Auckland, New Zealand, is known for its multi-cultural atmosphere housing the best food, music, and culture in all of New Zealand. Sprawled out over volcanic hills, Auckland has some of the best sights and activities for its tourists. Because of this, some of the best things to do in Auckland involve sight-seeing!
Top things to do in Auckland include dining with a view, engaging in animal-related activities, partaking in thrill-seeking adventures, and visiting cultural centers. So, if you’re at a standstill about what to do in Auckland, just know that you have tons of options to choose from.
12 of the Best Things to do in Auckland
Dining
One of the best parts of being on vacation is discovering great food and drinks. Auckland takes this quest into consideration and offers some of the best food in New Zealand. Not only is the food spectacular, but so are the views you’ll have as you’re dining.
Orbit 360° Dining at SKYCITY Auckland
If you’re looking for an amazing view of Auckland coupled with delicious food, Orbit is sure to satisfy your needs. Located at the very top of Sky Tower, you’ll be able to indulge in tasty cuisine and drinks while being rotated once every hour. Orbit 360° really lives up to its name!
Orbit is great for small groups, large groups, and solo travelers who want a panoramic view of Auckland while feasting on the finest food.
Auckland Harbor Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a 3-course meal as you sail for 2.5 hours through Auckland’s harbor. While eating food created by top-notch chefs, you’ll be able to see the phenomenal sights of Auckland’s skyline, watch the sunset, and get some background information about Auckland from your knowledgeable captain.
You’ll be able to savor your meal and savor the surrounding sights as you embark on your cruise. Perfect for the travelers who want to be eye level with the spectacular views of Auckland while they enjoy their meal.
Adventures
Thrill-seekers don’t stop seeking adrenaline rushes just because they’re on vacation. Actually, they may even travel just to experience new thrills. Auckland has no shortage of thrilling and exhilarating excursions from the new thrill-seeker to the traveler with a thirst for an adrenaline rush. Whatever adventure you seek, all of them come equipped with a knowledgeable guide and safety measures to keep you comfortable and secure.
Tandem Skydiving
If the thought of seeing Auckland’s views from an aerial perspective excites you, one of the best things to do in Auckland for you might be skydiving! You can choose to plummet from 9,000 feet all the way up to 20,000 feet.
High above the clouds, you can experience the breathtaking sights of the coast inline, rainforests, and beaches. And if it’s your first time skydiving, no need to worry. You’ll be free falling with a specially trained tandem instructor.
One of the greatest perks of this experience is being able to purchase a photo and video package so you can capture this unique time and keep it with you forever.
Waitomo Caves Adventure
By taking on the Waitomo Caves Adventure, you’ll be able to go black-water rafting, caving, tubing, and much more. If the call of the caverns is shouting out to you, take on this adventure with an expert tour guide.
Not only can you enjoy trekking through miles and miles of caves, but you can also have fun zip lining along the walls of the caverns.
All the activities provided are challenging in their own ways, but you can be sure you are safe and protected due to enhanced safety standards.
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Enjoy an adventure away from crowds and city lights by embarking on the bioluminescence kayak tour. You’ll be able to paddle along the bay while being immersed in the sights of the bioluminescent plankton that light up the sea on the coast.
You’ll quickly notice how serene this experience is as the sounds of native birds become background noise. And if it couldn’t get any better, you can get free digital photos documenting the entire adventure. This way, you won’t have to worry about dropping your camera in the beautiful blues of the luminescent ocean.
Adrenaline Rush Experience
If you’re up for a challenge that gets your blood pumping, take on the obstacles in the Adrenalin Forest. You’ll have 3 hours of excitement as you get to take in the views of Auckland from amidst the treetops. Test your physical skills as well as your mental skills with exhilarating obstacle courses, fun for the entire family.
You can also feel safe knowing you’ll have an instructor attached to you at all times should you need guidance or help. Adrenaline junkies will love this adventure through the forest of Auckland.
Auckland Nature and Animals
If you’re an animal lover, chances are you’d love to see the wildlife of the place you’re visiting. Discover the wildlife of Auckland on land and in the sea by exploring the zoos, farms, and aquatic centers.
Auckland Zoo
Visit Auckland’s famous zoo and see over 1,400 animals in one day. You’ll spend your time learning about the animals from experienced zookeepers and roaming about as you wish, taking in the magnificent sight of the beautiful wildlife of Auckland.
What’s so enticing about this zoo is that you can get an up-close and personal view of the vet hospital. You get to see root canals of tigers, x-rays of penguins, and ultrasounds of lizards. If you have a passion for veterinary medicine or if you’re just interested in learning how zoo animals get medical attention, Auckland’s Zoo can provide you with the exciting knowledge you’re seeking.
SheepWorld
Visiting SheepWorld allows you to see how Auckland gets some of its wool. You can experience a live presentation of shearing as well as meet some of the other friendly farm animals. You’ll be able to learn facts about the entire farming process and be able to watch the staff feed their animals.
After learning about all the wool wonders, you can enjoy exploring eco-trails and have a nice cup of coffee or tea at the café.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Dive into Auckland’s marine life and visit Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. With hundreds of species to enjoy including turtles, penguins, fish, and seahorses, you’ll have a hard time getting bored. You’ll also be able to meet and learn about Gentoo and King Penguins, which make up the largest penguin colony in the Southern Hemisphere!
And if turtles interest you just as much as penguins, you can visit Turtle Bay. You’ll be able to learn so much about many different species at this rescue center. It’s a great learning experience for you and your travel group.
Cultural Centers in Auckland
Learning about the history of a destination can heighten the experience you have there. Immersing yourself in Auckland’s cultural centers can make you gain a new appreciation for this place. You’ll see breathtaking sights and learn about the history of this magnificent city.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Check out the spectacular and interesting historical artifacts at Auckland’s War Memorial Museum. You’ll be able to witness the beautiful dances and song performances of the Maori culture. Stay a little longer and experience an interactive earthquake floor and discover all types of artifacts of the Maori (clothes and items from a variety of time periods.)
And of course, you’ll have to grab a bite or grab some coffee at the awesome café before you leave! The staff is warm and welcoming, and the food is as great as the sights of the museum.
Auckland Town Hall Tours
Gaze in amazement at the baroque design of Auckland’s Town Hall. Even though it was built in 1911, this building still holds the attention of many onlookers with its beauty. It’s a notable venue for all sorts of live shows and is said to have some of the best acoustics in the entire world. Thinking of attending a concert at the town hall? You’d definitely have an unforgettable experience.
If interior design interests you, Auckland’s Town Hall is sure to appease your eyes. With its stained glass windows and chandeliers hanging from an ornate ceiling, just entering this building will feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Hidden Culture of Central Auckland
If you want to feel like you have the knowledge of locals, taking the tour of central Auckland could be a fun experience for you. You’ll be able to take a stroll throughout the inner city while learning about Auckland’s history as well as new things happening.
Enjoy the surreal artwork as you walk down the streets of the inner city and pass the art gallery. You’ll be able to soak up all the culture of this Maori while sipping tea and enjoying the beautiful weather of Auckland.
Conclusion
Surely after reading this list you aren’t confused about what to do in Auckland anymore! You’ve got tons of options, so immerse yourself in all that this beautiful city has to offer.
