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
There are thousands of sailboats and yachts in the harbor and an extremely high per capita sailboat ownership, making Auckland the “City of a Thousand Sails”. Therefore, harbors must be the center point of your self-guided tour in Auckland. Many Auckland skyline photo spots are worth visiting for tourists. Let’s see those fun things to do in Auckland:
1. 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.
📍How to get there:
It’s a walk away. Starting 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 to enter the Viaduct Harbour area. Then, cross the Wynyard Crossing, and the best photo spot is in front of the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre.
2. 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 located about 5km south of downtown Auckland. It is a dormant volcano that was formed 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. The crater is now a large pit covered with green grass. It is not difficult to hike or ride a bike to get there. The sunset is beautiful and it is also one of the must-see spots for tourists. Whether day or night, Mount Eden is the perfect place to capture the Auckland skyline.
📍How to get there:
- 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:
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.
3. Devonport/North Head
Take a 15-minute ferry from the city to the historic districts of Devonport or North Point. Across the harbor from downtown Auckland, you’ll see a very different Auckland skyline – the harbor and ships stand before the city’s skyscrapers, and the Harbour Bridge can be seen in the distance.
In addition to the excellent views and scenery, Devonport and North Point are also full of history. There are many old European-style buildings, abandoned old forts, and antique shops that cannot be found in downtown Auckland. These are very suitable for people who come to travel to find unique souvenirs. So visiting Devonport is absolutely among the top things to do in Auckland.
📍How to get there:
- Ferries from the city to and from Devonport are frequent with long operating hours. 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.
🛌 Accommodation:
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.
Things to Do in Auckland Downtown
Auckland Downtown was first established in 1840. It is the most densely populated area in New Zealand and one of the oldest urban centers. It is home to the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the 328-meter-high Sky Tower. Sky City under the Sky Tower has New Zealand’s largest casino and other comprehensive entertainment and dining options.
In addition, the Auckland Art Gallery in the Downtown is small but exquisite, displaying many outstanding works of local New Zealand artists, suitable for tourists of all ages. The University of Auckland is the largest and most powerful institution of higher learning in New Zealand. Visiting the old buildings of the UoA which are represented by the clock tower, the open campus, and the strong academic atmosphere, have become the best things to do in Auckland for tourists.
1. 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.
📍 Visiting information:
- 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). - Tickets: $32 for adults, $13 for children aged 6-14, free for children under 5.
2. War Memorial Museum/Auckland Domain
Who says you must have a bulging wallet to have fun in Auckland? There are many free things to do in Auckland as well. A visit to the War Memorial can be one of them. 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.
📍 Visiting information:
- Address: The Auckland Domain, Parnell.
- Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (except Christmas Day)
- Tickets: $25 for adults, $10 for children aged 6-14, free for children under 5.
🚌 How to get there:
- 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.
3. Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery is the most important art gallery in Auckland, New Zealand. Founded in 1888, it is the first art gallery in New Zealand to have permanent exhibitions. Among the numerous collections, the most famous is the “Group Portrait” created by Picasso for his family. This painting was created in 1951 and is one of Picasso’s representative paintings. It can be called the “treasure of the town” of Auckland Art Gallery.
📍 Visiting information:
- Address: Corner of Kitchener St and Wellesley St E
- Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (clearance at 16:45; closed on Christmas Day)
- Tickets: $20 for adults, $17 for seniors aged 65 and above/Students, free for children under 12.
4. Parnell/Ponsonby
Parnell, Ponsonby and Devonport across the harbour are among Auckland’s most historic 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.
Things To Do in Auckland With Kids
1. Auckland Zoo + West Springs
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, you may want to take a walk around the “Duck Lake” at West Springs Park next door. When you enter the park, you will be surprised by the flocks of various waterfowl here. In West Springs, people can freely take photos and interact with swans, wild ducks, and geese. But one thing must be remembered: no feeding of any food to waterfowl is allowed!
📍 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).
🚌 How to get there:
- 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.
2. Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
As an island country with rich marine ecological diversity, it is a very valuable parent-child tour option to take children to learn about and watch the marine animals that live in New Zealand waters during a self-guided tour in Auckland. Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is a small but exquisite “underground” marine animal protection and exhibition center. At the Auckland Zoo, you can enjoy the most complete range of terrestrial animals in New Zealand, and at Kelly Tarlton’s you will see the richest marine animals.
Of course, there are no dolphin, whale, seal shows in New Zealand aquariums. This is because the animal rights protection law here prohibits the captivity of large marine animals and restricts 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.
📍 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).
🚌 How to get there:
- 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 Auckland CBD, with the main street Queen’s Road as its central axis, is the most concentrated shopping in Auckland for tourists. There is a wide selection of local products, souvenirs and international brands.
1. T Galleria By DFS
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.
📍 Visiting information:
- Address: Corner of Customs and Albert Streets
- Business Hours: 10:30-21:00 (Open at 13:00 on Mondays)
🚌 How to get there:
- Walking is recommended. Go along Queen’s Road towards the pier and turn left at the last traffic light.
2. 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.
📍 Visiting information:
- Address: 151 Arthur St, Onehunga, Auckland.
- Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday, 10:00-17:00; Thursday, 10:00-19:00.
🚌 How to get there:
- Train: 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
- Option 1: City Centre – Harbour District – Devonport – Parnell Quarter – Central Park and Museums.
- Option 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.
Things to Know before You Go
1. Best time to travel in Auckland
- Spring (September to November)
When the weather warms up and flowers bloom, it is a good time to enjoy flowers, especially cherry blossoms and lupines.
- Summer (December to February)
The peak tourist season is suitable for outdoor activities such as beach activities, boating, fishing, hiking, etc.
- Autumn (March to May)
It is a good time to enjoy the golden autumn scenery and taste fine wine. The mountains of South Island are full of autumn colors, which is very suitable for photography.
- Winter (June to August)
Suitable for skiing, hot springs and watching the aurora.
2. Currency
The currency unit of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar or New Zealand dollar (NZS). Written as NZD, NZ$; 1 New Zealand dollar is about 0.57 US dollars.
3. Tip
New Zealand is not a tipping country, so you don’t need to tip in restaurants. If you think the service is excellent, you can leave a tip to thank the waiter.
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.
