Things To Do in Auckland

About

Auckland is a large metropolitan city in the North Island of New Zealand. The city is a diverse, multicultural cosmopolitan settlement. It is surrounded by mountain ranges and many dormant and active volcanoes. It is also the home to one of the busiest seaport of the country along with some of the most beautiful beaches In the southern hemisphere. The port is also close to the country’s only island scenic reserve and many smaller islands. The city being at the center of such a scenic landscape dotted with volacanic mountain ranges, sunny beaches and picturesque islands attracts a lot of travellers who come here to admire New Zealand‘s beautiful natural landscape.

History and Culture

Auckland was originally the home of New Zealand‘s Indigenous drive called the Māori. The Māori-language name for Auckland is Tāmaki Makaurau, meaning “Tāmaki desired by many”, in reference to the desirability of its natural resources and geography. When The Europeans arrived they purchased the land from the local Māori settleres. Auckland was once the capital city of New Zealand. You can still experience the local Maori culture And flavours at the local weekend markets and the museums across the city.Auckland Was named after Lord Auckland in 1840 who was at that time the viceroy of India.

Things To Do in Auckland

Rangitoto Island

The volcanic Rangitoto Island is one of the most iconic landmarks in Auckland’s city skyline. It is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field which emerged unexpectedly some 600 years ago.

Rangitoto’s peak rises 260 metres over the Hauraki Gulf. You may climb to the summit for epic views of the whole area.

Exploring Rangitoto is a ‘must do’ for locals and tourists alike. A gentle climb through lava fields will lead you to the summit in approximately one hour. You will encounter the island’s lava caves, about 45 minutes into your journey to the top.

You may also visit the graveyard for unwanted vessels – Rangitoto’s Wreck Bay. At least 13 ships were abandoned here between 1887 and 1947 when the easiest way to dispose of obsolete vessels was to drive them ashore to deteriorate. Known as the Rangitoto hulks, some large pieces of wreckage remain today as an important heritage site.

You may take a guided sea kayaking trip or get onboard the daily ferry service from either downtown Auckland or Devonport Wharf to get to the island.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island (GBI) is an island lying some 100 kilometers northeast of central Auckland in the outer Hauraki Gulf of the North Island of New Zealand. Known as “Aotea” to the indigenous Māori people, it is the sixth-largest island of New Zealand.

Perfectly positioned on the edge of the Hauraki Gulf and with no reticulated electricity supply, Aotea enjoys almost no light pollution.

It has been designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary which is an amazing place for stargazing in New Zealand. You may opt for a guided tour which will take you on a comfortable, enlightening and entertaining journey through our universe. These tours will guide you through the starry southern night skies and beyond, sharing their knowledge on the basics of astronomy.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

It is a home to pristine beaches, world class wines, and fantastic cuisine. It is considered the jewel in the Hauraki Gulf’s crown.

You may visit the local vineyards and participate in the Wine and food tasting tours. You can choose to enjoy quiet lunches at the local beachside cafes or visit one of the many breweries to taste and judge the local craft beer.

Manukau Heads Lighthouse

Manukau Heads Lighthouse, located on the south side of Auckland, is over 140 years old.The location of the lighthouse offers a wide view of the surrounding area and ocean. Sitting on the very tip of Awhitu Peninsula, it is one of only a few lighthouses in New Zealand where you can climb to the top of it.

You will view the internal displays as you walk through the historical lighthouse. Once you reach the top you can stroll around the lightkeepers’ balcony to gaze at the amazing views surrounding Manakau Heads Lighthouse . From the balcony you will be able to view the vast Manukau Bar, Paratutae, Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges, Auckland City and all of Manukau Harbour and Mount Taranaki to the south.

Auckland Museum

The Auckland Museum is one of New Zealand’s most important museums and war memorials. Its collections concentrate on New Zealand history, natural history, and military history. Regarded as one of the finest Museums in the Southern Hemisphere and is renowned for its unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures. It is also a war memorial for the Auckland province. Housed in one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings, Auckland Museum has the most significant collection of Maori and Pacific treasures in the southern hemisphere.  From the great Polynesian voyages which first brought people to Aotearoa, to the diverse cultures and communities that make up Auckland today, Auckland Museum portrays the rich diversity of New Zealand.

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is a public aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand that was opened in 1985. Here you can walk through the crowd-favourite oceanarium tunnels and marvel at the deepwater species like jellyfish, king crabs, turtles, seahorses, stingrays and many more colourful fish species. It has the world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons.

You can swim with sharks and stingrays in submerged tanks along with an experienced diver. You may take the 60-minute tour of the icy wonderland which showcases world’s largest display Antarctic and Sub Antarctic Penguin colony. During your penguin encounter, you’ll join keepers on-the-ice for a playful enrichment session, go behind-the-scenes to see how they are taken  care of and get professional photos taken of your up-close experience.

Auckland Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is a telecommunications and observation tower in Auckland, New Zealand. It is 328 metres (1,076 ft) tall,making it the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and the 27th tallest tower in the world. It is an iconic landmark in Auckland’s skyline due to its height and unique design.

While travelling to the top you will travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms. A little more adventurous travellers may SkyWalk around the pergola at 192 metres above the ground and take in the breath-taking views of the region or SkyJump off the Tower with nothing but a wire between you and the ground below.

You may also choose to have dinner at one of the three restaurants at the top while enjoying the 360˚ view of the city.

At the base of the Sky Tower, the SkyCity Auckland entertainment complex is home to two world-class hotels, Auckland’s premier dining precinct with over 20 bars and restaurants, a 700 seat theatre and a world-class Casino.

Downtown Auckland

With the bustling harbour at its centre, Auckland Downtown is a hive of retailing, leisure and big business, but also has plenty of green spaces to break things up a bit.

Exploring on foot is the best way to get the true Auckland downtown experience with all roads leading to the water. Along the way you’ll be able to stop off at one of dozens of top class restaurants, swanky bars and leisurely cafes, to just sit and enjoy Auckland’s laid back vibe and colourful culture.

You will also find a lot of avenues to fulfil your shopaholic desires or quench your thirst for local historical knowledge at the Auckland Museum and Auckland’s Art Gallery.

How to get to Auckland

By Air – Auckland being a major city has one of the best connectivity with the other major cities in the world through its busy airport.

By Car –  If you are travelling to Auckland from any of the neighbouring cities in New Zealand the best way to get there is by hiring a car and driving through the scenic landscapes of northern island of New Zealand. It will be a memorable road trip experience.

By Bus – The whole country is well connected through strictly on time city transport bus services but self driving in New Zealand is highly recommended.

To explore the city, Auckland’s public transport is a great way to get around. It’s easy to travel by train, bus or ferry throughout the inner city and the wider region, with regular routes to most major attractions and our main shopping, dining and entertainment precincts.