Your flights have been reserved, you’re all packed, and you’re off to Auckland! But, you want to know the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand.
It’s one of the best (and the biggest) New Zealand cities you’ll love.
There are so many of the best things to do in Auckland that (seriously, it’s such a wonderful place) you’re really going to be spoiled for variety.
It’s a town that’s just a lot of fun.
One of the best things about New Zealand cities (like Wellington, too) is that they are so similar to nature.
But, they also have a proper spirit of the city that is ideal for us travelers to experience.
1. Enjoy Toi o Tāmakiki’s Auckland Art Gallery
The gallery’s exterior is impressive, to say the least. Within, you can find a collection of more than 16,000 pieces of art (from as early as the 10th century to modern-day work).
It is certainly worth a visit to this art gallery, and admission is free, which is always a bonus.
2. Sky Tower of Auckland
The Sky Tower is the tallest building in New Zealand at 328 meters high and the most prominent landmark on the Auckland skyline.
Although one of the top attractions to see in Auckland is certainly the tower itself the view from its observation deck is even better.
And if you’re not excited about the view from the tower in any way, you might as well jump off it at the Sky Tower Sky Jump, literally.
It’s one of best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand and most exhilarating things to do just stay away if you’re afraid of heights.
3. See Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a pretty spot to see in the area, centered on Barrhead Location.
It was opened in 2008 and is a wonderful place to discover, to walk, and to learn.
Avondale is the nearest train station and it’s very convenient to get to from the front of the harbor.
4. Harbor Viaduct
After hosting America’s Cup yachting regatta, this area became one of the most bustling entertainment districts in the region.
Don’t miss seeing the harbor come to life on a Sunday as the vibrant flower market of the city opens up to a live music soundtrack and a tasty street food sale (like the fluffy pancakes at No.1 Pancake).
5. Visit One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill dominates Cornwall Park at a height of 182 meters and hosts a variety of fascinating sights.
Don’t miss the ruins of a fortified village (Maori Pa) from the pre-European era, or the obelisk built on Sir John Logan Campbell’s grave.
Needless to add, the views of Auckland itself are also stunning from the top of the hill.
One Tree Hill is considered by many of its inhabitants to be a landmark of Auckland, so it is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Auckland and a must-see’.
6. Harbour Waitemata
The main part of the city is highly photogenic and dominated by the kilometer-long Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The bridge is one of Auckland’s most impressive man-made sights, at more than 43 meters in height.
The harbor is lined with plenty of bars and restaurants, making it a scenic part of the city to refuel in.
Take a boat out on the water to get a fresh view of the city and bask in the views (that’s one of the best things to do in Auckland).
7. Isle of Waiheke
From Princes Wharf, the ferry across to the island only takes about 40 minutes, so the off-shore offerings of Auckland are pretty easy to explore.
There are some trails you can take through and around the island if you’re a more involved sightseer.
You will enjoy the cafés and art galleries of the island’s villages if you want a more casual approach.
Don’t skip the Stony Batter Historic Reserve, an underground tunnel system built in the event of a city attack in World War II.
8. Cathedral of St Patrick’s
One of the first constructed churches in New Zealand is St Patrick’s.
It was built in 1848 and is now a striking example of older architecture in a city that is generally modern.
It can get a little lost from view among the skyscrapers of the city, but it’s worth finding peace and contemplation for a few moments.
9. Search for some historic buildings in Auckland
In this big modern city, locating older buildings is a bit like an Easter egg search, but there are certainly some treats to be found.
The highlights include the Chief Post Office (1911), the port’s English-Baroque Ferry Building (1912), and the Town Hall’s, especially striking marble façade.
Searching historic buildings is one of the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand.
10. Visit The Village of Parnell
Parnell Village is one part of Auckland that will whisk you away to a time that has passed.
Wander the quaint (and historic) little streets around here.
Pop into some of the indie coffee shops and grab a couple of the boutiques’ trinkets. It’s a beautiful place.
Now the weekends are getting busy, so be prepared for some crowds.
Head over on a Monday or earlier in the day if that isn’t your thing.
11. See Point Bastion
For sightseeing value, Bastion Point is a triple whammy.
With golden beaches and green parkland, the place itself is breathtaking.
Then there’s the massive obelisk commemorating Michael Joseph Savage, the country’s first Labor Prime Minister.
It provides a great view of the skyline of Auckland, the harbor, and Rangitoto Island on top of that.
So, these are some of the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand and there are still many other opportunities for Backpackers.
