Explore Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
Dive into the many awesome things to do in Auckland; from great food to galleries, natural wonders to shopping meccas, you’re guaranteed to find something that floats your boat.
You’ll find the best of both worlds in Auckland, with beautiful rainforests, parks and beaches all so close to the city centre. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park west of the city centre has more than 250 kilometres of walking and hiking tracks through lush native rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and along a magnificent coastline. Walk through the region’s largest native forest in the Hunua Ranges or explore the striking landscapes of some of Auckland’s 26 regional parks, such as Duder, Shakespear, Tapapakanga or Āwhitu. You’re never far from the sea in Auckland. Bring your board to one of the black-sand surf beaches on the wild west coast – Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells), Muriwai and more. Head north to the expansive golden sands and clear waters of Tāwharanui and Pakiri. Closer to the city centre, and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Auckland, visit Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St Heliers. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard, and refuel with some fresh fish and chips by the seaside.
Explore Auckland’s magnificent Hauraki Gulf and its beautiful islands. The jewel of the gulf is Waiheke Island, a haven of vineyards, olive groves, beaches and fine dining, just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
For an exciting day trip, discover the history and sandy coves of Rotoroa Island, explore the open wildlife sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island or climb the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island for incredible views from the summit. If you have a few more days, travel by light plane or ferry to remote Great Barrier Island, famous for its rugged beauty and unspoilt wilderness.
Auckland has an impressive variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit every taste and budget. In the inner city you’ll find modern dining at Britomart, Commercial Bay, Federal Street and City Works Depot. Enjoy dinner and drinks or a casual bite on Auckland’s beautiful waterfront in the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter precincts. Auckland has three main wine growing regions, where superb wine and stunning scenery go hand in hand. Visit Waiheke Island, known as ‘the island of wine’ for its 30 wineries and vineyards. North of the city discover Matakana’s boutique wineries set amid picturesque coastal countryside. In the west, Kumeu is home to Auckland’s oldest established vineyards and is surround by market gardens and organic produce.
Discover the ultimate blend of nature and urban excitement in Auckland – where adventure awaits at every turn!
Spectacular sights and landmarks
Looking for the most spectacular landmarks and sights in Auckland? Well look no further, because we’ve compiled a list of stunning spots with something for everyone. Auckland has beautiful sights for you to enjoy. You can choose between untouched nature or a peaceful setting to toast to someone special. Keep your camera close to ensure you capture these famous landmarks to share with friends and family.
Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is one of Auckland’s iconic landmarks and a top tourist attraction, at 328m tall, it’s an impressive structure whichever way you look at it. Whether you’re catching glimpses from between buildings, or you’re looking out from the top admiring the stunning views across the city, the Sky Tower is a must-see. Built in 1997, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset, so do a little research to ensure you don’t miss golden hour. You can also capture incredible images of the soaring tower from ground level, especially when it’s lit up at night in bright colours. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the SkyWalk or the SkyJump? Posting a snap of yourself dangling from the top is sure to impress the folks back home!
Maungawhau / Mount Eden
Attracting approximately one million visitors each year, Maungawhau /Mount Eden is Auckland’s tallest volcano, standing 196m above sea level. From the top, you can see amazing views in all directions. This includes the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours. You can also see Coromandel to the east and Waitākere Ranges to the west. Choose between the winding road, bush tracks and boardwalks, all of which lead to the rim of the well-preserved crater bowl, a whopping 50m deep. Closed to vehicles since 2016 out of respect for its cultural and spiritual
importance, walking to the summit is a powerful way to begin your Auckland adventure. If mobility is a concern, don’t worry—there’s a buzzer at the summit road gate for travelers needing vehicle assistance.
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Connecting the North Shore with the central city, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering. It gained fame as the North Island’s longest road bridge when it opened in 1959, with four additional lanes added in 1968. For the best views of this Auckland landmark, head to Te Onewa Pā on the North Shore, then down the stairs to Fisherman’s Wharf, where the bustling city is perfectly framed between the bridge’s struts. On the city side you can admire the bridge from Westhaven and stroll beneath it to get a sense of its vast scale. Illuminated by lights at night, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is a top Auckland sight. To take an even closer look at this impressive landmark, you can book a guided bridge climb or a 40m bungy jump with AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand.
Rangitoto Island
One of Auckland’s most famous natural landmarks, Rangitoto Island erupted just 600 years ago, making it the youngest volcano in town. Whether you’re admiring its powerful outline from the mainland, or climbing to the crater rim, Rangitoto is hands down one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most popular day trips. To get there, catch a ferry from downtown Auckland and you’ll arrive in just 30 minutes. You can hike to the summit through lush pōhutukawa forest, or ramble around the base as native birds serenade you.
