The 20 things to do in Auckland

What to do in Auckland? Dive with us in the heart of New Zealand's largest city by discovering our 20 must-sees!

Auckland has over 1,650,000 inhabitants, more than a quarter of the country’s population on the North Island of New Zealand. This means that in addition to being the largest urban area in New Zealand, it is also the most populous.

First occupied by the Maoris around the year 1350, the large city was then designated as the capital of the country between 1840 and 1865, and rapidly developed in the late nineteenth century. Today, as the economic lung of New Zealand, Auckland attracts both the Kiwis (name given to the Dutch) and expatriates, especially from Asia and Europe. Living, cosmopolitan and surrounded by nature, this New Zealand city has everything to please.

So what do we do in Auckland, the one we surname the City of the Sails?

1. The Sky Tower

You can't miss it, as a symbol, Sky is on all pictures of Auckland and culminates at 328 meters, in the heart of the city. Inaugurated in 1997, it has since been considered the highest tower in the southern hemisphere!

This observation and telecommunications tower belongs to the Sky City complex, which houses hotels, bars and restaurants, a casino and even a theatre.

So what about Auckland on the Sky Tower side? Admire a 360° view of the area from the Sky Tower’s platforms and restaurants, or offer an adrenaline shot by testing the Sky Jump or the Sky Walk (walk around the tower, 192 meters high)!

2. Mt Eden and Eden Park

The Mt Eden is both the name of a dormant volcano and that of the quiet and residential area that developed at its foot, a few kilometers from the city centre.

Why go if you plan to visit Auckland? The summit of this volcano, and its crater, is easily accessible by hiking trails and offers a superb view of the whole city, making it a place of choice where to observe sunset. Do you enjoy it to stroll through the streets and small charming shops of this neighborhood with the edges of the village, unless you prefer to walk surrounded by greenery, in its park?

From Mt Eden, one can observe the imposing and iconic Eden Park , which is none other than the largest stadium in New Zealand, and the emblematic stage of the All Blacks rugby team. If you have the opportunity, you can attend a high-level rugby game, otherwise it is possible to visit the stadium with a guide. Eden Park is located in Kingsland, a neighborhood adjacent to that of Mt Eden.

3. The Giapo glacier

Among the must-sees to visit in Auckland, you will find The Giapo , a glacier not like others in which creativity and innovation are put! At Giapo, located in the city centre, no question of eating a simple vanilla ball ice cream, the ice cream becomes a matter of creating a work of art, to be enjoyed. It is not anodin if The Giapo is considered the best “ice cream place” in the world!

Giapo Grazioli and his wife Annarosa, the creators of The Giapo, are not only willing to turn this popular dessert into a gastronomic setting by creating original flavours (dairy chocolate, sweet potatoes, apricot jam fishing...), they also want to bring new emotions to their customers, offering them a different and unpublished experience around the ice cream. In addition to being delicious, these ice creams are made on site with good New Zealand products, and it is possible to absolutely taste all of them before making their choice!

4. Waiheke Island

After a few days visiting Auckland, nothing like escaping from the hustle and bustle of the big city and taking the broad towards Waiheke Island !

After only 40 minutes of ferry, you will find yourself on this picturesque island, of nearly 10,000 inhabitants, renowned for its vineyards and olive groves, its fields lost of view, and its beautiful beaches and forests. Wine lovers, as well as hikers, will enjoy spending a few hours or days on Waiheke Island, a real corner of paradise located in the Gulf of Hauraki .

5. Auckland War Memorial Museum

Are you wondering what to do in Auckland? To learn more about the history and culture of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, go to Auckland War Memorial Museum . This impressive monument, dedicated to the victims of the First World War, stands on a hill in the park of Auckland Domain.

Through exceptional collections, it retraces the history of the country, the arrival of the Maori in the territory to the Second World War, and houses more than 4 million objects, including the peoples of the Pacific (Island Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Polynesia...). It is one of the most important museums in New Zealand, with the Te Papa in Wellington .

6. Shopping

Want to go shopping? Auckland is full of shops and all budgets. In the CBD (Central Business District), on Queen Street and K’Road ( Karangahape Road ), you will find most of the major international and New Zealand chains, fries, fashion brand shops, electronic devices or souvenirs.

While the neighborhoods of New Market and Ponsonby , more trendy and hupped, are renowned for their boutiques of fashion designers and objects, and their small independent art galleries.

7. The beaches

One of Auckland’s major assets is its geographical location. Located on an isthmus that connects the Northland peninsula to the rest of the North Island, the city is close to many beaches in the West, as in the East. You planned to visit Auckland? Let yourself be tempted by a day on one of the nearby beaches!

A few kilometres east and north of the city centre, the white sandy beaches Mission Bay or Takapuna are the closest and easy to access. They are also two living areas of Auckland, where the locals like to relax after work.

The black sand beaches of the West Coast, like Karekare - where "The Piano Lesson" of Jane Campion was shot -, Bethells, Piha or Muriwai , they are located, about 45 minutes’ drive from downtown Auckland. These wilder beaches attract lovers of sports outdoor and especially surfers, when waves form.

8. Viaduct Harbour

Old commercial port transformed into a lively seafront area, the Viaduct Harbour now hosts many cafes, bars and restaurants, open until late at night, but also the Maritime Museum of New Zealand.

If you ask that you do in Auckland, know that there is a very pleasant walk on the days of good weather, along the marina of the Viaduct Harbour, which welcomes impressive yachts.

9. Rangitoto Island

Visit Rangitoto Island , or how to pass from the great city to the nature! Rangitoto, in the Gulf of Hauraki, means “blooded sky” in Maori, in memory of a bloody battle on the island that dates back centuries. This island, 5.5 kilometers wide, was born following the eruption of its volcano, just 600 years ago, and has been classified as a natural reserve since 1890.

As Rangitoto Island is uninhabited, it is visiting the day from Auckland which is only about 20 minutes’ boat ride. You can then walk in the largest forest of Pohutukawa in the world, hike along the coast to the island of Motutapu or climb up the volcano to enjoy a breathtaking view of Auckland and the bay.

10. Ponsonby district

What to do in Auckland? Don't pass by Ponsonby , the trendy district of the city with a unique atmosphere! Ponsonby Road, its main avenue, is also alive the day, with its sophisticated shops and trendy cafés, as in the evening, when its many bars and restaurants open their doors. You will also have the opportunity to cross on your way some antique shops, and original art galleries.

Residential neighborhoods of Kingsland and Grey Lynn are now also very popular among artists and young people, in general, who come to enjoy alternative boutiques and vintage coffee, micro-brewery and events that are organized there.

11. Nightlife

Auckland is a cosmopolitan and lively city that offers countless options to restore or drink a drink at nightfall, in a brewery for example.

The busiest neighborhoods are Newmarket, CBD (including Queen Street, Fort Street or Vulcan Lane), Viaduct Harbour or Wynyard , a rehabilitated neighborhood recently. In the trendiest area of Ponsonby, you will find as many stylish bars and restaurants, as well as trendy places, with a relaxed atmosphere.

12. Auckland Art Gallery

Visiting Auckland is on your list? Allow one hour or two to the Auckland Art Gallery ( You o Tāmaki ), New Zealand’s largest Art Museum! Inaugurated in 1888, the four-storey museum has a collection of over 17,000 works, and temporary exhibitions are regularly organized. The ancient art of the world, contemporary art and, of course, New Zealand art and the Pacific are highlighted. Whether you’re art lovers or simply curious about New Zealand culture, don’t miss the Auckland Art Gallery during your stay in the city.

Good to know. : guided tours are offered free of charge twice a day.

13. Harbour Bridge

Turn around Harbour Bridge , the most famous bridge in the city, undoubtedly is one of the things to do in Auckland! Just like Sydney, Australia, the city of Auckland has its Harbour Bridge. Strong sensation enthusiasts can, at the choice, climb, jump to the elastic or try the great tandem jump, others can simply walk around to admire the incredible view of the bay, from this bridge that connects the centre of Auckland to the North.

14. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

If you are about to visit Auckland with children, or are yourself great children, you should expect a passage to Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium . This public aquarium, which opened its doors in 1985, houses thousands of marine animals, various species, such as sharks, turtles, rays, seahorses and many other fish. But what makes it even more exceptional is the presence of the largest colony of the southern hemisphere! The Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is also the only life centre for New Zealand turtles.

Many interactive experiences and activities are put in place to ensure that children spend a memorable time there.

15. Devonport

Direction to the north bank of Auckland, in the chic district of Devonport By the sea! Just a few minutes by ferry from CBD, let yourself be carried by the atmosphere very british which reigns in Devonport, and walk between its old colonial-style buildings, on its seafront and its hills (Mt Victoria and Mt North Head). Dans Victoria Street , its main street that does not lack cachet, you will have no trouble finding a coffee or a pleasant restaurant where you place.

16. Parnell and Auckland Domain

The crowded neighborhood Parnell is known for its high-end restaurants, galleries and shops, its French market La Cigale, but also and especially for its huge park of 75 hectares named the Auckland Domain In which we find the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This green setting, in the heart of the city, also features a botanical garden and many rugby, cricket and football pitches.

17. Observation of whales and dolphins

What to do in Auckland when you are passionate about nature and marine animals? Hop on board a boat for a whale and dolphin observation cruise! Marine fauna is very present in the waters around New Zealand, and it is not uncommon that marine mammals, passing through, venture into the golfe d’Hauraki and approach the coasts. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate and go to meet them!

18. The Edge Cultural Ensemble

What if you taste the contemporary New Zealand culture, like locals? This happens on Queen Street, Civic Theatre, Town Hall or Aotea Square where cultural events are regularly organized. The Town Hall , former Auckland city hotel in the Edwardian style, now hosts eclectic music concerts, while Civic Theatre is a cinema that also program plays, and music concerts.

The Edge is undoubtedly a privileged meeting place for Auckland residents.

19. Coffee

Historically, as a former British colony, New Zealand is rather a tea country. And yet, in a few tens of years, roasters have multiplied and the culture of coffee has become very strong in the country of the Kiwis. As Auckland is the largest and most populous city in the country, it is not surprising to find cafés with a relaxed atmosphere or more trendy every corner of the street. The coffee is excellent and can drink in all its forms (in milk, with cream, etc.). The hardest thing is to make a choice!

If you come to visit Auckland, this is the best way to start your days.

20. Northland

Do you have a few days left in the area and are you looking for what to do in Auckland? Take the road north, towards the region Northland . This beautiful peninsula does not lack places of interest. If the heart tells you, you can explore the bay of the islands, where a day trip from Auckland is possible. There, kayaking outings are legions: along the water, the landscapes promise you a visit not like others! For those who have more time, you can organize a road trip of a few days to watch the natural pools of the coastal village of Matapouri (the Mermaids Pools), the dense forest of Waipoua, the Ninety Mile Beach, or the mythical Cap Reinga .

How to get to Auckland?

Compared to France, Auckland in New Zealand, is literally at the other end of the world. You can reach Auckland by taking a flight of about 23 hours, with at least one stopover, at an average cost of €100.00 per round trip. To enjoy the best rate, book as soon as possible will be the best. So don’t wait too long before you compare flights, on our partner’s website Ulysses For example!

To reach the city centre from Auckland International Airport, there are many options:

• In Skybus

The Skybus passes daily, 24 hours a day, in front of exit 8 of the airport, and allows to reach the centre in an average of 45 minutes, at a price of about 10€.

• By bus

The 308 Airporter bus (about 25 minutes and 2€), in the direction of Manukau, leads to Papatoetoe train station, from which it is possible to take a train (about 30 minutes and 3€) to Britomart, in the centre.

• By taxi

The taxi allows you to get to the center in 30 minutes, and you have to count between 20€ and 45€ (to share or private car).

• By car

For those who seek to move freely during their stay by exploring the surroundings of Auckland, or simply as part of a small road trip, you can always rent a car upon arrival at Auckland Airport.

Where to stay in Auckland?

Auckland being the largest city in New Zealand, you lodging in the right neighborhood during your stay can be important and facilitate your discovery of the city. If you plan to visit Auckland and its surroundings, it is better not to get too far from the centre!

The offer of housing is very developed and meets all expectations: backpackers high-end hotels, including rooms or accommodation Airbnb . To help you find the perfect accommodation and at the best price, do not hesitate to check out our article “In which area to stay in Auckland?” and the site of this Compare hotels .

One last advice : between December and February, it’s the great summer holiday in New Zealand and the accommodation can quickly be filled, so make sure to book in advance for any stay in this period!