25 Incredible Things To Do In Auckland This Year
From mesmerising hikes to quirky interactive experiences and skyscrapers...you won't get bored in Auckland.
Megan Zara Walsh - Staff Writer
In a city full of excitement, where do we begin? Whether youβre a local or a traveller looking to get the best out of this iconic city, weβve tracked down 25 of the best things to do in Auckland, no matter the time of year.
1. Climb Mount Eden
Whether you’re an Aucklander or a tourist, climbing Auckland’s highest extinct volcano Mt Eden never gets old. The climb is an easy 2km walk to the summit, which takes around one hour to complete. At the highest point, you’ll be treated to spectacular 360-degree views, overlooking Auckland. Wander through the Mount Eden community on the way back down, which boasts plenty of local galleries, delicious eateries and an opportunity to learn about MΔoriΒ history.
2. Experience the magic of Stardome
Stardome Observatory is a 360-degree indoor planetarium which was founded in 1967 in the One Tree Hill domain. Meet likeminded individuals and learn about the wonders of space through hyper-realistic and fully immersive showcases.
π670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1345, New Zealand
3. Drink, dine and play above the clouds
SkyTower is the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built more than 25 years ago but now encompasses an entertainment complex, casino, plenty of bars and restaurants and cool experiences such as SkyWalk, the new SkySlideΒ and SkyJump. Take in panoramic views 328 metres above the street and spot key landmarks while you enjoy a range of activities. For instance, The Sugar Club and Orbit 360 are some of the best romantic restaurants in Auckland.
πVictoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
4. Watch a sunset or sunrise
From Devonport to Mount Hobson, there’s so many beautiful locations around Auckland to capture a spectacular glowing sky in your mind or on your camera. Read further about the best sunset and sunrise places in Auckland.
5. See a majestic temple
Feel like you’re in Bali by visiting the peaceful Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. As the largest Buddhist temple in New Zealand, it serves as a place of education and worship, boasting a complex with an art gallery, a tea house cafe, a Chinese school and stunning gardens.
π16 Stancombe Road, Flat Bush, Manukau 2016, New Zealand
6. Bungy Jump from Auckland Harbour Bridge
For the thrill seekers among us, get your adrenaline pumping by taking on this epic Bungy pod with AJ Hackett Bungy. The experience involves diving off the bridge, over the ocean, against the backdrop of Auckland city. Plus, it’s a perfect date idea!
π105 Curran Street, Westhaven Reserve, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
7. Go wine-tasting on Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is home to some of the greatest winegrowers worldwide. No matter the season, you could take a 40-minute ferry from the city to get lost on the island, take in stunning views afar, drink endless glasses of wine and even stay the night. Some of our favourites for wine-tasting are Mudbrick Vineyard and Wild On Waiheke, which also offers cool outdoor games for groups.
πWaiheke Island, Auckland
8. Hike NZ’s youngest volcano
Opt to kayak around the Hauraki Gulf or take a short 25-minute boat ride to explore the youngest volcano, at 600-years-old, in New Zealand. Rangitoto Island is just 5.5km wide and offers a lovely half-a-day hike. Plus, Rangitoto Island is pest-free so there’s no need to worry about wildlife appearing.
9. Drink atop the highest rooftop bar in NZ
Bar Albert is the highest rooftop bar in New Zealand opened in 2022. Perched on Level 38 of the Voco Auckland City Centre Hotel, it’s the perfect place to sip a few cocktails and take in the iconic views. Although Auckland has the most sensational rooftop experiences in New Zealand, so why not check out more of the greatest rooftops in Auckland?
π13 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
10. Get educated at Auckland’s museums
There’s a range of thrilling museums to explore in Auckland, which often provide free entrance. Some of the best museums to see are Auckland War Museum for history geeks, the Museum of Transport and Technology for fans of technology and New Zealand Maritime Museum, to name a few.
11. Go rafting at the waterpark
Vector Wero Whitewater Parkis perfect for people of all ages who want to enjoy watersports. Think rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty more lake activities.
π 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
12. Go wild at Rainbow’s End
Of course, this is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Auckland. Discover this unique theme park, with plenty of rides such as water bumper cars to laser tag. Certainly, you won’t be bored.
πΒ 2 Clist Crescent, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
13. Explore the bush
Auckland boasts a selection of sacred native forests that are therapeutic to explore. For example, the Waitakere Ranges on the West coast offers rugged black beaches, pristine coastline and native wildlife all in one. Certainly, one of the best things to do on a good day in Auckland.
14. Admire artworks for free
Relax and wander through a beautiful and calm space at Auckland Art Gallery. Frequently, exhibitions and events change so there is always something new and spectacular to see. Likewise, it’s one of the best free things to do in Auckland.
πΒ Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
15. Get lost in a quirky maze
Wander through an interactive space of colour like no other. With quirky mirrors, dark tunnels and plenty of bright lights…you won’t be bored as you find the exist at the Odyssey Sensory Maze.
πLower Basement Metro Centre, 291 β 297 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
16. Walk along Auckland’s best beaches
Auckland is blessed with a stunning coastline of endless majestic beaches. From the wild West Coast beaches to vibrant places like Takapuna Beach, there’s plenty of sandy spots to explore. Discover the best beaches in Auckland.
17. Go on a journey with the All Blacks
Why not go on a state-of-the-art guided tour through New Zealand’s rugby history? The All Blacks Experience offers visitors an opportunity to learn the story of rugby, test your rugby skills, hear from legends and plenty more.
πLevel 4/88 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
18. Visit Hobbiton
The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings filming locations make a great day trip and one of the best things to do near Auckland. Just a two-hour drive from the city, get ready to explore Alexander family sheep farm, the 12-acre set of the Hobbit Holes and learn how the movies were made.
π Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand
19. Get spooked at a scary theme park
Keep Halloween alive by heading to this horror theme park Spookers in a former psychiatric hospital filled with scary zombies, horrific clowns and much more spookiness. Certainly, another fantastic date idea as well as group activity.
π833 Kingseat Road, Kingseat 2580, New Zealand
20. Visit Auckland Zoo
Animal lovers will enjoy a day at the zoo, which hosts 144 different species, and over 1400 animals, with the biggest diversity of wildlife in New Zealand. Certainly, the perfect activity year-round. Book your tickets via the Auckland Zoo website.
π Motions Rd, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
21. Indulge at Auckland’s Night Markets
Foodies can delight in Auckland Night Markets which travel around seven different locations across the city. Explore dozens of stalls, shop for goodies and eat to your heart’s content, from desserts to international cheap eats…you’ll be spoilt for choice.
22. Drink and putt at Holey Moley
As one of the best date ideas in Auckland, you won’t get bored in this house of fun. EnjoyΒ mini golf experience paired cocktails, scrumptious food and plenty of instagrammable moments.
π 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
23. Escape from a room
Why not battle it out in an escape room some weekend day? Get tickets here. Definitely, one of the best things to do on a rainy day!
πVictoria Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
24. Enjoy a day of thrills
Spend a day playing arcade games, electric go-karts and other thrilling activities at this entertainment venue. Read all about Game Over Auckland here.
π35 Arrenway Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
25. Go on an Instagrammable adventure
The photo lovers among us will adore the most instagrammable places in Auckland along with the most instagrammable eateries. Meanwhile, foodies can get their hands on the most instagrammable food dishes in Auckland.
Check out the Best Seasonal Activities To Do In Auckland.