Best 20 things to do in Auckland, New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland, where adventure awaits around every corner! Our slightly humorous travel guide is here to spice up your journey through the City of Sails. Brace yourself for the best 20 things to do, from conquering the iconic SkyTower, to spotting hobbits in nearby magical forests, and of course, engaging in the ancient Kiwi sport of sheep chasing (only for the brave-hearted). Auckland is sure to keep you entertained with each activity more thrilling than the last - just remember to hold on to your sense of humor!

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1. Devonport

Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand

Welcome to Devonport, Auckland's charming and quirky neighborhood perfectly suited for those seeking a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city – or simply a change of underwear! Known for its beautiful beaches, it's the perfect place to get sand in your sandwich and let seagulls practice their aerial acrobatics with your ice cream cone! With its historic streets lined with quaint shops, Devonport is the ideal destination to give your credit card a workout; just remember, the more unique the purchase, the better your story will be when you later realize you have no idea what you bought!

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2. Viaduct Harbour

Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Nestled in the heart of Auckland, Viaduct Harbour is a vibrant hub that effortlessly combines picturesque waterfront views with enough dining options to satisfy even the most indecisive foodie. Stroll along the promenade, where you can pretend to be a sophisticated sailor while ogling at the impressive collection of fancy boats. And fear not if you forget to bring your own yacht, for the area is well equipped with stylish bars where you can drown your sorrows in a fruity cocktail and convince yourself that you're just "yachting by proxy."

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3. Rangitoto Island

Auckland - Rangitoto Island, Auckland, New Zealand

Welcome to Rangitoto Island, Auckland's very own volcanic masterpiece rising majestically from the ocean like a literal "I'm here to make a statement" hat. With its rugged terrain and mesmerizing lava rock formations, this island screams, "Hey, I may be a tad older, but I'm still rocking it!" Prepare yourself for an adventurous trek to the summit, where you can peak (pun intended) into the crater and soak in panoramic views that will make your Instagram followers scream, "You volcano-nutter, you!"

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4. Auckland War Memorial Museum

4.7 (10474)

Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Nestled atop a hill, Auckland War Memorial Museum stands tall like a proud peacock ready to dazzle your senses. Prepare to embark on an adventure through time within its hallowed halls, as this magnificent structure houses everything from Maori artifacts to a treacherous staircase that'll have you questioning your life choices. Don't miss the opportunity to frolic amidst the splendor of the surrounding gardens, where you can ponder whether the museum's inhabitants secretly come alive at night.

www.aucklandmuseum.com

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5. Sky Tower

4.5 (14827)

Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Behold the Sky Tower in Auckland, an architectural marvel resembling a ginormous needle aiming to thread the clouds. Standing tall, it proudly showcases panoramic views of the city, treating visitors to a sight so breathtaking it'll make their eyes as wide as a startled kiwi bird. With the audacity of making one's knees weak, this towering marvel also offers the stomach-churning SkyJump, an adrenaline-fueled descent that'll thoroughly test your breakfast choices.

www.skycityauckland.co.nz

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6. Mission Bay

Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Welcome to Mission Bay, where you can satisfy your inner beach bum while pretending to be a sophisticated city dweller. This charming neighborhood in Auckland combines sun-kissed golden sands and sparkling blue waters with the bustling cityscape, giving you the best of both worlds. Don't be fooled by its fancy name; Mission Bay is not actually a covert operation, but rather a delightful spot to strut your stuff, dip your toes, and indulge in some truly scrumptious fish and chips.

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7. Stardome Observatory

Stardome Observatory, Royal Oak, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

Welcome to Stardome Observatory in Auckland, where starry-eyed dreams come true, and the universe is closer than your Wi-Fi connection. Discover a place where rocket science meets undying enthusiasm, and where the sky itself is the muse for heavenly jokes—no puns intended. Here, you can gaze at the constellations like a connoisseur of cosmic comedy, and learn about the universe while trying not to launch into orbit with laughter.

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8. West Coast beaches

4.8 (27)

Whites Beach, Auckland 0772, New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland, where you can find some pretty gnarly West Coast beaches! Get your surfboards and sunblock ready, because these sandy havens are perfect for both beach bums and aspiring pro surfers alike. With the rugged beauty of Piha, the charming black sand of Muriwai, and the picturesque views of Bethells, these beaches will leave you feeling like a true Kiwi beach connoisseur in no time.

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9. Piha Beach

Piha 0772, New Zealand

Nestled on Auckland's west coast, Piha Beach is a cheeky slice of paradise that invites you to leave your worries behind and chase some waves, preferably while wearing your most fashionable snorkel gear. Take a leisurely stroll along the golden sands, where you might encounter glamorous seagulls striking their best poses and sunbathing seals breaking the record for the most impressive tan lines. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the notorious Piha's sand monster that sneaks up on unsuspecting visitors, burying their picnic food before they even get a chance to say "jandals."

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10. Auckland Domain

4.7 (10595)

Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland Domain, where Aucklanders come to exercise, relax, and search for their misplaced picnic blankets. This sprawling park is like the city's very own oasis, filled with lush greenery, bewildered tourists trying to outwit the never-ending maze of walking trails, and occasional illusions of being in the middle of a Jurassic Park movie. Don't be surprised if you stumble upon a group of locals enthusiastically practicing tai chi, mistaking it for a secret dance party — they do love to keep visitors on their toes here.

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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11. Waitakere Ranges

4.8 (83)

300 Scenic Drive, Nihotupu, Auckland 0604, New Zealand

Welcome to the magnificent Waitakere Ranges in Auckland, where nature thrives and adventure awaits! Prepare to be mesmerized by an enchanting tapestry of lush rainforests and rugged coastlines, guaranteed to make you forget your GPS and have you navigating by unicorn sightings instead. Whether you fancy a dip in the cool waters of its stunning black sand beaches or embarking on a perplexing quest to find the elusive Tui bird, this is the place where Mother Nature shows off her sense of humor alongside her breathtaking beauty.

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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12. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

4.5 (4586)

Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, a place where art is as abundant as sheep in New Zealand! This grand gallery is like a magical portal into a world of creativity, except you won't find any hobbits or wizards here, just jaw-dropping artworks that will make you say, "Crikey, that's a fancy painting!" With its vibrant exhibitions and stunning architectural design, this gallery is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and selfie addicts who desperately need a sophisticated backdrop for their social media feed.

www.aucklandartgallery.com

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13. One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill, Auckland, New Zealand

Welcome to the charming suburb of One Tree Hill in Auckland, where the beach meets the city with only a slight case of separation anxiety. Prepare to be greeted by picturesque landscapes, quirky locals, and a plethora of walkers who take their "adventurous strolling" extremely seriously. In this delightful haven, you'll discover the iconic One Tree Hill, which, you guessed it, used to have a tree on it, but now basks in its role as the Leaning Tower of Pisa's distant relative.

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14. Waiheke Island

4.7 (387)

Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand

Get ready to have a whale of a time on Waiheke Island in Auckland! This little gem is just a short boat ride away, but it'll transport you to a paradise that's like the love child of a vineyard and a beach. With more wineries than you can shake a grape bunch at, you'll be tipsy with joy exploring the island's boozy delights. Just remember to drink responsibly, or you might confuse those picturesque walking trails with roller coasters!

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15. Auckland Zoo

4.5 (12990)

Motions Rd, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand

Welcome to the wild and wonderful Auckland Zoo, where you can meet the city's most flamboyant residents without getting embroiled in any monkey business! Prepare to be bamboozled by the array of exotic beasts that roam this urban jungle. From the majestic lions who rule the savannah to the cheeky penguins who have perfected the art of looking dapper, this place is a real breath of fresh air... or should we say ferocious roar of fresh air?

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

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16. Silo Park

4.5 (2750)

Corner Beaumont Street and Jellicoe, Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Welcome to Silo Park, Auckland's waterfront oasis that combines an eclectic mix of gritty charm with vibrant entertainment options. Nestled between towering silos that could easily pass as accidental modern art pieces, this park begs you to channel your inner hipster and bask in its offbeat glory. Grab a picnic blanket and soak up the sun, or challenge your friends to a game of funky-frisbee while pondering the existential crisis of deciding what defines art in this post-industrial wonderland.

www.silopark.co.nz

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17. Auckland Botanic Gardens

4.6 (7848)

102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105, New Zealand

Welcome to the Auckland Botanic Gardens, the green oasis in the concrete jungle of Auckland! Stroll through meticulously manicured lawns and marvel at plants from every corner of the globe, making you feel like Phileas Fogg on horticultural adventures. Be prepared for a botanical feast for the senses, where flowers bloom like they are attending the Met Gala and the air smells so fragrant that even the bees become perfumers.

www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz

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18. Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

4.3 (6011)

23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Welcome to Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium in Auckland, where the only sharks you need to worry about are the ones in the tank. Dive into a world of underwater wonders and marvel at the creatures who clearly missed the memo on how to stay dry. Whether you're a seasoned marine biologist or just someone who enjoys fish with a side of chips, get ready for a fin-tastic experience you won't soon forget.

www.visitsealife.com

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19. Mt Eden

Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand

Hidden amongst the delightful chaos of Auckland lies the majestic behemoth known as Mt Eden. This volcanic wonder rises above the clamor, sporting a magnificent cone that could make even the most fashionable ice-cream parlors envious. Wander up to the summit, where panoramic views of the city will leave you feeling both breathless and grateful that you finally decided to swap those comfy slippers for sturdier shoes.

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20. Albert Park

4.6 (3985)

33-43 Princes Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Welcome to Albert Park, the hidden gem of Auckland, where the grass is greener than a leprechaun's shoes! This charming park is your chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, unless you count the hordes of squirrels trying to steal your snack. Take a leisurely stroll among the trees, but watch out for the mischievous statues leaping out like overenthusiastic tour guides!

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Auckland, New Zealand by plane is to fly into Auckland Airport, which is the largest airport in the country with direct flights from cities all over the world.

Car

If driving, the best way to get to Auckland, New Zealand is by taking State Highway 1, which runs from both the north and south of the country and passes through Auckland.

Train

There are no direct trains to Auckland, New Zealand as the city does not have a train station. However, you can take a train to cities such as Hamilton or Wellington and then take a bus or plane to get to Auckland.

Boat

While Auckland is a coastal city with a busy port, the best way to arrive by boat would be to take a cruise to New Zealand and dock at the Port of Auckland.

Bus

The best way to get to Auckland, New Zealand by bus is to take a long haul bus such as the InterCity from major cities such as Wellington or Christchurch.

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Budget Bliss: 3 Days of Adventure in Auckland

A trip to Auckland, New Zealand on a limited budget is still possible with affordable accommodations, public transportation, and free attractions. Take advantage of the beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and parks throughout the city. Visit the Auckland Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, and the bustling street markets for a taste of the local culture.

Discover Auckland's charm on a 4-day adventure.

Auckland, New Zealand is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a range of activities for tourists. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Sky Tower and the Auckland Harbour Bridge, or relax at beautiful beaches like Piha and Mission Bay. With its stunning scenery and friendly locals, Auckland is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

Love in Auckland: A Romantic Day Trip

A trip to Auckland, New Zealand is perfect for a romantic getaway with your loved one. Explore the city's stunning landscapes, from the volcanic Rangitoto Island to the beautiful beaches like Mission Bay Beach. Experience New Zealand's unique culture and enjoy delicious food and wine, all while creating unforgettable memories with your partner.

Auckland Adventures: Exploring Family-Friendly Fun

Auckland, New Zealand offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with an array of attractions for all ages. Explore the iconic Sky Tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, or visit the Auckland Zoo for an up-close encounter with native wildlife. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront and indulge in delicious local cuisine, making Auckland a delightful destination for a memorable family trip.