Best Things To Do in Auckland, New Zealand

Are you looking for what to do in Auckland?

Tourist attractions in Auckland, New Zealand are aplenty. Major Auckland attractions include Sky Tower, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, Auckland Art Gallery, One Tree Hill, Auckland Zoo and Auckland Domain. One of the things to do in Auckland is explore the islands around the city. Some island suggestions- Rangitoto Island, Motuihe Island, Brown’s Island and Tiritiri Matangi Island.

While exploring the beaches around the city, don’t forget to visit Anchor Bay Beach, Medlands Beach and Orewa Beach. Other Auckland tourist attractions include Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, Rainbow’s End, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Museum of Transport and Technology, SkyCity, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Lake Pupuke and Gus Fisher Gallery to name a few.

Below we have a list of things to do in Auckland and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Auckland getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Auckland with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Auckland

Here is the list of things to do in Auckland and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Tiritiri Matangi Island

    4.8 (2936 Votes)
    Tiritiri Matangi Island

    Island, Wildlife Sanctuary , View Point, Nature

    The Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary and is home to one of New Zealand's most important conservation projects. Located around 30 kilometres from central Auckland, the Island is 60% forested and the remaining 40% is left as grassland for species preferring open habitat. While on your exploration of the island, don’t forget to visit the infamous lighthouse.
  2. Auckland Museum

    4.6 (888 Votes)
    Auckland Museum

    Memorial, War Memorial, Cafe

    The Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of the most important museums in New Zealand and showcases rare artefacts that depict the story of Auckland along with its Natural and Military history. The building itself stands out from the surrounding landscape owing to its rich Neo-classical design. The memorial Cenotaph located close to the building as well as the exhibits inside the museum pay trib...Read more
  3. Cornwall Park

    4.7 (938 Votes)
    Cornwall Park

    Outdoors, Park, Picnic Spot, Exhibition

    Leave the bustling urban noise and explore the lush-green pocket of Cornwall Park- a vastexpanse of gorgeously green grass with trees that shade the landscape and flower beds that adorn the beautiful place. A picnic here is perfect during Spring and Summer season as you soak up the sun and get that warm tan you always wanted. The Cornwall Park Information Centre offers information, self-guided ...Read more
  4. Sky Tower

    4.5 (5121 Votes)
    Sky Tower

    Tower, Observation Deck, Skyscrapper

    The Sky Tower is 328 meters tall and stands as an icon of Auckland’s sky line. It’s an exciting hub of adrenaline activities, superb dining and breathtaking views. Sky Tower is one of Auckland’s most exhilarating tourist attractions. The tower has 3 viewing platforms and is the tallest man made structure in New Zealand. For the more adventurous souls, try their SkyWalk or...Read more
  5. Rangitoto Island

    4.6 (3476 Votes)
    Rangitoto Island

    Outdoors, Island, Adventure, Nature

    Situated around 25 minutes from Auckland by ferry, Rangitoto is the largest and youngest island in the Auckland volcanic field. It erupted in the sea in a series of explosions around 600 years ago, and is now extinct. The island is uninhabited and is a favourite destination for hikers, trekkers and explorers. Many people also go to the island on a guided kayaking adventure trip. One of the most...Read more
  6. Waitakere Ranges

    4.7 (436 Votes)
    Waitakere Ranges

    Outdoors, Adventure, Nature

    Located 25 kilometre away from Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges touches an elevation of 1555 feet and offers a breath-takingview of the coastline of New Zealand. The range is nothing short of an adventure with major surf beaches, waterfalls, reserves, parks, flora and fauna- that come together to offer the heart of New Zealand. Highlights include: Lion Rock at Piha Black Sand beaches near Tarana...Read more
  7. Mount Eden

    Outdoors, View Point, Nature, Volcano

    At 196 metres, Mount Eden, also known as Maungawhau, is the highest volcano in Auckland city. The summit to the top gives spectacular 360-degree views of Auckland and its harbours. Erupting about 15,000 years ago from three overlapping scoria cones, it formed a huge scoria mound with a central crater from the last eruption. Walk to the top of Mount Eden’s volcanic cone for some of the bes...Read more
  8. Waiheke Island

    Outdoors, Island

    Located around 17 kilometres from Auckland, the Waiheke Island is the second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Spread across approximately 19 kilometres (west to east), the island is also called a ‘homeland of artists’. The island boasts art galleries, quaint cafes, pristine beaches and more than a dozen vineyards. Also well-known is the Connells Bay Sculpture Park.
  9. Devonport

    View Point, Neighborhoods

    The 4th ‘most visited destination’ in Auckland Region, Devonport is a beautiful sea side village with marvellous heritage buildings, spectacular scenery and stunning beaches. It is just a 10 minutes ferry ride from Auckland’s CBD.
  10. Viaduct Harbour

    4.7 (722 Votes)
    Viaduct Harbour

    Museum, View Point, Walking Area, Restaurant

    The Viaduct Harbour is where the major commercial and entertainment places are located. The residential places at the harbour ooze luxury while the cruise tours are the obvious highlights. The local attractions at the harbor including the museums, restaurants and the number of events taking place here, makes this a rather special neighborhood. The annual Louis Vuitton Regattas, Volvo Round, the...Read more
  11. Auckland Zoo

    4.5 (2755 Votes)
    Auckland Zoo

    Zoo

    Spread across 17 hectares (42 acres), Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand. 138 different species and over 875 animals call the zoo their home. To get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures, do sign up for their ‘behind the scene’ experiences. There is lot to see and do all year, including eve...Read more
  12. Auckland Art Gallery

    4.5 (3129 Votes)
    Auckland Art Gallery

    Art Gallery, Sculpture

    Situated within a beautiful French-style mansion, the Auckland Art Gallery was established in the year 1888. It has New Zealand’s most extensive collection of art- historic, modern and contemporary. It also houses paintings, sculpture and print collections of international artists, right from the 11th century to till date. Many people, kids as well as adults, enjoy trying their hand at Le...Read more
  13. One Tree Hill

    4.7 (3298 Votes)
    One Tree Hill

    Outdoors, Hill, Picnic Spot, Nature

    One Tree Hill is Auckland’s largest intact volcanic cone. Also known as Maungakiekie, a summit to the top gives you extensive and beautiful views of the city. The 183 metre volcano has three caters and a lava field as well. Surrounding the location are green meadows and you can find sheep grazing peacefully in the vicinity. At the top, there is a monument of a prominent public figure, Sir...Read more
  14. Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum

    Museum

    The Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum has the largest marine collection in New Zealand. Spread over 7 galleries, visitors find out everything about New Zealand’s maritime, right from how the first Polynesian people made the migration to Aotearoa to the early European exploration and settlement of New Zealand to New Zealand’s modern-day yachting success. One can also experience Wai...Read more
  15. Auckland Domain

    4.6 (2941 Votes)
    Auckland Domain

    Museum, Park

    Auckland Domain is Auckland’s oldest park. Spread across an area of 75 hectares (185 acres), the Wintergardens are its most visited feature. It also houses the infamous Auckland War Memorial Museum. Within the park, there are landscaped lawns and gardens, duck ponds, bush walks, sports fields, sculptures, green houses and picnic areas. An interesting trivia about Auckland Domain- the park...Read more