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Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population almost four times the size of the capital city of Wellington. This sprawling metropolis is packed with fascinating museums, beautiful natural landmarks, and lively entertainment venues.
Many of its popular sights attract huge crowds, but there are plenty of secret spots to discover for a unique New Zealand experience. If you’re more interested in Auckland’s quieter and quirkier attractions, read on to discover 17 of the city’s best hidden gems and secret spots.
1. Balmoral Street Food Market
- Website: bsfm.co.nz
- Address: 164 Balmoral Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
- Opening Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm Friday
Balmoral Street Food Market offers a diverse range of cuisine in Auckland. It is located in the Mount Eden neighborhood, a couple of miles south of Auckland’s CBD (Central Business District). The lineup of vendors and food trucks varies from week to week, so it’s well worth visiting more than once if you’re in town for more than seven days.
2. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
- Website: stardome.org.nz
- Address: 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023
- Opening Hours: 9.30 am – 5 pm Monday / 9.30 am – 5 pm & 6.30 am – 10 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Stardome Observatory is a cutting-edge astronomical research facility that regularly opens its doors to the public to help visitors learn about the night sky. Two telescopes are accessible to visitors, and the planetarium offers an impressive presentation about the stars and planets. The Stardome is located in the One Tree Hill domain, where a volcanic cone provides high elevations and fantastic views over the city.
3. Rangitoto Island
Photo Credit: cktravels.com
Rangitoto is one of the best-known islands in the Hauraki Gulf. It’s the youngest of Auckland’s volcanic cones, having emerged from the sea around 600 years ago. It’s also home to the world’s biggest pohutukawa forest, a beautiful setting for the hour-long hike to the volcano’s peak — look out for black lava caves along the way.
At the top, you can spot the Hunua Ranges in the east, the Waitakere Ranges in the west, and downtown Auckland’s city skyline featuring the iconic Sky Tower.
4. Albert Park
Photo Credit: Fabiana Presoto Fernandes
- Address: 33-43 Princes Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Albert Park is a must-visit green space in the heart of Auckland city. It’s packed with history, having started life as a village called Rangipuke long before European settlement. There are several stately historic structures, including a Victorian-era fountain, a meteorological observatory that dates back to 1909, and the Old Government House which was built in 1856 to serve as Auckland’s first parliament.
5. Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens
- Website: kaiparacoastplantcentre.com
- Address: 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway, Kaukapakapa 0984
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
These beautiful garden trails surround a peaceful valley where native fauna and flora thrive. More than 50 sculptures are on display, each one crafted by a talented New Zealand artist. This is a great alternative to the busy Auckland Botanic Gardens.
6. Puhoi Pub
- Website: puhoipub.com
- Address: 5 Saleyards Road Puhoi Village, North, Auckland 0951
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Sunday to Thursday / 10 am – 9.30 pm Friday / 10 am – 9 pm Saturday
Puhoi Pub is one of the last historical pubs to remain standing in the southern hemisphere. It was originally established in 1879 and it has preserved many of its original features almost 150 years later. Step back in time as you enjoy a bite to eat and a couple of drinks surrounded by memorabilia and photographs that tell the story of Puhoi.
7. Waiheke Island Vineyards
Photo Credit: NigelSpiers
- Website: waihekeunlimited.co.nz/waiheke-2/vineyards
- Address: Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081
- Opening Hours: Various
Waiheke Island is a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor pursuits due to its unspoiled natural beauty, but it’s also a haven for wine lovers. You can enjoy gorgeous views of lush, rolling vineyards as you sample world-class wines. There are dozens of wineries to visit, but Cable Bay, Stonyridge, and Te Motu are award-winning highlights.
8. Huia Dam
- Address: Huia Dam Road, Huia, Auckland 0604
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Huia is a quiet settlement on the west coast of Auckland near Manukau Harbour that is thought to have been named after Maori chief Te Huia, who lived in the area.
Huia Dam is a fantastic attraction for fans of the great outdoors — it offers rugged hiking trails that wind through lush forests and tranquil waters that are perfect for fishing or kayaking. Swing by Huia Settlers Museum to learn more about the area’s history.
9. Long Bay Regional Park
- Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=215
- Address: Beach Road, Long Bay, Auckland 0792
- Opening Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily
Long Bay Regional Park is just 12 miles south of Auckland, making it a convenient spot for escaping the bustling city. There are sandy beaches, pristine waters, and plenty of lush greenery. Take your binoculars if you’re a fan of birdwatching because the area is a haven for birds and other wildlife.
10. Tree Adventures
- Website: treeadventures.co.nz
- Address: Woodhill Forest 0842
- Opening Hours: Summer 9.30 am – 6.00 pm daily / Winter 10 am – 5 pm daily
Woodhill Forest is a 40-minute drive away from Downtown Auckland, but it’s well worth a half-day trip to experience the aerial playground of Tree Adventures. It consists of a ropes course high up in the canopy featuring ziplines that are sure to bring you a surge of adrenaline. This a great way to get a new perspective on New Zealand’s native forests, and to get the kids to burn off some steam.
11. Matakana Country Park
- Website: www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz
- Address: RD5/1151 Leigh Road, Matakana Country Park, Matakana 0985
- Opening Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily
Matakana Country Park is a 50-acre estate set within gorgeous rolling countryside. It hosts a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including horse and carriage rides, miniature train rides, adventure playgrounds, and an action obstacle course. There are several shops on-site, including a goldsmith and an art gallery, as well as a cafe and a restaurant.
12. Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve
Photo Credit: AGCreations
- Address: North Head Historic Reserve, 18 Takarunga Road, Devonport, North Shore 0624
- Opening Hours: Summer 6 am – 8 pm / Winter 7 am – 7 pm
Maungauika is a volcanic mountain that once served as a closed defense position. Today, it’s a peaceful natural area that offers gorgeous views over the Hauraki Gulf, but its old gun placements and underground tunnels remain and are open to the public. Take a torch to explore the pitch-black tunnels, plus a picnic to enjoy lunch while watching ferries pass in and out of the City of Sails.
13. Piha
Photo Credit: DmitrySerbin
- Website: www.piha.co.nz
- Address: Piha Beach, Auckland 0772
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Piha is a black sand beach on the west coast that is beloved by local Kiwis. It has rugged cliffs at one end that help to create strong waves that are great for surfers. Swimmers need to be careful here because currents can be dangerous, so stick to the marked-out areas that are patrolled by lifeguards. Check out the impressive Lion Rock which shows evidence of once being home to an ancient Maori tribe.
14. Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve
- Address: 3 Gillespie Place, Narrow Neck, Auckland 0624
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Fort Takapuna is a headland that has long been used to defend the area, originally by ancient Maori tribes and then by the New Zealand Defence Forces since the 1880s. There’s evidence of every stage of its development, making it a fascinating site for learning about New Zealand’s military history.
There are multiple structures to explore, including bunkers, gun emplacements, and the magazine. You can reach North Head by car via Harbour Bridge, but it’s easiest to reach this area of the North Shore by taking the Auckland-Devonport ferry from Downtown.
15. Vulcan Lane
- Website: heartofthecity.co.nz/explore/vulcan-lane
- Address: Vulcan Lane, Central Auckland, Auckland 1010
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Vulcan Lane is a quaint pedestrian byway that lies just off the busy thoroughfare of Queen Street in the heart of the city. It’s lined with lively bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
In the mid-1800s, when it was first established, Vulcan Lane was little more than a muddy track that linked High Street and Queen Street. Over the next century, it gradually became increasingly busy as businesses set up and drew new footfall.
Today, it’s a popular place for locals to enjoy after-work drinks, so visit in the evening to appreciate its lively atmosphere.
16. Christchurch
Christchurch is a charming city on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a spacious city with broad footpaths, lots of pedestrianized streets, and big stretches of green space. And, much like Auckland, it blends heritage buildings with modern architecture. There’s also ample opportunity to hike, bike, and adventure in the nearby Port Hills.
Christchurch lies some 680 miles away from Auckland, so you should plan to stay for at least a few days. If you like the idea of an epic road trip, you could drive down to Wellington, take a ferry across to Picton, and then drive the remaining 200 miles to Christchurch. Alternatively, fly directly from Auckland to Christchurch, and you’ll arrive in around 90 minutes.
17. Rotorua Hidden Gems
Rotorua, which lies around 140 miles south of Auckland, is a popular area for wellness retreats and for learning about Maori culture. Here are three hidden gems of Rotorua to help you escape the crowds:
aMAZEme
- Website: amazeme.co.nz
- Address: 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3072
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
This fun living maze, constructed from 1,400 escallonia shrubs, is an enjoyable attraction for families. Conquer the maze, play giant board games, and make furry friends at the small animal petting zoo.
Wonderworld aMAZEment Park
- Website: wonderworld.co.nz
- Address: 1135b Te Ngae Road, Tikitere, Rotorua 3074
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
Play and puzzle in this fun amusement park which is home to a huge maze that features interlinking bridges. There are several puzzle games to try, including a scavenger hunt and opportunities to buy drinks, snacks, and ice cream.
Poco Tapas & Wine
- Website: poco.nz
- Address: 1183 Arawa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
- Opening Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Tuesday to Thursday / 5 pm – 12 am Friday & Saturday
Hungry after a busy day in Rotorua? Check out the friendly atmosphere and delicious food at Poco Tapas & Wine. The small, shareable dishes are prepared using seasonal ingredients.
Explore Auckland’s Hidden Gems
Auckland and the surrounding area offer many unique experiences and fascinating sights. Venture off the beaten path to see everything this stunning New Zealand region has to offer.
