Top 10 Reasons to Visit Auckland, New Zealand

Why not book a flight to Auckland? Approximately 1.5 million people call the city home, which is a third of New Zealand’s population. Find out why most Kiwis settled in the “City of Sails.”

As the country’s largest city, there’s a huge range of things to see and do in Auckland, if you know where to go. The best thing about these sights and attractions? Most of them are free.

Sky Tower
Fancy dining in, walking on, or jumping off the highest tower in the city? Sky Tower, standing 327.96 meter tall, offers sweeping views of the whole city. Step on the viewing platform of the tower known as the SkyWalk, and soak up the spectacular views below. If you’re feeling rather brave, try jumping off 192 meters from the top of the tower for a spine-chilling, truly unforgettable experience. Those who are not seeking wild adventures can hang out in the cafe or grab some lunch at any of the two restaurants in the tower. Try the revolving restaurant for a change. When you reserve at a restaurant in the tower, you can waive the admission fee to the Sky Tower.

Queen Street
Only blocks away from the Sky Tower is Queen Street, the go-to boulevard of locals and visitors for shopping, dining, and people-watching. Hit this famous street to spot the city’s highlights and hidden views that are otherwise inaccessible by car. Get an insider’s view of the city. While you are wandering around the city, find luxury shops, like Gucci, Karen Walker, and Louis Vuitton, as well as rare boutique stores. If you love beautiful and extravagant things, this is the street for you. You won’t shop until you drop because there are plenty of dining venues around serving incredible dishes. Torchon French Creperie, Orleans, Masu, and Gusto are good options.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Not only is this building the largest art institution in New Zealand, it’s also the most beautifully designed. And it has a series of awards to prove it. Just leave your rental car at the hotel when you visit this spot as the parking fee can be expensive. Familiarize yourself with the art, book, and audio-visual collections offered in the gallery, so you can plan your visit. Take a break from the museum tour by checking out the in-house cafe. Pop by the shop, and buy locally-made items to take home as souvenirs.

Mt. Eden
It’s impossible to miss the peak of Mount Eden from the city. As the highest natural point in the city center, this lookout point offers breathtaking views of downtown Auckland. Only a few minutes from the city center, plan to arrive at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic view of the whole city. Choose sensible shoes to comfortably walk up the hill. If you hired a car, park it at the foot of the hill. Taking a bus? Boarding schedule starts at 7am until 7 or 8:30pm, depending on the season. There’s a cafe, restrooms, a playground, and other great facilities in the area.

Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
With its vast expanse of forests and coastlines, tranquil and terrific natural wonders await visitors at every bend. There’s something for every type of traveler in this picturesque parkland, from hiking to cycling, to bird-watching and beach-hopping. If you are used to seeing white sand beaches, this spot offers a change of scenery, with its sparkling black-sand beaches facing the Tasman Sea. With the rugged terrains of this park, hiking is a popular activity. Don’t limit yourself to trekking as there are tons of ways to get active in this area. Hire a driver, or drive a car to cover as much of this wilderness as you can. Admission is free.

Waiheke Island
Vast vineyards, lovely olive groves, and breathtaking white-sand beaches are three compelling reasons that justify the 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island. Its terrain is perfect for growing vines that taste amazing when turned into wines. Wine connoisseurs should book the Fullers’ Taste of Waiheke tour. Feeling rather bold? Try zip lining through EcoZip Adventures. Those who have tried it swear by the fantastic aerial view and adrenaline rush, which make it all worth it. Divers and snorkelers can meet a great array of marine life as they go for a dip. Of course, there’s also the option of just relaxing by the beach with a book and refreshing drinks.

Auckland Zoo
Like most animal-loving visitors, you’ll be relieved to see creatures roaming freely in spaces resembling their natural habitats at Auckland Zoo. Find exotic animals and native species in New Zealand, including adorable fur seals, lions, hippos, and more. Like most parks in the country, there are facilities for modern conveniences in the area. If you’re with kids, the KidZone is a great playground for them. Children and adults with a childlike sense of wonder can meet and greet orangutans, penguins, and other gentle creatures up close through the zoo’s animal encounter programs. It’s not everyday that you can make a high-def visual of these charming creatures.

Viaduct Harbour
Speaking of sanctuary, where do the nocturnal Kiwi crowds unwind and party in Auckland? Two words: Viaduct Harbour. Come evening, the waterfront lights up with bars and restaurants, luring nightlife lovers to gather. Pass the time admiring the spectacular harbor view, fill up with gourmet dishes at several eateries at the harbor front, and prepare your party outfit and mood. Not a fan of drinking? This spot has plenty of ritzy restaurants to please your friends or impress your business associates over dinner. Take them to Sails Restaurant, and enjoy a scrumptious serving of crayfish.

Auckland War Memorial Museum
For a bit of history, check out the oldest museum in the country. But before you explore the tales and treasures inside Auckland War Memorial Museum, spend some time at the nearby 75-hectare park known as the Auckland Domain. Explore the bush walks, formal gardens, and duck ponds while you are here. Entrance is free, but you need to pay to view the wonderful show of Maori performers. You will learn a great deal viewing the exhibits and collections, yet an expert guide can give context to the object and specimen on display in the gallery.

Hobbiton Movie Set
Rediscover Middle Earth during this once-in-a-lifetime tour. Granted, the trip from the city center to the Lord of the Rings movie set takes more than two hours, this village is worth the long drive, especially if you are a fan of the trilogy and the Hobbit movies. Imagine the thrill of stepping into the actual setting where the story started: the Shire. Enjoy the Bag End’s smallest details, and get your picture taken with the Hobbit Hole as your background. This picturesque village looks incredible at sunrise, as well as at sunset. If you can spare more than half a day, take a side trip to the otherworldly Waitomo Glowworm Cave, and marvel at the worms illuminating this natural wonder. The boat trip to the cave alone is a wonderful journey in itself. For the best bang for your back, look for packages that includes two-way transfers, a side-trip to the cave, snacks, food, and drinks.

Traveling to Auckland for a family vacation or a business trip? Skip what doesn’t grab your attention, and spend more time on what you want to see the most. Been to Auckland before? Share your inspiring photos, travel tips, and stories.