Coromandel Peninsula: Known for Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, the Coromandel Peninsula is a great choice for a coastal day trip. The drive takes around two hours, but the beaches and scenic views definitely make it worthwhile.

Rangitoto Island: Accessible by ferry, Rangitoto is Auckland’s largest volcano. A hike to the summit offers panoramic views over the city and you can explore the island’s lava caves and coastal forests.

Rotorua: Roughly 3hrs from Auckland, Rotorua is known for geothermal attractions (e.g. geysers and hot springs), redwood forests and Māori cultural experiences. This was my ultimate favourite place during my trip to New Zealand! I recommend staying here for several days though (and not a day trip) as there’s a lot of nature to explore. Other great places to see Redwood Forests, outside of Rotorua, are at the Redwood Forests in Melbourne!

From Auckland, I made my way to Lake Taupo, to visit where my Great Grandpa and Grandma are from!!! Then onto my favourite place in the North Island of New Zealand…Rotorua! I found Auckland to be a great city, from a cultural and historic perspective and with the nice restaurants I got to try. I would say it’s not a place you need to spend huge amounts of time in during your visit to New Zealand. Base yourself there for a few days to explore the city and nearby places and then move onto other areas. Be sure to check out the Discover Auckland site for the latest things on in the city!