The Best 11 Things to Do When Visiting Auckland
There are many keys to having a great trip to New Zealand. One of the most important things that a person can do is research what is offered. A person needs to find a list of things that they want to do that are recommended by others. Thankfully, this is not that difficult to do. Many people are willing to write about what they think are the best things to do when visiting any country around the world. What one person lists may not be for everyone, but there are often a few good ideas in each list. Here are the Best 11 Things to Do When Visiting Auckland.
If you plan to visit Auckland in New Zealand, then this is a city on the North Island of New Zealand. Auckland is a diverse, multicultural, and cosmopolitan city, home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. A Māori-language name for Auckland is Tāmaki or Tāmaki Makaurau, meaning “Tāmaki with a hundred lovers”, in reference to the desirability of its fertile land at the hub of waterways in all directions.
Auckland lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west. The surrounding hills are covered in rainforest and the landscape is dotted with dozens of dormant volcanic cones. The central part of the urban area occupies a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and the Waitematā Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have a harbor on each of two separate major bodies of water.
11 list of the best things to do when visiting Auckland, New Zealand.
1. Sky Tower
This is first on the list because of what it offers. The sky tower is the tallest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Auckland and of lands as far as 80 km away on a clear day. It is the perfect place to see what the whole city looks like. There are also more than 20 restaurants, bars, and cafes in SkyCity to enjoy after a trip to the top of the tower.
Skywalking at and sky jumping from Sky Tower are two most exciting things to do in Auckland. Skywalk involves walking along a narrow walkway around the Sky Tower without any handrail, 192 m above the ground.
This is one of the best adventure activities in Auckland.
2. Waiheke Island
This Island is one of the most picturesque & serene islands near Auckland. A ferry ride of 35 to 50 minutes will take you to the island. Known for its scenery, lush green vegetation, vineyards, and fascinating beaches, the island is a must visit for a weekend retreat and absolute relaxation. Strolling on the sun kissed beaches of the island is one of the super cool things to do in Auckland for couples.
3. Take in the Auckland Museum
A trip to a museum in a far-off country always allows people to see things they may not otherwise be able to enjoy. The natural history, artifacts, and other treasures in the museum are a great way to spend a few hours, a day, or longer when in Auckland.
The War Memorial Museum is one of the most spectacular sightseeing places in Auckland if you’re looking for what to do in Auckland. This vintage museum building of spellbinding architecture was founded in 1929. It showcases images & objects of historical wars, New Zealand’s military expeditions, treaties signed, and victories.
4. Cruising around Tiritiri Matangi Bird Sanctuary
Sailing is a big activity in Auckland. From small sailboats to bigger boats that take people on overnight or several day cruises, there is something for everyone no matter how much sailing experience they have.
There are plenty of boat cruises that operate from Auckland. Hauraki Blue Overnight Cruise, Bay of Island Cruise, and Harbour Sailing Cruise are the most popular ones. But cruising around the Tiritiri Matangi Bird Sanctuary to spot common to endangered bird species is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Auckland.
Located in the Hauraki Gulf, this sanctuary is one of the most charming wildlife reserves & fascinating habitats for a wide range of common to nearly extinct bird species such as takahe and kokako. Its coastal forests, plush green bushes, and walking trails allure nature enthusiasts and ornithologists immensely.
5. Take a stroll on Ponsonby Road
This is considered to be one of the trendiest areas in New Zealand. It is full of bars, cafes, and shops. Some of the world’s best-known fashion designers have shops located here.
This walk starts at the collection of eating places that is Ponsonby Central, passes the ever changing collection of cafes and restaurants along Ponsonby road and then ducks into the suburb of St Marys Bay and views of the Waitemata Harbour, past the Leys Institute Library down to a new glass separated walk along the edge of the motorway.
6. Climb a Volcano
Anyone that does this when visiting Auckland will probably be able to lay claim to something that their friends have never done. The trip up Mount Eden offers a great view of everything around. It is the highest natural point that can be found in Auckland. Most people have a difficult time describing what it means to look inside the 50-foot crater of a volcano.
Yet another one is Rangitoto Island volcano. This is a one-of-its-kind tour around this volcano. The 4 1/2 hour tour, including ferry and 4WD road-train, will make people explore around lava outcrops, volcanic highlands, and igneous rocky structures. The guided trails also take you up to the summit through wooden boardwalk, discussing the geological history of the island.
7. Coast to Coast Walk
The Coast to Coast Walkway crosses New Zealand’s narrowest neck of land. Start in Viaduct Harbour on Auckland’s east coast and travel west through urban landscapes, beautiful parklands, and over dormant volcanoes to finish 16km later at Manukau Harbour.
8. Go to Dark Side Sanctuary
Not only is Great Barrier Island a place of incredible beauty, but it’s also the first island in the world to be designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary joining only two other locations. The island is off the grid and with minimal outdoor lighting, it’s a dream destination for star-gazers to take in the stunning night skies.
9. Visit Penguins
Catch these cuties at Kelly Tarlton’s SEALIFE Aquarium, as well as the world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons, the biggest species of stingray on the globe, and an underwater aquarium of colorful fish. Watch the sharks at feeding time or book your own shark dive.
10. Visit Isle 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. Join a wine tasting tour and linger over a vineyard lunch, with gorgeous views to match.
11. Stroll in the park
The Domain is a park in Auckland that people can stroll around in. In the park, visitors will see formal gardens, waterfalls, old trees, and plenty of other natural beauty. Walking through the park is a great way to relax and it is also a great atmosphere for those that would rather go out for a jog.
Take some time to learn what to do when in Auckland. It will be impossible to do everything in one trip, but that is okay. Everyone is allowed to return as often as they want.
