Incredibly amazing things To Do In Auckland. Join us as we examine many options that are free to choose from! The waterfront is where Auckland, the only significant metropolis in New Zealand and the heart of the prosperous economy, is situated.
With 1.7 million residents or almost half of the whole population of the nation, Auckland, often known as the “City of Sails,” sprawls between Waitemata Harbour to the east and Manukau Harbour to the west. The city’s little central area is situated next to the river.
The majority of visitors to New Zealand land in Auckland, therefore everyone should put experiencing the city’s outdoor and cultural attractions on their bucket list.
Indeed, this city has some of the top landmarks, museums, and art galleries in the nation. Another fun pastime is to explore the city’s suburban seashore, which is renowned for its stunning beaches.
The Hauraki Gulf Islands are particularly worth seeing since they provide a glimpse of New Zealand’s breathtaking national park scenery right outside the city.
Keep our guide to Auckland’s top tourist attractions close at hand for more suggestions on what to see and do in this breathtaking region of the world.
1. Auckland City Center Architecture
This is a wonderful place to start if you’re looking for things to do in Auckland.
At first glance, Auckland’s downtown looks to be a modern metropolis. However, history aficionados may discover several exceptional examples of ancient architecture among the new towers.
For instance, the enormous Ferry Building at Princes Wharf is a spectacular English-Baroque monument on the port front and was constructed in 1912.
Next to the Ferry Building is the Chief Post Office, which John Campbell built in 1911.
Elegant Auckland Town Hall on Queen Street, built in 1911, has a marble façade, and one of the country’s first churches, St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Wyndham Street, was built in 1848.
2. Enjoy The Botanic Gardens
If you’re trying to find things to do in Auckland, this is a great website to check out. Your list of free activities in Auckland should also include a visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
It is free to visit this gorgeous garden in South Auckland, which is close to Totara Park.
A promenade lined with different kinds of plants, a library, a café, and a schedule of events honoring the four seasons are all there.
It’s a gorgeous setting for your photographs and a great place to relax and take in Mother Nature at its finest.
3. Auckland Harbour Bridge
This is a wonderful site to visit if you’re seeking things to do in Auckland.
The centerpiece of the central harbor is the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which links downtown Auckland to the northern suburbs and the white-sand beaches of the bays farther north.
Over one kilometer long and 43 meters high, it was completed in 1959. To keep you occupied as you explore, the bridge offers a variety of fun activities.
One of the most popular thrills to take part in is the Auckland Harbour Bridge bungee jump, which requires a special bridge walk before a 40-meter plunge into the bay below.
4. Waiheke Island
If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland, this is a great website to visit. Of the islands in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is the most visited by tourists.
White sand beaches cover the island’s coastline, and its villages are home to vibrant café scenes and art galleries.
For avid walkers and hikers, several paths extend over the island’s interior and along its shores. The three-hour Church Bay Circuit trip showcases the best of the island and provides breathtaking views along with a challenging hike.
For history enthusiasts, Stony Batter Historic Reserve is a must-visit location with its underground tunnel system that was constructed during World War II in case Auckland was attacked.
Every 35 to 45 minutes, Waiheke Island ferries leave from Princes Wharf in the heart of Auckland.
5. Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is a great place to go if you’re seeking things to do in Auckland.
The 40-acre Auckland Zoo in the Western Springs neighborhood offers enough amusement for tourists with children.
Te Wao Nui, a spectacular section of the zoo that was founded in 1922 and specializes in local plant and animal life, has just been added.
Themed zones with creatures from Africa, Australia, and South America are home to more than 1,400 animals representing 135 species, including giraffes, meerkats, wallabies, and other monkeys.
Among the interesting options are an evening safari, photography classes, and junior zookeeper programs that take kids behind the scenes.
If you still have time in the day and you want the kids to have some energy to burn, take them to Rainbow’s End. This amusing theme park offers an area just for little kids.
6. Auckland War Memorial Museum
The War Memorial Museum is a top attraction in Auckland if you’re seeking for things to do in Auckland.
On the highest point of Auckland Domain is the magnificent War Tribute Museum, which was constructed in 1929 as a tribute to New Zealand soldiers who participated in World War I.
It now houses a remarkable collection of artifacts that chronicle New Zealand’s history from the time of the early Polynesian immigrants to the present and emphasize the nation’s natural riches.
The beautiful Maori doorway that dates from the 12th to the 14th century, the lavishly decorated Meeting House, and the 25-meter-long canoe that Maori warriors once used to enter Manukau Harbour are just a few of the works of art that can be found in the Main Maori Galleries, which are particularly noteworthy.
On the first floor is the natural history collection, which includes a recreation of the nation’s renowned but extinct gigantic moa birds.
The museum’s top floor is devoted to war memorials, which outline New Zealand’s historical participation in international conflict. In addition to regular lectures and seminars, there are guided tours available.
In Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand, you can find Auckland Domain.
7. Auckland Art Gallery
The city’s most outstanding cultural facility is the Auckland Art Gallery.
With more than 15,000 pieces on display, the Auckland Art Gallery, which is situated in a spectacular French Renaissance-style building built in 1887, boasts New Zealand’s greatest art collection.
It’s a good place to start if you’re seeking for things to do in Auckland. A wide variety of artworks, including European paintings and sculptures from the 14th century, may be seen in the permanent galleries.
But the main New Zealand collection needs special consideration. The lower level contains a sizable number of pieces created by Maori and Pacific Island artisans.
8. New Zealand Maritime Museum
It’s a great idea to browse this place if you’re seeking things to do in Auckland.
New Zealanders have a long-standing affinity for the sea, and the thoughtfully organized New Zealand Nautical Museum explores this affinity by giving a broad overview of the nation’s maritime history.
The exhibits, which trace the history of the nation back to the arrival of the earliest Polynesians, include Maori canoes and outrigger boats, whaling gear, and antique instruments and utensils.
The yacht on which Sir Peter Blake and the New Zealand team won America’s Cup in 1995 is displayed in an exhibit devoted to modern sailing achievements in New Zealand.
A sightseeing visit is made even more fascinating by the fact that several of the vessels in the collection sail often.
9. Go stargazing on the Great Barrier Island
This is a fantastic destination if you’re seeking for things to do in Auckland.
Enjoy a spectacular midnight adventure and awe-inspiring stargazing with one of Good Heaven’s dark sky excursions.
The Great Barrier Island is one of just 10 places on earth that has been designated an international dark sky sanctuary.
On Great Barrier Island, which is surrounded by lovely native woods, hike the Aotea Track, check out the exotic wildlife at Glenfern Sanctuary, or unwind at Medlands Beach.
10. Waitemata Harbour
If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland, this is a great place to visit. Waitemata Harbour, which separates Auckland into two halves, is the city’s most noticeable natural feature.
Due to this conveniently accessible canal, Auckland was chosen as New Zealand’s capital in 1840 (the current capital is Wellington, although Auckland continues to be the nation’s economic hub).
It’s a great area to stroll about in and provides a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.
Another fantastic thing to do in this area is to explore Quay Street, which runs along the harbor in the central district and offers access to Princes Wharf and the ferry terminals to the Hauraki Gulf islands.
Several amusing and unique experiences may be had on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
11. Rangitoto Island
This is a great place to visit if you’re seeking for things to do in Auckland. Have you ever had a barbecue while watching the sunset on Rangitoto Island?
The most well-known island in Auckland, Rangitoto, is a dormant volcanic cone that’s located not far from the city. For breathtaking vistas, take a quick boat trip from Auckland’s downtown to the summit, or paddle across the harbor after dusk.
The largest pohutukawa forest in the world is found on Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano. Awe-inspiring views of the Hauraki Gulf may be obtained by climbing the island’s top.
12. Albert Park
The city’s most important green space is Albert Park, which features a lovely Victorian fountain, a variety of statues, and various flowerbeds.
The park is home to a range of inexpensive and unusual activities that will satiate cultural vultures and provide a tranquil haven amidst the bustle of the inner city.
You should check out this place if you’re looking for things to do in Auckland.
Since 1909, Auckland’s Meteorological Observatory, which is situated at the top of the park, has been keeping track of the weather there.
The park’s Princes Street entrance is marked with a 1953 floral clock, and Auckland’s Meteorological Observatory, which is situated at the park’s highest point, has been keeping weather records since 1909.
13. Viaduct Harbour
Because New Zealand is hosting America’s Cup sailing event, Viaduct Harbour has been turned into one of the main gathering spots for the city’s residents.
It’s a great idea to browse this place if you’re seeking things to do in Auckland. Along with having one of the biggest marinas in the nation, Viaduct Harbour has a bustling events calendar that draws tourists.
Local families frequently take advantage of free events throughout the summer at the Flower Market, which draws crowds every Sunday with live music and street food.
The crowded waterside cafés and restaurants are a great place to stop and linger over lunch while seeing Auckland’s major tourist attractions.
14. Visit the Arataki Visitor Centre
Some of Auckland’s best hiking can be found at the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, which may be explored from the Arataki Visitor Center.
If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland, this is a great place to visit. The Visitor Center does a wonderful job of highlighting local flora and fauna through interactive displays and outdoor activities.
A variety of native flora may be found in and around the center, and you’ll be able to identify them on the Waitakere Ranges trails.
Watch out for the renowned silver ferns, kowhai, and kauri. Every day, excluding Christmas, the Arataki Visitor Center in West Auckland is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
15. Howick Historical Village
This is a fantastic destination if you’re seeking for things to do in Auckland.
Anyone interested in New Zealand’s colonial heritage must visit the 1980-opened Howick Historical Village.
30 authentic historic buildings that were dismantled and reassembled on-site between the middle and late nineteenth century make up this intriguing recreation of a colonial town.
Highlights include a magnificent garden, costumed interpreters and craftsmen doing re-enactments and demonstrations, and guided tours.
Another nice pastime is a tour of the grounds in a wagon. A café and gift store are available on-site.
16. Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Islands
This is a great place to visit if you’re seeking for things to do in Auckland. In the center of Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Islands are a stunning example of nature.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Grand Barrier Island is a must-visit destination with a range of camping, hiking, mountain biking, and sea kayaking activities.
The biggest pohutukawa forest in the world is located on the dormant volcano Rangitoto Island. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf by climbing the island’s top.
17. Relax with glamping getaways
If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland, a Glamping vacation is a great place to go.
Looking for a peaceful weekend retreat or a family-friendly staycation? Glamping under the stars is best done at Castaways Resort, which is set on the cliffs above Karioitahi Beach on the Awhitu Peninsula.
It offers activities like clay bird shooting, blokarting, archery, and more, as well as breathtaking sea views, delectable dinners, a lavish spa, and beauty services.
You could also have a peek at the opulent tents and cottages on Waiheke Island and the West Auckland beaches.
18. One Tree Hill
It’s a great idea to browse this place if you’re seeking things to do in Auckland. Many Aucklanders view One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), a volcanic cone, as the symbol of their city.
The park, which has various flower beds, old trees, and walking paths, is home to the 182-meter-tall hill.
A Maori Pa, a fortified settlement that existed here before European settlers arrived, left behind remnants on the slopes of One Tree Hill, which is situated in the southwest part of the park.
The grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, who gave Auckland this patch of greenery to use as a municipal park, is marked by a lone obelisk at the top of the hill.
The town may be seen beautifully from the high hill.
19. East Coast Beaches
If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland, East Coast Beaches is a great place to go.
The eastern side of the city is littered with lovely, forest-rimmed beaches that are well-liked by people for swimming and sunbathing on the weekends.
One of the most well-liked lengths of beach in the city is Takapuna Beach, which offers views of Rangitoto Island across the water. There are less crowded beaches nearby as well, such as Milford Beach and Cheltenham Beach.
You may reach even more stunning beaches, though, by taking a short trip outside the city.
Even families with young children may enjoy swimming at the lovely Maraetai Beach thanks to its tranquil seas, while Orewa Beach’s pristine sand is just a short drive from Auckland.
20. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
This is a great place to visit if you’re seeking for things to do in Auckland. It is one of Auckland’s most well-known family attractions.
In-depth encounters with marine life are possible at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. A series of enormous aquariums housing aquatic life may be viewed from the tunnel pathways, featuring displays for sharks, tropical fish, and stingrays.
A snow-filled penguin cage in Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter collection highlights the intimate ties between New Zealand and the international scientific community in Antarctica.
Shark Dive and Shark Cage Snorkel activities at the aquarium are geared toward thrill-seekers, and online reservations qualify for savings.
Conclusion
Auckland has a wide range of attractions. The largest city in New Zealand will attract you whether you’re looking for adventure, nature, or art.
Despite the misconception that Auckland is an expensive city, there are a surprisingly large number of fantastic free activities.
There are several options, and none of them will put too much of a burden on your pocketbook, whether you choose to stay close to the city center or travel outside of central Auckland.
Perhaps you prefer to spend time outside and enjoy Auckland’s stunning natural surroundings.
Would you prefer a city’s worth of culture or art? Or maybe you’re looking for an inexpensive way to amuse the kids over the weekend or during the break from school.
Whatever you’re searching for, this list will undoubtedly motivate a few inexpensive activities on your subsequent trip to Auckland.
