18 Best Things to Do in Auckland

Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in the Māori language, is the biggest city in New Zealand – and some also say it’s the best.

Otherwise known as the City of Sails, this modern metropolis is located on a coastal strip of the North Island and is a popular tourist destination and road-trip stop-off. Auckland offers vibrant city living, chilled Kiwi beach vibes, and an abundance of exciting activities to do. From high-flying, adrenaline-fueled activities and challenging hikes to fun-packed day trips and relaxation in nature, you’re certain to enjoy discovering all that this city has to offer.

If you’re planning a tour of Auckland and need some inspiration for your itinerary, keep reading for the 18 best things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau.

1. Go Beach Hopping

Photo Credit: gracethang2

Auckland is home to a large number of inviting beaches — from the black sand beaches of the west coast to the golden stretches of sand in the north. These are a few of our favorites to visit during your time in Auckland:

• Mission Bay Beach – Mission Bay is a coastal suburb home to some of the city’s most popular beaches. Don’t miss spending a sunny afternoon on the main beach here.
• Piha Beach – Piha is located in the Waitakere Ranges and is the city’s most famous beach. Come here for world-class surfing and spectacular black sand beaches.
• Anchor Bay – this spot is located just over an hour from Auckland in Tawharanui Regional Park and is well worth the drive for the peaceful beach and lush greenery.
• Muiwai Beach – head to the West Coast to surf and hang out with local Aucklanders. Keep an eye out for the colony of gannets that nest here in Muriwai Regional Park.

2. Enjoy a Day of Culture

Auckland is packed with interesting museums for visitors looking to sink their teeth into the city’s unique culture, art, and history. Here are three of our top picks:

• Auckland Museum War Memorial Museum – also known as Auckland War Memorial Museum, this fascinating attraction takes visitors through New Zealand’s intriguing past.
• Auckland Art Gallery – Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is Auckland’s main art gallery and is home to more than 15,000 pieces covering a wide range of mediums.
• New Zealand Maritime Museum – as an island nation, it may come as no surprise that New Zealand has a rich nautical heritage. You can learn about the past, present, and future of the industry at this popular museum near Viaduct Harbour.

3. Join a Day Tour of Tiritiri Matangi Island

See the best of New Zealand’s native wildlife by joining a day tour of the rugged Tiritiri Matangi island. The island is only an hour from Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf, and there’s lots to do here. Join a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and inhabitants, discover archaeological sites, and watch colorful birds feast at the island’s feeding stations.

4. Test Your Nerves On Auckland Harbour Bridge

Photo Credit: ChameleonsEye

If you’re in search of an adrenaline rush, Auckland Harbour Bridge is the place to go. There are two epic activities to choose from:

• Auckland Bridge Climb – scale the bridge along specially made walkways for unparalleled views of the city below. You’ll also learn all about the bridge’s history as part of this guided tour.
• Auckland Bridge Bungy – leaping off the bridge towards the Waitemata Harbour below is a hair-raising experience reserved for only the biggest dare-devils!

5. Go on a Movie-Themed Adventure

Wētā Workshop Unleashed is an interactive museum exploring the magical world of movie effects. Three highly creative films show how the brains behind the movie industry make the impossible possible.

Expect to meet a gigantic alien robot, step into otherworldly environments, and meet monsters that may just give you nightmares. There’s nowhere else like Wētā Workshop Unleashed, so don’t miss your chance to visit.

6. SkyJump off the Sky Tower

If leaping from Auckland Harbour Bridge isn’t thrilling enough for you, test your nerve atop the Sky Tower by tackling these two exciting activities:

• SkyJump – take a leap of faith off the tallest building in New Zealand, which stands at a whopping 328 meters above Auckland CBD.
• SkyWalk – if the SkyJump sounds too scary, try the SkyWalk instead. You’ll see spectacular views of the City of Sails from 192 meters in the air as you walk on the outside of the building… with no handrails!

7. Go Wild In Auckland

Animal lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to Auckland’s creature-based attractions. Here are two of our top picks:

• Auckland Zoo – this highly-rated zoo gives visitors a chance to see the most diverse wildlife in New Zealand, with more than 2,800 inhabitants covering around 130 species.
• Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium – see more than 30 live animal exhibits at this aquarium that was established by New Zealand marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton.

8. Take a Sunset Kayak Tour of Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcanic cone located just off Auckland’s coast. Hop aboard a ferry from downtown Auckland and climb to the cone’s summit to enjoy some of the prettiest sunset views you’ll ever see. Or, if you prefer to enjoy your sunsets from the water, take a kayak tour instead.

9. See Glow Worms in the Waitomo Caves

Photo Credit: Klanarong Chitmung

New Zealand is the only place in the world where Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms can be seen, and the Waitomo Caves are the best spot near Auckland to experience their magic.

Visitors can take a boat ride through the caves to experience the unique ambiance of thousands of creatures illuminating the caves. While you do so, guides that descend from the Māori chief who originally discovered the caves will tell you fascinating stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.

10. Take a Day Trip to Hobbiton

Photo Credit: Ivo Antonie de Rooij

If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings films, you can’t visit New Zealand without seeing the Hobbiton movie set. This iconic location was used for the town of Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and you’ll learn all about the making of the movies on a guided tour.

Hobbiton is 2.5 hours away from Auckland City, so you can visit the movie set for a full day and return to your accommodation in the evening.

11. Hike Mt Eden

Maungawhau, otherwise known as Mount Eden, is the tallest volcano in Auckland and is a popular spot for hiking. The volcano is 196 meters tall, and from the top, you can gaze down at a 50-meter-deep crater in the summit’s cone.

If you’re looking for an active day out, tackle One Tree Hill, too. This is the second-tallest volcanic peak in Auckland and is located nearby in Cornwall Park.

12. Go Wine Tasting On Waiheke Island

Photo Credit: Robert CHG

New Zealand is famous for its delicious wines, and a wine-tasting tour on Waiheke Island is a great way to explore some local varietals.

Whether you join an organized wine tour or go on a self-guided adventure to a handful of wineries, these are the spots not to be missed:

• Tantalus – this award-winning estate is widely regarded as one of the best wineries in New Zealand and also offers delicious cuisine at its upscale restaurant.
• Stonyridge – a picturesque pick located among olive trees and pretty vines. Head here for a romantic day out, complete with French cafe-style dining that’ll transport you to the vineyards of Europe.
• Mudbrick – the passionate team at Mudbrick will guide you through your wine tasting so you can learn all about the production process while you enjoy some of their best bottles.

13. Try Your Luck At SkyCity Casino

If you’re feeling lucky, be sure to swing by SkyCity Casino during your Auckland adventure. This huge casino offers 2,100 gaming machines and 150 table games, so there’s something to entice every kind of gambler.

14. Spend a Day in Devonport

Devonport is a chilled village known for its high-end seafood restaurants and cute cafes. It’s also a great spot to try traditional Kiwi fish and chips.

Spend a day here eating, hiking, and relaxing:

• Eat fish and chips – The Kestrel is a modern New Zealand pub known for its delicious food and stunning coastal views. The fish served here is line-caught and sustainable, and the accompanying chips are perfectly crisp and fluffy.
• Climb Mount Victoria – Takarunga, otherwise known as Mr Victoria, is the highest volcano on the North Shore. This challenging climb is well worth the effort because it will reward you with breathtaking coastal views.
• Relax on Cheltenham Beach – Devonport is home to some of the best beaches in Auckland, and Cheltenham Beach’s golden sand and calm waters shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the area.

15. Chill Out At Polynesian Spa

With so much to do in Auckland, a relaxing day at a highly-rated spa might be just what you need. Polynesian Spa is a geothermal spa in Rotorua, and its waters are thought to have therapeutic properties that local Māori communities have been benefitting from for centuries.

Spending a day here soaking in the hot baths will soak away all your aches and pains and leave you ready for your next New Zealand adventure.

16. Experience the Farmers’ Market in Matakana

Photo Credit: ChameleonsEye

The charming village of Matakana is only 45 minutes from the Auckland Harbour Bridge and is a top pick for a relaxing day trip. Highly rated eateries, independent galleries, beautiful beaches, and some of the region’s best vineyards can all be found here.

And, if you happen to visit on a Saturday, Matakana farmer’s market shouldn’t be missed. Sip award-winning coffee, listen to live music, and stock up on fresh produce and tasty treats.

17. Take a Road Trip to Wellington

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is perched near the southernmost point of the North Island. It’s the gateway to the South Island and and attractive destination in its own right, making it a top pick for a road trip from Auckland. Here are three of the top things to do while you’re passing through Wellington:

• Wellington Cable Car – hop off at each stop to enjoy the many things to do along the way before reaching the summit to take in panoramic views of the city below.
• Wellington Gardens – stroll among 25 hectares of plant collections across four well-kept gardens featuring native and international collections.
• Visit Hannahs Laneway – known as the world’s tastiest laneway. Head here to feast on delicious food from local favorites, including Golding’s Free Dive and Baar Baar.

18. Hang Out in the Wynyard Quarter

Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter is a vibrant waterfront neighborhood offering lots to eat, see, and do. Here are three of the top things to do here:

• Ride the Dockline Tram – ride this iconic tram’s one-mile loop while listening to live commentary about the history and attractions in the area.
• Visit Silo Park Night Market – visit this bustling market Saturday and Sunday evenings to enjoy live music and delicious food.
• Drink New Zealand rum – Captain’s Bar serves a selection of 60 local and international rums in a cozy environment alongside Argentinian sharing plates.

Discover all the Things to Do in Amazing Auckland

Auckland is an incredible city with so much to offer, and you’ll have no trouble filling your vacation itinerary with exciting activities and unforgettable things to do. What will you experience first?