Auckland, known as the “Sailing Capital,” is situated in the north of New Zealand. It is bordered by the South Pacific’s Hauraki Gulf in the north and the Tasman Sea’s Manukau Harbour in the south. Most of the urban area is spread over a narrow strip of land between the two oceans. A well-developed economy, a pleasant environment, a high standard of living, and stunning landscapes make for many of the best things to do in Auckland. As one of the world’s most livable cities, Auckland is a place to enjoy the romance of a seaside city and to visit easily. If you come to Auckland, you will linger; its magnificent natural scenery, with its long history of people, has been lovely to every tourist.
Fun Things To Do in Auckland
Harbour Skyline
When you first arrive, there are many fun things to do in Auckland. At the outset, the best thing to do in Auckland is visit the beautiful city skyline. Auckland has thousands of sailboats and yachts and the highest per capita sailboat ownership. Therefore, the self-guided tour of Auckland will undoubtedly revolve around her harbor. Here are some of the best Auckland skyline spots to visit.
Auckland Downtown Harbour
Auckland city center on the Hauraki Gulf side. The harbor area at the northern end of the city center includes four parts: Queen’s Pier, Princes Pier, Viaduct Harbour, and Wynyard Yard. The Harbour area is the best thing to do in Auckland and the most popular place to take photos of the city skyline.
It’s a walk away. From the city center, walk to the Ferry Building at the end of Queen St, then turn left and continue walking along Quay St for about 10 minutes into the Viaduct Harbour area. Next, the best photo opportunity is to cross Wynyard Crossing in front of the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre.
Staying at the Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park for one of the most memorable housing experiences ever, ideally located in the heart of vibrant Auckland, just a 5-minute walk from the stunning Viaduct Harbour. In addition, the butler service in the hotel’s star-rated suites is second to none in Auckland, so whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park has you covered.
Mount Eden
Viewing the unique crater at the top of Mount Eden is one of the reasons tourists love to come here and is also one of the fun things to do in Auckland. Mount Eden is the highest and most famous of Auckland’s more than 40 extinct volcanic craters. At 196 meters above sea level, Mount Eden gives you a 360-degree view of the entire Auckland city center. Whether day or night, Mount Eden is the perfect place to capture the Auckland skyline.
- Sightseeing Bus: Mt Eden Stop, The Blue Tour of Auckland Explorer Bus.
- City Bus: 25B/25L bus. Departure point: Queen St outside St James; Terminal: 40 Esplanade Rd. Get off the bus and walk for about 10 minutes to enter Mount Eden Park.
Accommodation is generally the first consideration for tourists to ensure travel safety. Haka Lodge Auckland is the best place to stay, within walking distance of Mount Eden, for easy travel and time-saving. Every room in the hotel is lockable, so luggage and belongings can be safely stored. In addition, quality mattresses, sheets, duvets, and towels are also provided so visitors can fully enjoy the feeling of vacation.
Devonport
Take a ferry to the historic districts of Devonport or North Point, across the harbor from downtown Auckland, and you’ll see a very different Auckland skyline – the harbor and boats ahead of the city’s tall buildings and the harbor bridge in the distance. In addition to great views and scenery, Devonport and North Point also have a lot of history. There are many old European buildings, abandoned artillery batteries, and old antique shops that can’t be found in downtown Auckland, which is perfect for people who come to the independent tour to find a unique hand gift. Therefore, visiting Devonport is the top thing to do in Auckland.
Ferries from the city to and from Devonport are frequent and operate for long periods. From 6 a.m. to 11:30 midnight, they run every 30 minutes at regular times and only every 15 minutes at peak times. So you can easily plan a trip to Devonport.
421 Queen Street Apartment is located in the heart of Auckland, within 1 km of a bus and train station or Great City Ferries to Devonport. For those on a short trip to Auckland, Queen Street Apartment is worth considering as it is cheaper than a hotel and accepts short-term rentals.
Auckland Downtown
War Memorial Museum/Auckland Domain
Who says you must have a bulging wallet to have fun in Auckland? A visit to the War Memorial can be a fun thing to do in Auckland for free. If you have a full day free in Auckland, head to the most expansive green space east of the city center with its lush greenery and Winter Gardens.
Although its full name is “War Memorial,” this architecturally imposing museum is comprehensive, with exhibits on human history, Maori culture, and unique nature. Perfect for visitors who like to visit museums or travel with children. You have the most open green space in the city center, lush trees with roots, and the Winter Gardens are free to visit.
Adult tickets for overseas visitors are $25, $10 for children aged 6-14, and free for children aged five and under.
- Address: The Auckland Domain, Parnell.
- Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (except Christmas Day).Traffic
- Walk 30-40 minutes from the city center to the museum.
- Sightseeing Bus: Auckland War Memorial Museum, The Red Tour of Auckland Explorer Bus.
- City Bus: 1. Inner Link Green Line bus. From: 175 Queen St; Terminal: 470 Parnell Rd. 2. Outer Link Yellow Line bus. From: 10 Wellesley St; Terminal: 470 Parnell Rd.
Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland’s city center, founded in 1840, is the most densely populated area in New Zealand and one of the oldest urban centers. The Auckland Art Gallery is small and sophisticated. It showcases the best work of local New Zealand artists, so it’s on the list of things to do in the Auckland CBD. It is undoubtedly a place to visit for travelers who want to learn more about the origins of art in Auckland.
Admission fee for overseas visitors:
- Adults are $20, seniors over 65 are $17, school students are $17, and children 12 and under are free.
- Address: Corner of Kitchener St and Wellesley St E.
- Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (Clearance starts at 16:45; Closed on Christmas Day).
Sky Tower
Visiting the Sky Tower has become one of the top 10 things to do in Auckland. The Sky Tower is Auckland’s iconic lighthouse, and at 328 meters, it is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. During the day, visitors can dare to walk on the glass floor or try skydiving from the tower. This is an excellent way to rush the adrenaline and capture beautiful moments in Auckland. When night falls, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Auckland City, also Auckland’s night view of choice. In addition, Sky City under the Sky Tower has New Zealand’s largest casino and other comprehensive entertainment and dining facilities.
The adult ticket is $32, the tickets for children aged 6-14 are $13, and the tickets for children aged five and under are free.
- Address: Corner Victoria and Federal Streets.
- Opening hours:
May – October: 9:00-22:00 (Admission closes at 21:30).
November-April: Sunday to Thursday 8:30-22:30 (admission closes at 22:00).
Friday and Saturday 8:30-23:30 (Admission ends at 23:00).
Parnell/Ponsonby
Parnell, Ponsonby, and Devonport across the harbor are some of Auckland’s oldest suburbs. Parnell is renowned for its idyllic city center style, with many vintage cafes and decorative art shops. If you’re lucky enough to visit Parnell over the weekend, don’t miss the weekend French Market, closest to Auckland’s city center, for fresh vegetables, artisanal food, and unique crafts.
Ponsonby is a trendsetter on the western edge of Auckland’s CBD area. With the most popular and avant-garde culture, clothing, and art, the liveliest bar nightlife, and the most diverse and open atmosphere, visitors can get a natural feel for contemporary New Zealand pop culture and the lives of the younger generation.
Parnell French Market Information
- Address: 69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell
- Opening Hours: Every Saturday 8:00 – 13:30; Every Sunday 9:00 – 13:30.
- Transport: Take the following bus routes, get off at Parnell Main Street, and walk for 10 minutes.
Transport in Parnell
- Walking: Parnell is close to Auckland Central Park, and the main street, Parnell Rd, is about a 30-minute walk from the city center.
- Sightseeing Bus: Parnell Village, The Red Tour of Auckland Explorer Bus (Auckland Explorer Bus Red Line City Harbour Departure Stop 7)
- City buses:
1. Inner Link Green Line Bus. Starts at 175 Queen St; ends at 128 Parnell Rd.
2. Outer Link Yellow Line Bus. Starts at 10 Wellesley St; ends at 128 Parnell Rd.
Transport in Ponsonby
- Walking: Walk along Queen’s Road opposite the harbor, turn right onto Karangahape Rd, continue walking, and finally turn right onto Ponsonby Rd to reach Ponsonby Main Street. This takes 30-40 minutes each way.
- City buses:
1. Inner Link Green Line Bus.
2. Outer Link Yellow Line Bus.
Fun Things To Do in Auckland With Kids
Auckland Zoo/West Springs
Visiting Information
- Address: Motions Rd., Western Springs.
- Online booking 24 hours in advance discount: Adult $24; Children 4-14 $13; Free for children under four years old.
- Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:15).
Auckland Zoo is the largest in New Zealand but differs from domestic zoos. Visitors with children will have an enjoyable parent-child experience. As a result of New Zealand’s strict animal protection laws, the zoo gives the impression that the environment is clean and spacious, the tourists are well-organized, and the animals are comfortable. At the same time, visitors who participate in daily animal interaction activities can understand how severe New Zealanders are about animal protection education. It’s also something locals and visitors alike love things to do in Auckland with kids.
After visiting the zoo, tourists may wish to go to the next door, “Duck Lake” Xiquan Park, for a circle. Walking into the park, you will be surprised by the scene where all kinds of waterfowl flock. In Xiquan Park, visitors can freely take photos and interact with swans, ducks, and geese, But remember one thing: do not feed any food to waterfowl.
- Sightseeing Bus: Auckland Zoo, The Blue Tour of Auckland Explorer Bus.
- City Bus: No. 18/195. From: Victoria St near Elliott St; Terminal: Great North Rd opp Motions Rd. Get off the bus and walk for about 10 minutes to the entrance.
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
Visiting Information
- Address: 23 Tamaki Dr, Orakei.
- Ticket Price: Admission for adults is $32 (online booking only), and for children 3-15 years old, it is $22.
- Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:00).
As an island country with rich Marine ecological diversity, taking children on a self-guided tour of Auckland to learn about and watch the Marine animals living in New Zealand’s waters is a valuable family tour option. The Kelley Tarton Aquarium is a small, “underground” Marine animal conservation display center. Visitors can see the broadest range of land animals at Auckland Zoo in New Zealand; at Kelitarton, tourists can visit the widest range of marine animals.
There are no dolphin, whale, or seal shows at New Zealand’s aquariums because animal rights laws here prohibit large marine animals from being kept in captivity and restrict their freedom. Here, parents can learn how to care for and protect animals with their children. So these are some things to do in Auckland with kids.
- Sightseeing Bus: Kelly Tarlton’s, The Red Tour of Auckland Explorer Bus.
- City Bus: TMK(Tamaki) special line bus. From: 55 Customs St East; Terminal: Tamaki Drive/SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. The aquarium is across the street.
Shopping in Auckland
The city centre area,with the main street Queen’s Road as its central axis, is the most concentrated shopping in Auckland for tourists to self-tour. There is a wide selection of local products, souvenirs and international brands.
T Galleria By DFS
Address: Corner of Customs and Albert Streets
Business Hours: 10:30-21:00 (Open at 13:00 on Mondays)
T Galleria is a duty-free shop for overseas tourists in the city center. Customers can only pay to shop here if they provide an international ticket and passport for their recent departure and pick up their goods at Auckland Airport to board the plane. From global brands to local milk powder, honey, health supplements, red wine, and champagne, overseas visitors can buy at least 15% GST. For shopaholics, it’s one of the best shopping malls in Auckland.
Traffic: walking is recommended. Go along Queen’s Road towards the pier and turn left at the last traffic light.
Dress-Smart
Dress-Smart is located in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga, and its primary consumers are people who live here. However, in recent years, most tourists have started coming to this inexpensive place for shopping. Outlets in New Zealand are much the same as domestic outlet malls. If you want to buy discounted designer brands like UGG, NIKE, and Adidas and have enough for half a day, this is one of the best shopping in Auckland. Don’t worry: Dress-Smart has no parallel imports and guarantees authenticity.
Address: 151 Arthur St, Onehunga, Auckland.
Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday, 10:00-17:00; Thursday, 10:00-19:00.
Traffic: Take the Onehunga Line from Britomart station in the city center to the terminal at Onehunga, which takes about 20 minutes and leaves every 30 minutes.
Popular Self-Guided Itineraries
Half Day Tours
- Option 1: Auckland City Centre (University/Art Gallery/Sky Tower) – Docklands – Devonport and Mount Victoria.
- Option 2: Downtown – Port Area – Mt. Eden.
Day Tours
- Mainline 1: City Centre – Harbour District – Devonport – Parnell Quarter – Central Park and Museums.
- Mainstream 2: Downtown – Harbour District – Central Park and Museum – Mount Eden – Ponsonby Quarter.
- Family Line 1: Downtown – Aquarium – Museum – Mount Eden.
- Family Line 2: Downtown – Museum – Mount Eden – Zoo.
Conclusion
The best things to do in Auckland depend on what each visitor wants to gain the most. On the one hand, Auckland is more than just a travel mecca; it’s a destination for exploration, learning, and inspiration. On the other hand, from the highest peaks to the most profound cultures, every experience in Auckland is waiting to be experienced. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with the land’s heritage, Auckland offers a range of treasures that will capture your heart and enrich your spirit.
FAQ
Is 3 days in Auckland enough?
Three days is enough to visit the essential attractions in Auckland’s city centre; if you also want to know more about the local customs of Auckland, tourists may need a more extended period, such as want to know about the short-term rental flats, you can pay attention to the uhomes.com.
How do I spend a day in Auckland?
1.Visit to the city centre harbour area.
2.Explore the Auckland Museum.
3.Shop at T Galleria By DFS.
What is famous in Auckland?
1.Sky Tower.
2.Mount Eden.
3.Queens Wharf.
4.Viaduct Harbour.
