The Travelling Maple Leaf

Introduction

The vibrant city of Auckland, New Zealand, offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. From the Sky Tower to the aquarium and even movie sets there are activities for all ages. Here’s a list of my 11 favorite things to do in Auckland:

1. Auckland Sky Tower

There’s no better way to see Auckland than from the Sky Tower! This tower is 328 meters tall with a beautiful panoramic view of the city and harbor.

If you are looking for a bit more adventure, you can try SkyJump, SkySlide, or SkyWalk for an adrenaline rush. These activities have age restrictions so make sure to research restrictions and plan accordingly.

I recommend trying the Sky Café that is in the Sky Tower. Taking in the view with a peaceful coffee or tea is a lovely way to reflect on your time in New Zealand. You can also dine in a revolving restaurant called Orbit 360 Degree Dining or visit SkyBar which is New Zealand’s highest bar.

2. Auckland War Memorial Museum:

Explore the city’s history, culture, and natural heritage at this iconic museum located in the Auckland Domain. This is one of New Zealand’s most important museums as it educates the public about remembrance and serves as a war memorial.

This museum is home to permanent and temporary exhibits with some of them being offered free to the public. These exhibits change over time and may differ during your visit. But one thing is for sure, you will be amazed by the detail and educational value of these exhibits.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is truly an unforgettable experience with interactive displays, performances, and museum movies.

3. Waiheke Island

Looking for a relaxing island escape from the business of the city? Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, known for its beautiful vineyards, art galleries, and stunning beaches.

Waiheke Island is soul-soothing and calming. You may choose to relax on the beach or embark on a journey to learn about the island’s winemaking and artists. Either way, a visit to this island is well worth the 40-minute ferry from downtown Auckland.

4. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki:

The Toi o Tāmaki Art Gallery in Auckland connects visitors to New Zealand culture and other cultures around the world.

Immerse yourself in art at this impressive gallery, showcasing both traditional and contemporary New Zealand and international works.

This gallery is close to the Sky Tower making it the perfect addition to your travel itinerary. Additionally, its floors of exhibits and breathtaking artwork will not disappoint.

5. Piha Beach

If you are looking to escape the city for an afternoon Piha Beach is the perfect adventure. You can experience the beauty of the West Coast at Piha Beach, famous for its black sand and surfing.

Piha Beach is approximately an hour by car from Auckland. But the distance is worth it for the beautiful scenic views both along the route and at the beach.

There are also walking trails located throughout the hills that surround the beach that take you through a beautiful forest with breathtaking views. Swimming is not advised unless you are a strong swimmer as there are often strong currents and riptides at this beach.

6. Auckland Zoo

Another fun activity is to spend an afternoon at the Auckland Zoo. This zoo is home to more than 2,500 native and exotic animals and takes roughly 2 to 3 hours to explore.

The Auckland Zoo offers several different experiences for visitors including tours and up-close encounters with animals such as giraffes, red pandas, and squirrel monkeys. These experiences also go in-depth into how the animals are cared for and looked after.

7. Viaduct Harbor

Looking to relax by the water as you take in the beauty of Auckland? Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Viaduct Harbor, filled with restaurants, bars, and waterfront activities.

Viaduct Harbour is a short walk from the Sky Tower which makes it a great addition to a day in downtown Auckland. Even just wandering along the harbor is calming and enjoyable!

There are also plenty of accommodation options near Viaduct Harbor including boutique hotels with beautiful views such as QT Auckland, Park Hyatt, and Sofitel Auckland.

8. Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is a perfect short trip from Auckland that offers the opportunity to hike and connect with nature.

You can hike to the summit of Rangitoto Island, a volcanic cone with panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.

The hike to the top of Rangitoto can be challenging and only takes about 2 hours to complete. The views are worth the journey!

You can travel to the island via ferry from Auckland. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes in one direction which makes this journey the perfect afternoon exploration.

9. Auckland Botanic Gardens

Imagine relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, featuring a diverse range of plants and landscapes.

With free entry and close proximity to the airport, these gardens are a great activity for budget-friendly travel!

The Botanic Gardens spans an impressive and beautiful 64 hectares. The lush foliage and the ability to jog or picnic in the gardens make this activity a must-add to your travel itinerary.

10. Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium:

Discover a fascinating underwater world at Kelly Tarlton’s.

Here you can walk through an acrylic tunnel surrounded by marine life including sharks. You can also visit the exhibits of over 30 different animals including penguins.

Allow roughly 2 hours to explore this aquarium and learn about the sea life that surrounds New Zealand. This activity is fun for all ages and makes for a great family activity!

11.Auckland Bridge Climb:

Lastly, for a unique perspective of the city, you can embark on a bridge climb on the Auckland Harbor Bridge. This bridge climb presents breathtaking views of the skyline and harbor.

If you want to add adventure to your bridge climb, you can also bungee jump from the bridge. It wouldn’t be New Zealand without a little adventure!

The Auckland Bridge Climb is more expensive than other activities on this list, but it is enjoyable and it can be physically challenging. The climb takes approximately 2 hours to reach the top of the summit before descending.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to see the city and visit some of these locations for a low cost, a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great option! This allows you the ability to save time walking and money parking downtown.

Auckland is a beautiful city surrounded by picturesque beaches and hiking trails. These activities are some of my favorites in the city! Share your favorite activities and hidden gems in Auckland in the comments!

Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.