12 things to do in Auckland, New Zealand
For most travellers, their trip through the beautiful country of New Zealand starts in Auckland. The city is a great starting point for road trips and Work and Travel adventures. While many mistake it for the capital of the country, Auckland is simply one of the bigger cities on the North Island and known for a beautiful skyline and fun activities. If you are planning to visit Auckland or to start your New Zealand journey in the city, make sure to stay for a few days. The city really is more than just an overlay before you start exploring the country. Take your time to explore Auckland and get to know the different faces the city has to offer. These 12 things to do in Auckland will promise you an unforgettable time and show you the best of Auckland.
Get ready to fall in love with the city!
Welcome to Auckland
First, let´s introduce Auckland. Auckland is known as the most important port city of New Zealand. With over 1.6 million inhabitants, you could actually say that ¼ of the New Zealanders live in the city. Auckland is home to an international airport which brings thousands of visitors to the city each day.
The city is well-known for beautiful parks, stunning views and an impressive skyline. Auckland is the perfect destination for travellers who are looking for a vibrant city with shops, bars and like-minded people.
Hike up the Mount Eden
Starting with one of the best things to do in Auckland: hiking up Mount Eden. Mount Eden is the highest hill in Auckland and mainly known for the crater which once used to be a volcano. Today, Mount Eden is like the heart of Auckland. The locals use the hill for a run or a walk to enjoy the fantastic views over the Hauraki Gulf. It is usually quite crowded on the top as it is both popular among tourists and the locals.
You can take the bus to Mount Eden Road and continue to follow the signs to the top. Or you can walk from the city center and make a longer trip out of it. The views from Mount Eden are worth the visit almost any time during the day. But of course, for the best views make sure to arrive during the sunset and bring yourself something to drink.
Walk through the city by night
Is there anything more fascinating than the millions of lights of a city? Thanks to the (small) skyscrapers of Auckland (or let´s just call them higher buildings), you can really drown in the lights at night. It is spectacular to walk through downtown once it got dark. You can simply go for a walk around the city, check out the financial district or find yourself a place to sit and just admire the view.
Auckland is a city that kind of comes alive during the night. So if this is your time of the day, make sure to be ready to have an incredible night out after your walk through the streets.
Walk the lover ´ s walk in Parnell
Ready for the lover´s walk? The walk reminds of a jungle experience as it leads directly through the forst of Parnell, Auckland. From the city center it takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the area that connects Auckland city with Newmarket.
But do not worry. The walk is not only a great thing to do for lovers. Anybody can walk through the beautiful area and enoy the green environment. You really would not believe that this is close to such a big city as it feels like the middle of nature.
Have a night out in the bars
If you are staying in one of the Backpacker´s hostels, this is an absolute must-do. Spending a night out and hop from one bar to the other can be one of the best things to do in Auckland. The city has an attractive night life and many travellers and local students are celebrating. Especially on the weekends, you can have a great time at almost any corner.
If you are unsure where to go, just ask at your hostel for some tips.
Visit the Albert Park
A highlight of Auckland are the parks. They are the perfect escape of the city life and invite you to just relax in a little place of nature. One of the prettiest parks in Auckland is the Albert Park. It´s just a small park with a few benches and beautiful flowers. You can bring a book or prepare a picnic with a friend.
As it is located a little on a hill, Albert Park offers stunning views on the Sky Tower and the city. This really is a place you can visit multiple times.
Go up the Sky Tower
Ready for an adventure and the best view over the city? If you are looking for one of the best things to do in Auckland for some adventure time, the Sky Tower is the way to go. It not only offers breathtaking views over Auckland and the whole area but as well a real adventure: you can walk along the end of the Tower at the top or even jump. What?!
Yes, New Zealand is a country for the adventure and adrenaline lovers. If a bungee jump off the Tower is not your thing, you could still book the Sky Walk and enjoy the view the closest possible. Walking outside the Tower in such a height really brings up the heartbeat. Who´s in?
Enjoy the view from Dove Myer Robinson Park
This is an insider-tip for some great views over the city. Are you ready for the next park? Just kidding, this really is a beautiful place to check out. It is located a little outside the city center and close to the Auckland Harbor. It is not as crowded as other parks and perfect for a picnic or just to chill with your traveller friends or on your own.
The Dove Myer Robinson Park offers a beautiful scenery with the trees, the green hill and the skyline of Auckland in the back. Plus, you can perfectly combine it with a little walk around the city to see even more of Auckland and the surrounding areas.
Go on a day trip to the Waiheke Island
If you feel like leaving the city and get closer to the stunning nature of New Zealand, this is one of the best things to do in Auckland. A day trip to Waiheke Island is a popular activity and invites you to see another part of this incredible country.
Waiheke Island is located right in the middle of the bay in front of the city and the largest of the islands in the Gulf. It can easily be reached by boat, kayak or the ferry from Auckland harbor. Those looking for an adventure, might want to book a kayak trip for the ultimate experience.
You can stay for a day on the island or you can even book a stay to spend a night. Waiheke Island really is one of the most beautiful places of the area. You can go for a swim, walk through nature and enjoy the bright colors of the country. If Auckland is your first stop on your New Zealand adventure, this will probably be the time when you start falling in love with the country. Promise!
Go on a walk along the harbor to Westhaven
A beautiful area of Auckland is the harbor and along the waterfront. Here you will find quite a few restaurants and of course some stunning views. The walk to Westhaven leads you along the waterfront and you will get a totally new perspective on the city. This is perfect for a summer day or even on a rainy day to see the moody atmosphere in the city.
A shopping dream along the Queen Street
Auckland is perfect for shopping and strolling through the shops can be one of the best things to do. There is basically everything from the usual stores, to unique New Zealand shops and smaller markets on the weekends. If you still need a few things for your trip – this is your chance!
Watch the locals at Victoria Park
Another great park is the Victoria Park. It is located closer to the Wharf and the ocean and is well-known among the locals. You can watch them play soccer or meet up – perfect if you just want to dive right into the local life in Auckland.
Enjoy a day at the beach
Yes, you heard that right. The beautiful beaches of New Zealand aren´t far from Auckland and living in the city also includes some beach days. The closest beaches to the city center are for example Bucklands Beach, Point Chevalier Beach or Cheltenham Beach in Devonport.
If you are looking for a day trip to one of the best beaches in the North Island, it´s the Piha Beach. The black beach and the rough landscape invite you to see even more of the country and to start exploring the North Island.
If you are planning a Work and Travel adventure in New Zealand click here to get the best tips and tricks for the best start into this chapter.
