So you’re planning your trip to Auckland, New Zealand, but you still don’t know what to do when you get there? Here are some things to consider.
When you visit Auckland, New Zealand, you’ll find yourself in the midst of one of the world’s most breathtaking cities. Its majestic mountains, sweeping beaches, and scenic harbours make for a city that has plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.
If you want to see what’s worth visiting in the biggest city in New Zealand, check out our top attractions for tourists. So, what to do in Auckland?
1. See the City from the Sky Tower
Located in the heart of Auckland, the Sky Tower offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surrounding islands. Built-in 1987, Auckland’s Sky Tower is a 328-meter-high structure with 148 floors that offers spectacular views of the city, the Hauraki Gulf, and, on a clear day, the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Sky Tower’s observation decks are accessible via high-speed elevators that reach speeds of 50 meters per second; the climb to the top takes approximately 30 minutes. From the 220-meter-high observation deck, visitors can see Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. During heavy storms, the tower can sway up to a meter, but no worries! It is resilient to earthquakes of magnitude 8 and will remain standing despite any earthquake.
Visitors can visit the three public observation levels of the Sky Tower: the Sky Deck, the Main Observation level, and the Sky Lounge. From the Sky Deck, visitors can experience the city from above by walking or taking the SkyWalk. This 629-foot walk is accessible via glass elevators that travel 18 km/h and take 40 seconds to complete. While there, visitors can take in sweeping views of the city below them on the Skywalk, bungee jumping, and other activities.
2. Climb the Mount Eden
Mount Eden is a hill of volcanic origins famous for its view of the city. It attracts many tourists because it is the highest natural point in the city and provides good views of the city in all directions.
This cone-shaped volcano is inactive, with its summit at 196 meters (643 ft) above sea level being the highest natural point on the Auckland isthmus. The crater is bowl-like, 50 meters (160 ft) deep, and was formed by eruptions from three craters 28,000 years ago.
3. Explore Britomart
The development of the urban retail precinct of Britomart in Auckland, New Zealand, is a result of a larger project, which has a similar history and goals. This $NZ204 million development project brought back the trains to downtown after 70 years, created a central transport interchange and helped to shape the growth of the city’s CBD towards the harbour. Despite its historic roots, the area has experienced gentrification and is now one of the most forward-thinking areas of the city. It is much more than just a transport interchange; it is the heart of Auckland’s central business district, a vibrant pedestrian mall, home to shopping, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
4. Visit Auckland Domain and Auckland War Museum
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Auckland, don’t forget to visit the Auckland Domain and the Auckland War Museum. It’s a short drive or walk from downtown Auckland.
Auckland Domain is a large park located in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the city’s oldest park, and at 75 hectares (190 acres), it is one of the largest. The park is situated in the central suburb of Grafton and is the remains of an ancient volcano.
Auckland Domain is one of New Zealand’s most iconic parks, home to Auckland War Memorial Museum, one of the country’s largest museums. It is dedicated to the people who fought in World War I and II. It’s also known for its displays of military weapons and equipment, as well as its interactive exhibits. Also, you’ll learn about New Zealand’s history, including its colonization.
There are many exhibitions that are held there. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is the home of many art collections. The museum has many displays of the history and culture of New Zealand. You can find out about New Zealand’s colonial history, Maori culture, and even the history of warfare. You can visit this museum from 10 am – 5 pm weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm weekends and public holidays.
5. Get Inspired at Auckland Art Gallery
If you’re looking for inspiration, consider visiting the Auckland Art Gallery, which is one of the biggest art museums in New Zealand. The Auckland Art Gallery is New Zealand’s premier modern art museum. Located in the heart of Auckland, it presents New Zealand and international art from ancient times to the present.
The gallery’s collection, comprising over 17,000 objects, is wide-ranging and offers a window into New Zealand’s rich artistic heritage. This museum is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm daily, except for Christmas. The Auckland Art Gallery is at the corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets in Auckland downtown.
6. Take a walk to Aotea Square
Aotearoa Square is a public space in the city centre of Auckland, New Zealand. It is actually the largest public square next to Auckland Town Hall. It is also home to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, and is one of two open spaces in Auckland’s civic precinct.
It is a popular gathering spot for people watching, and has occasionally played host to political rallies. Since 2001, it has been home to the annual Auckland City Festival, the nation’s largest free arts festival.
Aotea Square is a 1.3ha public space in the city’s central business district. It reflects Auckland’s cultural geographies and features a ceremonial space for Maori tribes. It is framed by the Town Hall, a cultural heritage centre, and a municipal building, and hosts events like open-air concerts, political rallies, and markets.
7. Go to the Rangitoto Island
There are a lot of things to do in Auckland, and if you want to see the best of what Auckland offers, then you should visit Rangitoto Island. It’s a beautiful island that has many activities to do, and you’ll find that there are plenty of things to do there. The island is also home to some of the most spectacular views that you’ll ever see.
Rangitoto Island is a volcanic cone-shaped island in the Hauraki Gulf. The 5.5 km (3.4 mi) wide island is a symmetrical shield volcano cone, reaching a height of 260 m (850 ft). Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of the approximately 50 volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field.
The major attraction is Mount Rangitoto summit. It is the highest point on the island, and you can climb it for a beautiful view of the island and the city of Auckland. You can also visit the Rangitoto Island Conservation Park, which has many species of plants and animals.
8. Take a Ferry to Devonport
Devonport, on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand, is a bustling, tiny port town. The beautiful waterfront has plenty to explore, from your first taste of craft beer to high-end beaches like Devonport Beach and Collingwood.
Devonport has great places to eat and drink, as well as great shopping, outstanding events, and something for everyone.
