Vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. It’s where sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication. Multicultural and multifaceted, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has diverse offerings to suit different types of travellers. You can be walking through native bush one day then exploring islands or dining on world-class cuisine the next, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has diverse offerings to suit visitors alike.
Embrace the vibrant charm of Tāmaki Makaurau and discover the perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty that makes Auckland a destination like no other.
Here are a few popular recommendations that will help you experience the many different sides to Aotearoa’s largest city.
See popular city attractions
Wētā Workshop is a name synonymous with Kiwi creativity, and at Wētā Workshop Unleashed you get the chance to go behind the scenes of the world of filmmaking. This is a family-friendly activity, where you’ll navigate enchanting and interactive environments while encountering realistic monsters, giants and aliens along the way.
Kiwis’ love for rugby is celebrated at the All Blacks Experience, offering a memorable opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand’s identity. It’s hard to imagine an Auckland skyline without the iconic Sky Tower. Experience above the clouds the incredible 360° views of Tāmaki Makaurau, taking in ancient volcanoes, sparkling sunlit harbours and beyond. And if breathtaking panoramas alone aren’t enough to excite you, indulge in a wealth of dining options, interactive installations and adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Waiheke Island is usually on every visitor’s Auckland must-do list, and for good reason. Renowned for wine, food and art, as well as stunning beaches and a range of outdoor activities,
you can find a unique blend of luxury, relaxation, culture and adventure all packed within the island’s 92 square kilometres. If you’re keen to indulge in the island’s world-class drops, a great way to make your way around top wineries is to jump on a Waiheke wine tour.
Explore Auckland’s outdoors
As a city built on an isthmus, you’ll never be far from the sea in Auckland. Explore highlights of the Hauraki Gulf, including the city’s volcanic icon, Rangitoto Island. It’s just a 25-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland to the island. There is a safe and relatively easy summit walking track, which will reward you with spectacular views back to the city. Venture a little further afield to stay on Aotea Great Barrier Island for a few days exploring the island. The island is just a half hour scenic flight away. Its remote location means the island offers a dark sky sanctuary; you’ll be blown away by what you can see without any light pollution. You can marvel at the incredible starry sky from atop a sand dune, 90 km from the bright lights of central Auckland.
Get cultural
If you’re in Auckland for a cultural fix, Auckland War Memorial Museum houses Māori and Pacific collections, as well as key social and military history collections. Maritime history buffs can delve deeper into Aoteroa’s sea-related stories at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, with interesting exhibitions that cover our past, present and future connections with the ocean.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, including outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists. Browse through the gallery’s four floors at your own pace or join a tour for extra insight. If you’re visiting over the weekend, the city’s Saturday markets are a great way to experience local life in Auckland. As one of the city’s oldest markets, Ōtara Flea Market is also one of its most iconic. Explore a vibrant melting pot of cultures, with great food, live music, street performers and a festive atmosphere. Parnell’s Farmers Market is also a great place to head on an empty stomach. Grab a pastry and a coffee and stroll through stalls to sample goods from artisan makers and local producers.
Hit the shops
A visit to Auckland wouldn’t be complete without a bit of retail therapy. Britomart and Commercial Bay are downtown shopping precincts that boast boutique stores featuring both local and international designers. Explore popular Ponsonby Road, a bustling food and retail strip where you can choose from high fashion, street wear and pre-loved fashion stores. If you’re on the hunt
for a few bargains, try Dress Smart, the country’s largest outlet mall, or hunt through the numerous secondhand stores along one of the city’s thrifting hot spots, Karangahape Road. Mānawa Bay is a new premium outlet shopping destination right on Auckland Airport’s doorstep. There are over 100 outlet stores where you’ll find great bargains.
