There is hardly anyone who has not heard of Auckland – one of New Zealand’s primary tourist destinations. It is only fair to say that Auckland’s fame is well-deserved. This city is just as rich as the country itself.
With its two dazzling harbors – Manukau and Waitemata – and the 328-meter high Sky Tower, Auckland is a modern metropolis situated amidst lush rainforests, stunning black and gold sand beaches, challenging hike trails, and intriguing volcanoes.
The city is a perfect destination for any type of tourist, as it gives you plenty of different opportunities to enjoy your stay as you please. You can set off on extreme outdoor adventures, splurge in a wine-and-dine extravaganza downtown, enjoy peaceful walks around the parks, and whatnot. Auckland is also packed with the country’s best museums and cultural institutions, and it is an excellent family destination, with the local zoo being an all-time favorite for kids.
Unique Auckland Activities for Visitors of All Interests
There are plenty of things to do in this vivacious city, whether you are a solo traveler, a group, or a family. We have compiled below a concise list of Auckland-specific activities, which is by no means exhaustive but aims to give you a few general directions.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum hosts the world’s largest collection of over 1,000 Māori treasures, also called Māori taonga. You can see here tiny objects from the native people’s daily life as well as original large-scale artifacts, such as a canoe and a meeting house.
The SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is a truly fascinating place. Here, you will have the chance to see in person the world’s largest penguin colony exhibit. After all, who doesn’t love penguins, right? The place is also home to the only display of Spiny Sea Dragons worldwide. Besides, you can enjoy an impressive underwater aquarium full of the most curious water species and colorful fish. And if this isn’t enough – book a dive into the shark tank at feeding time. We bet your adrenaline levels will smash the ceiling!
If you need a soothing potion for your soul following the shark tank dive suggested above, we offer you a visit to Waiheke Island, which is also known as Auckland’s island of wine. Take a long walk along the sunny beaches, enjoy a bunch of awesome views, and join a wine tasting tour at some of the local 30+ wineries. Now, this is what we call a relaxation extravaganza!
The Great Barrier Island is a uniquely beautiful piece of Earth and the world’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary Island. It features minimal outdoor lighting for all romantic souls who wish to gaze at the dreamy stars at night.
Enjoying a local meal is always a great idea when touring around. While in Auckland, you can ferry to The Riverhead, which is the country’s oldest historic riverside tavern. It is a great place to visit during both summer and winter, as it offers an amazing combination of charming views overlooking the water and a cozy fireside atmosphere.
You didn’t think we’d miss including Auckland’s Sky Tower in this list, did you? With 328m in height, this is New Zealand’s tallest building. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views and try sky jumping for some major thrill.
Other Popular Auckland Adventures
There are so many things to do in Auckland that it is hard to list them all. However, we have added a few more ideas for your trip below:
- Visit Rotoroa Island
- Walk the Coast to Coast Walkway
- Paddle to the Rangitoto dormant volcano island
- Cruise with the “Shuckleferry”
Exploring Auckland’s Hidden Assets: A Wellness Paradise
Most people think about extreme sports and high-adrenaline adventures when they hear about New Zealand. However, the country is an excellent destination for wellness tourism as well. Auckland, for that matter, is also full of fantastic spa retreats like The Spa in the Park Hyatt at Wynyard Quarter, Te Wahi Ora on the shores of Piha, Wainamu Luxury Tents on Auckland’s west coast, and many more.
So why not add a little zen to your New Zealand trip by taking a little time for yourself at one of Auckland’s wellness retreats? Pamper yourself with some aromatherapy, indulge in a hot stone massage, or immerse yourself in a steamy bubbly bath to continue your journey all new and refreshed.
Strolling Down the Amazing Auckland Parks
Auckland boasts a rich variety of parks, where you can enjoy a diverse landscape and beautiful views. Whether you are a trekking fan, an avid picnic lover, or simply prefer to admire nature from a random bench, you will be delighted by the endless opportunities offered by the local parks.
You can choose among regional destinations, such as Ambury, Awhitu, Duder, Hunua, Long Bay, and many more. Most of them are just a quick drive away from the city, and there are plenty of convenient transportation options.
In addition, you can savor some of Auckland’s numerous city parks like Cornwall, Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, Western Springs Park, Auckland Domain, and the absolutely astounding Auckland Botanic Gardens.