9 Things to See and Do in Auckland, New Zealand

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My entire study abroad trip I thought Auckland was the Capital of New Zealand… whoops! Turns out it was the second capital city from 1841 to 1865, so I was kind of right, right?

Even if it’s not the capital, Auckland is a great city – with lots to do!

After this post you will definitely have a great idea of what and where to visit around the city.

Let’s get into everything about the city of sails!

Here are 9 Things to See & Do in Auckland, New Zealand!

1. Visit the Auckland Sky Tower

The sky tower has it all! The views, the food, and the adrenaline pumping activities. Here’s what to expect:

• 360 views of Auckland
• 3 restaurants with food from salmon and steak to ice cream and cheese. Also, their restaurant called Orbit rotates 360° every hour! You’ll be able to sit back, sip on a drink, and see every view of the city in less than 60 minutes.
• My favorite part: you can bungy jump off it! (or skywalk if you prefer not to jump off a building)
• They also offer yoga, how fun! You can take part in a yoga class 328 meters in the sky – now that’s a story to tell everyone and back home.

The Sky Tower is such a fun place to visit and a perfect opportunity to see all areas of Auckland from above. I definitely recommend checking it out!

2. Devonport

Devonport is about a 12 minute ferry ride from Auckland (you can also drive too – ferries are just more fun). It’s a cute little town that you could make a fun day of!

Top things to do:

• Southern Wild Distillery
• Devonport Chocolates (you can watch chocolate be made here too)!
• Devonport Craft & Find Food Market
• Tons of Art & Shopping
• Catch a movie at the Vic Devonport

Such a fun place to get better acquainted to New Zealand. Other then all of the fun things to do here, It’s also a great place to visit because it’s a little more calm than central Auckland. You’ll find a bit more peace and quiet here so that’s a plus!

3. Auckland Zoo

This place is so fun. I don’t know about you but when I visit zoo’s my inner 5 year old comes out.

The Auckland zoo is very educational, has extremely friendly staff, and all the animals seem very comfortable.

You could most definitely spend an entire day here and never get bored!

P.S. Make sure you see the elephants!

4. Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

Taking place in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, this is a very exciting thing to do while you’re in New Zealand.

Other than the unbelievable experience of seeing dolphins and whales up close, you get to talk with the experts on board and learn about their efforts to protect the marine animals. And the best part is, your money goes straight to helping these animals and our oceans!

Friendly crew, nice clean boat, and if there’s no sightings, they give you another day to try again for free! Such a lovely experience – I highly recommend you give this a go!

5. Viaduct Harbor

This is a fantastic place to walk around and enjoy yourself. – tons of yummy cafes and restaurants, a fish market, the maritime museum, and the sky tower.

Grab some coffee and take an am morning stroll, or spend a whole day exploring the city!

Some of the best restaurants here:

• Oyster and Chop
• Boracay Garden Restaurant
• QT Auckland
• Baduzzi

Perfect for evening strolls as well! Grab some ice cream and take a walk along the water. If your trip has been go-go-go the whole time, this is a perfect place to relax and wind down.

6. Waiheke Island

Another ferry ride coming your way! There are so many fun things to do and beautiful places to stay on Waiheke Island. My favorite: WINE.

There’s multiple wine tastings you can try! Why not make a day of it and go to them all? Just kidding… kinda.

Top 3 you have to check out:

• Stonyridge Vineyard
• Man O’ War Vineyards
• Mudbrick Vineyard

Of course the island isn’t just all wine tastings and vineyards (even though I would be ok with that) you can also do plenty of other fun things!

• Diving/snorkeling
• Ziplining
• Helicopter rides
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Jet Skiing
• Golfing

And the list goes on & on…

I think it’s safe to say you won’t get bored here!

7. Auckland Museum

If you’re into museums and learning about tons of history… this is your place! You get to learn all about the Maori culture and New Zealand’s history in general. Extremely educational, friendly staff, and just a unique place to be in.

What you’ll find here:

• War Artifacts
• Wildlife Displays
• Local History
• Maori History
• WWII History of the Kiwis

Plan on spending approximately 3 hours here! Unless you’re fast paced or getting hungry by the end of it, maybe 2 1/2.

8. Auckland Bridge Bungy

Another opportunity for you to go bungy jumping! Honestly it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s so worth it, promise.

You feel like you’re on top of the world right after (at least I did). I felt so accomplished and proud of myself because 5 minutes earlier I was shakin’ in my boots.

Auckland Bridge Bungy is 40 meters high and gives you the option to dip your head in the water! Of course you don’t have to, but just adds to the thrill.

This is definitely something to try if you’re in Auckland and feeling adventurous!

9. Mount Eden

Last but not least, Mount Eden! A great place to get a nice hike in and see views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Only about a 30 minute hike top to bottom – it is a bit steep so keep that in mind. A nice short and sweet hike with amazing views of the harbor!

And well, it’s a volcano. That automatically makes it 10 times cooler!

It’s a perfect sunny day activity, or if you want to wake up at the butt crack of dawn, a great sunrise opportunity!

All in all, you can’t go wrong with any of these 9 things to see and do in Auckland. You’re definitely in for a treat!

If you want anymore recommendations or just want to chat, you can reach me at kirstenhaus@kirthetraveler.com. Also my dm’s on insta are always open!

See ya next time travel fam😊