The Top 14 Things To Do in Auckland

There’s only one better way to see Auckland’s brilliant cityscape than sitting atop New Zealand’s largest tower, and that is by plummeting off it, adding a dash of adrenaline to the mix. This heart-pumping activity sees intrepid folk descend nearly 200 meters to the ground from the tip of the country’s tallest structure, notching up speeds of higher than 80 kilometers an hour along the way – not for the faint-hearted!

Discover Auckland’s aquatic world at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, where Antarctic penguins, tropical sharks, and stingrays float past in enthralling scenes. See marine biologists feeding, interact with starfish in interactive rock pools, and explore the world’s first curved aquarium tunnel. This family-friendly attraction, which was built in repurposed sewage tanks, combines education and wonder while highlighting New Zealand’s fragile marine ecosystems through immersive exhibits and rescue success stories.

With wine produced in New Zealand being internationally renowned as some of the best in the world, there is plenty of opportunity to taste some top-class reds and whites in Auckland. Take a tour to some of the North Island’s beautiful vineyards and do some sightseeing in Auckland’s surrounding countryside. With day-long tours around the Auckland region’s premier wineries, Auckland Wine Trail Tours offers everything you could need to sate that desire for this nation’s most famous liquid export.

With views extending over all of Auckland, Mount Eden is the highest volcano in the city. This volcanic crater is a short five-minute drive from Auckland’s city center and is alive with native fauna. As well as being a natural wonder, Mount Eden also contains historical records of the Maori habitation, with authentic gardens and terraces dotted around its heights. Although this site was eventually colonised by European settlers, it remains a precious piece of Maori history that’s open for everyone to see.

Set out on a once-in-a-lifetime underground journey from Auckland to the captivating glowworm caves of Waitomo. Thousands of bioluminescent glowworms light up the shadows like a starry sky as you venture deep into old limestone tunnels on this small-group tour. Explore secret cave passages with knowledgeable guides who will share the region’s geological secrets and Māori legends after quietly floating by boat through the glittering grottoes. This private vacation offers individualized care and smooth round-trip transportation, showcasing New Zealand’s natural treasures at their most breathtaking.

Being flanked by ocean, Auckland is unique in that it is quite easy to make an excursion out to the beach. Because Auckland’s beaches are so easily accessible and navigable, kayak is a great way to see Auckland and the islands in the area. Auckland Sea Kayaks provides specialized kayak tours with knowledgeable local guides that come with professional kayaking experience. Perfect for beginners or people with a little experience in kayaking, this is a safe and fun way to see Auckland and its surrounding area.

Home of the visual arts of New Zealand, the Auckland Art Gallery is a free-entry art museum with a broad collection of New Zealand’s fine works. This gallery is the biggest art display in all of New Zealand and is hailed by many as the country’s home for art, boasting major works both historic, modern and contemporary as well as stunning pieces by Maori and Pacific artists. In this way, the center pays respect and homage to New Zealand’s past, present and future of art.

The Maori people were the native inhabitants of New Zealand’s two major islands. A culture that has been prevalent in the land for almost seven centuries, the Maori community has a unique and very special background. From art, music and dance to war, weapons and food, the captivating Maori culture is a must-see. Holding enthralling tours of New Zealand’s indigenous culture and nature, Navigator Tours offers enriching experiences to learn and understand more about the Maori way of life.

If you like a bit of a workout, why not take the climb up the Auckland Harbour Bridge? With about 450 steps, this 1,020-meter-long bridge is a great vantage point to see Auckland’s tremendous harbour. Lasting about 1.5 hours, this is a spectacular and completely safe sightseeing tour with your very own guide. Of course, in true Kiwi style there are also some more intrepid folks making the journey, all in order to jump off the structure under the tutelage of bungee legend A J Hacket himself!

Discover Middle-earth and its underground delights on this amazing day trip from Auckland. Enjoy a glass of cider at the Green Dragon Inn, see the magical Hobbiton film set with an informed guide, and look inside hobbit burrows that are derived from Shire. Explore Waitomo’s glowworm caverns next, where underground rivers are home to thousands of bioluminescent species that create a heavenly display. This tour, which blends fantasy and natural beauties with seamless transfers, a hearty Kiwi lunch, and behind-the-scenes stories, is a must for fans of the Lord of the Rings and those who enjoy the outdoors.

Home of the All Blacks, New Zealand is a country obsessed with rugby. Auckland is no exception, with New Zealand’s largest sport stadium, Eden Park, you can’t miss the opportunity to see a couple of teams go head-to-head in this “gentleman’s” sport. If you’re worried you won’t understand the rules, you can relax: New Zealanders are known for being extremely friendly and would be more than happy to explain what’s happening on the field over a beer or two!

This city, settled by colonial explorers in the mid 19th century, is filled with varying styles of architecture. From the first major building, St Patrick’s Cathedral, built in 1848 in the Gothic revival style, to the famous modern Sky Tower, there is oodles to spy out between its streets. Other architectural points of interest in Auckland include the Italian Renaissance-inspired town hall, as well as the ferry terminal constructed in 1912 in the Edwardian Baroque style.

By far the coolest way to visit this gorgeous island on the edge of the city is by helicopter. As one of the largest islands in the Auckland region, Waiheke Island is home to dozens of vineyards, giving it the reputation of New Zealand’s “island of wine”, as well as a gorgeous landscape to go hiking in and plenty of gorgeous beaches to watch the sunset on. Check out Heletrans for information on how to get a fantastic scenic flight from Auckland to Waiheke Island.

Take an eco-friendly sea excursion from Auckland to witness magnificent whales and energetic dolphins in their natural habitat. This 4.5-hour tour, led by marine researchers, takes visitors through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, one of the world’s most biodiverse whale habitats. See orcas, Bryde’s whales, and dusky dolphins from expansive decks while discovering conservation efforts. This low-impact excursion, which includes a complimentary eco-lunch and hydrophones for listening to whale choruses, provides thrilling wildlife encounters while protecting the ocean’s delicate ecosystems.

These well selected tours provide a variety of experiences in Auckland, from serene to breathtaking. Kayak to dormant volcanoes in the morning, and then bungee jump from Harbour Bridge in the afternoon. Enjoy craft beer at hidden speakeasies in the center of the city or search for glowworms in abandoned railway tunnels. This well-curated list highlights Auckland’s split personality—part metropolitan sophistication, part wild frontier—by providing both classic Kiwi experiences and unique thrills. It makes no difference if you want to train like an All Black rugby player or have a wine tasting appetite on Waiheke Island.

New Zealand has numerous breathtaking scenery, from the undulating vineyards of Waiheke Island to the towering peaks of Fiordland. See the geothermal marvels of Rotorua, hike the magnificent Tongariro trails, or take a boat through the magical fjords of Milford Sound. Regardless of your interests—adventure, leisure, or culture—there is something for everyone. Take one of our vacations to experience New Zealand to the fullest!