Where to begin with all the amazing things you can do in Auckland? The thriving major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island offers so much. From seaside promenades to a dormant volcano and superb cafes, you’ll love it here. We know we sure do…
Best things to do in Auckland:
1. Kayak to a volcanic island
Hire a kayak and paddle out to Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano not far from downtown Auckland (you can also get there by ferry). A super day trip.
2. Jump off the Sky Tower
Get your heart pumping with SkyJump – New Zealand’s highest base jump – or the incredible SkyWalk, where you’ll walk around the exterior of the Sky Tower with nothing between you and the ground but a rope and a 1.2m – wide platform – this is extreme sightseeing at its best.
3. Day trip to an island of wine
Just a 35-minute ferry ride and you’re in Waiheke Island, Auckland’s island of wine. This slice of paradise is a haven of beautiful island beaches and some 30 wineries. Heaven.
Join the locals at Auckland’s lively night markets for delicious dishes from around the world, plus arts, crafts, jewellery and more. The atmosphere’s great, but with more than 200 stalls, the hard part is choosing.
Not only is Great Barrier Island a place of incredible beauty, it’s also the first island in the world to be designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary – joining only two other locations.
6. Explore New Zealand’s premier art gallery
Spend an afternoon sheltering from any wet weather in the architecturally-awarded Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Housing more than 15,000 artworks, world-class touring exhibitions, and a lovely café, it’s easy to lose yourself for a few hours here.
7. Catch up on the rugby action
Join Auckland’s passionate rugby league fans as they support the Vodafone Warriors at their home ground of Mt Smart Stadium. Matches are usually played on a Friday or Saturday. The Super Rugby season is also underway in autumn.
Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York. Contact [email protected]
