Things to do in Auckland

Visiting the largest city in New Zealand? Don’t miss out on the must see attractions in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city, home to a third of the country’s population. Framed by the Waitematā and Manukau harbours and dotted with 53 volcanic cones, Auckland City unfolds a medley of cosmopolitan flair and Māori heritage across this narrow isthmus.

Welcome to Auckland: Tāmaki Makaurau

The Māori name for Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau, can be translated to "Tāmaki desired by many", reflecting the area's long history as a coveted location due to its fertile land, plentiful resources, and strategic location. A more recent moniker, ‘City of Sails’, recognises Auckland’s maritime culture, evident in the bustling marinas and yacht-dotted harbour. Whether you’ve got a quick window before your trip sets off or time for a longer stay, Auckland is packed with things to see and do.

What's the best way to get around Auckland?

Arriving into Auckland? You have a few options for getting yourself into the city:

Public Transport: The AirportLink bus connects to major train lines at Puhinui Station. This is the most affordable option.
Sky Bus: Direct airport-to-city service with regular departures outside both the international and domestic terminals
Shuttle: Multiple shuttle companies offer door-to-door services.
Taxi or Rideshare: Uber, Didi, and local taxis are all available at the terminal.
By Car: It’s about a 25–30 minute drive to central Auckland, rental cars available onsite.

Navigating the city is easy with a mix of walking, ferries, and public transport. Use Google Maps with the transit (bus/train/ferry) icon for best results. Tap on with an AT HOP card or a contactless credit/debit card. Uber and cabs are available too.

Explore the Waterfront

Head down to the water’s edge and wander wharves lined with eateries. Walk west from the bottom of Queen Street, past the ferry terminal and the excellent New Zealand Maritime Museum, then continue to the Viaduct Harbour Basin, a cool spot for yacht-spotting, people-watching, and al-fresco dining. The Giraffe, owned by a local celebrity chef, and Bivacco are two of our favourites.

Cross the footbridge to reach Wynyard Quarter, an interesting mix of open spaces, waterfront eateries, and maritime relics. Climb the gantry for panoramic harbour views or just relax by the water. Notable culinary offerings here include Badduzi, The Goodluck Coconut, and The Conservatory.

Ferry to Devonport

Jump on the commuter ferry (departing every 15–30 minutes from the Ferry Building) and cruise 10 minutes to Devonport, a historic suburb full of character. Peruse its Victorian-era villas, shops, and cafés. Corelli’s Café is a local favourite and sits next-door to community-run ‘The Vic’ cinema, heritage-listed as the oldest purpose-built cinema in the Southern Hemisphere.

On a fine day, unwind at the small beach on the north side of the ferry terminal, or walk up Mt Victoria for views of the gulf. For a longer ramble, head over to North Head to explore WWII-era military emplacements.

Cultural Institutions

Auckland Museum – Tāmaki Paenga Hira: Exhibits on Māori culture, natural history, and New Zealand’s military past. Open daily 10am-5pm, admission is free for New Zealanders, international visitors pay $25 per adult and $10 per child. Don’t miss the daily Māori cultural performance (booking in advance is advised).
Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki: Aotearoa’s largest public art collection. Free admission and open daily 10am-5pm. A free tour leaves from the foyer at 1:30pm on weekdays – register your place on the day at the front desk.
New Zealand Maritime Museum – Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa: A showcase of New Zealand’s connection to the oceans, from Pacific voyaging to America’s Cup triumphs. Open daily 10am-5pm, $24 per adult and $12 per child.

Sky Tower

At 328 meters the Sky Tower is currently the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a trip up and view Auckland and surrounding key landmarks from 220 meters above street level. You may also fancy to enjoy a coffee or dinner in the Orbit 360-degree revolving restaurant – sip on your drink whilst enjoying the changing views.

For adrenalin junkies there is the opportunity to do the SkyWalk or SkyJump. Base jump from 192 meters or take a walk at the same height, around the 1.2 meter wide platform on top of the Sky Tower. You will definitely take home some awesome memories and breathtaking views.

Take to the Sea: Waiheke Island and Tiritiri Matangi

Two of the best Auckland day trip destinations lie offshore in the Hauraki Gulf.

Just 35-minutes boat ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a must-do. Picture hillside vineyards, white-sand beaches, art galleries, and olive groves. Creative institutions, such as the Waiheke Island Community Cinema, underline the Island’s diverse and art populace.

Stretch your legs on the Matiatia Headland Path, winding south from the ferry terminal. Or hike a section of the Te Ara Hura, a 100km track network circumnavigating the motu (island).

Our picks for incredible food and wine? Te Motu Vineyard, Casita Miro Vineyard, Three Seven Two, and the famous Mudbrick Vineyard. Beer-o'clock? Try the intimate Alibi Brewers Lounge, or for an airier atmosphere, head to The Heke Kitchen, Brewery and Distillery.

By contrast, a day trip to Tiritiri Matangi is a completely different island experience. A short ferry zip away, this predator-free sanctuary is one of New Zealand’s standout conservation projects. Birdlife abounds in regenerating native forest cut through by well-maintained tracks.

Visiting Tiritiri Matangi is one of the best opportunities to experience New Zealand as it was pre-human habitation, and the volunteer guides provide free tours that are worth catching if you’re interested in our biodiversity. There are no shops or cafés on the island, so bring food and water for the day.

Hike up a Volcano

Maungawhau / Mount Eden - Sweeping 360° views of Auckland and the large grassy crater from its 196m summit.

Rangitoto Island - Auckland’s youngest and most iconic volcano rises 260 metres above the Hauraki Gulf. A short ferry ride from the city takes you to its lava fields, sprawling pōhutukawa forest, and well-formed summit track.

This is just a taste of what Auckland has to offer. Venture further and you’ll find the rugged black-sand beaches of Piha, Muriwai, and Bethells to the west, and the volcanic hills of the laid-back Coromandel Peninsula to the east.

Discover Auckland’s Neighbourhoods

The diversity of Auckland’s neighbourhoods speaks to its multicultural identity. Here are some of the standouts. Ponsonby: Upmarket shopping, dining, and nightlife. Parnell: Galleries, heritage architecture, and boutique charm. Ōtara Markets: A celebration of Pacific Island culture, food, and crafts. Britomart & Vulcan Lane: Restored laneways humming with energy, perfect for drinks and a bite.