We love the City of Sails! From its beautiful landscape and relaxed coastal living vibe to the buzzing urban hub in the heart of the city. Whether you are a local, a traveller, or someone on a business trip, this city has something for everyone.
Explore beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, and native bush. Auckland’s walks and spectacular hikes will bring you joy and do wonders to your soul. Love history and art? Well, there is plenty of art galleries and museums for your delight. Explore Auckland’s waterfront precinct in the heart of the city and watch the world go by.
Curious? Discover 15 amazing free or wallet friendly activities do to in and around Auckland that will leave you in awe.
Inner City Attractions
Climb a volcano – Auckland’s landscape is dotted with over 50 volcanic cones, all great spots for 360-degree views. All you need to do is look around you, and you will surely spot one or two around you. Our favourites are Mt. Eden, One Tree Hill, Mt Victoria, or North Head, which are right on your doorstep.
Wynyard Quarter
A part of the city always full of energy, Wynyard Quarter is a must see. From buskers giving you live entertainment, to the famous talking funnels for you to enjoy, to the bars and restaurants bursting with favours, there is something for everyone.
Ponsonby
It’s hip, it’s chic, it’s fabulous! Shopping central by day, buzzing atmosphere by night, where you can find amazing cocktails or perfectly poured craft beer. A place where you can eat, drink and shop at the same time. Ponsonby is the place to be!
Silo Park
If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon with your favourite people, check out Silo Park! From the famous Silo Cinema and Silo Bar, to local DJs and delicious food trucks, to all year round events, this inner-city oasis has everything you are looking for.
Head to the harbour and watch the boats sail by
One of Auckland’s most beautiful spots in Auckland is our Harbour. A place where land meets sea, sit back relax and watch the boats sail by. Then, take a stroll through the Viaduct Harbour where you can find your favourite bars and restaurants to watch the sun go down.
Free events and festivals
All year-round, Auckland is filled with awesome FREE events and festivals bringing you the best live music and entertainment. To keep up to date with what is happening now, check out https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit
Nature
Explore Waikehe Island
A wine lovers haven, it is a must do whilst in Auckland. Only a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, this beautiful island is full of vineyards, wineries, olive groves and beaches for you to explore.
Discover Rangitoto Island
If escaping city life for a day is what you are looking for, it’s time to discover Rangitoto island! One of the most iconic landmarks in Auckland’s city skyline, and only a short ferry ride away; walk through rugged lava surfaces, black lava caves and take in the beautiful city views at the summit.
Our tip: take a torch to explore the caves, and make sure you don’t miss the last ferry back to Auckland as this wallet friendly day trip can quickly become quite the opposite!
Beaches
Who doesn’t love a beach day? Well, Auckland has plenty of beautiful beaches for you to choose from. Relax and unwind at Orewa Beach in the north or go wild in the west coast beaches like Piha and Karekare. Mission Bay is also a popular spot closer to Auckland CBD.
Devonport
Hop on a ferry from downtown Auckland for only $11.50 and explore Devonport. Check out the underground tunnels, gun emplacements and fortifications at North Head. Climb the volcanic cone and enjoy the incredible 360-degree views over the Hauraki Gulf and across to the city.
Get walking
Explore the Museums and Art Galleries
Want to inject a little history and culture into your Auckland trip? The museums and art galleries are the way to go. If you are a NZ resident, check out the Auckland Art Gallery for free; if you love the ocean, the Maritime Museum will take you on a journey through time. There is also Auckland War Memorial Museum and MOTAT for you to explore.
Chase Waterfalls
Discovering a waterfall always puts a smile on your face. Image having 11 breath-taking waterfalls for you to chase, all about an hour’s drive from Auckland city centre! Yey. Karekare Falls, Oakley Creek Falls, Mauku Waterfall, to name a few.
Our tip: Wait for a rainy day! You’ll love what you see.
Discover many beautiful walks and hikes
For all the adventurers, the hikers, or even those who love going for a short stroll, Auckland has some of the most amazing trails and walks. Take a short stroll through the Western Springs. Learn something new about Auckland on the Takapuna-Milford Heritage Walk with each key point explained or challenge yourself and explore Auckland’s entire coastline by foot. The North Shore Coastal Walk will take you from Long Bay to Devonport in a six to seven-hour walk.