10 BEST Things to do in Auckland, NZ

If you’re looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Auckland, you’ve come to the right place!

There is no shortage of things to do in New Zealand’s largest city. You can look for wildlife, visit iconic movie sets, catch a ferry to a stunning wine-growing island, or try out some of the hundreds of amazing bars and restaurants.

So, if you’re fortunate enough to be planning a visit to ‘the city of sails,’ I want you to know all the best things to do so that you can make the most of your time there. I’ve put together the list below to help you plan and make sure you have an amazing time while in the area!

The BEST Things to do in Auckland 

1. Go Dolphin and Whale Watching

One of the coolest things I’ve done in Auckland was joining a dolphin and whale-watching tour to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. This is a protected marine reserve made up of over 50 islands and full of wildlife!

I went on this highly-rated half-day tour and was lucky enough to see whales, dolphins, penguins, and various seabirds! It was neat to watch the gannets diving into the water at high speeds in search of food. It was such a memorable experience, and I managed to take some amazing photos. 

I bet you didn’t know that six different species of whale call the marine park home including the native Bryde’s whale and the Humpback whale. This makes it one of the best places in the world to go whale watching all year round!

This tour departs from the Viaduct Harbour and is on board a luxury catamaran. Your guide will point out all the sea life along the way, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see all the marine life that I did. Prices start from about $209 NZD for this tour, which we think is definitely worth it (just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!)

2. Go Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island

If wine and beautiful beaches are your thing, make sure you visit Waiheke Island. This gorgeous island is home to over 30 boutique wineries and is my favorite day trip from Auckland.

It’s easy to get to Waiheke from Auckland CBD, with ferries leaving several times a day from the central Auckland Ferry Terminal. It’s a short journey taking around 30 to 40 minutes.

Once you’re on Waiheke Island I highly recommend doing this premium 6-hour wine tour. It visits the best wineries on the island and provides safe transportation so you can enjoy as many wine samples as you’d like!

All 3 of the wineries we visited had spectacular views of the coastline. And I loved that the tour had a maximum of only 10 people, so it never felt crowded and I could ask all of the questions I wanted. This tour costs $235 NZD per person which includes all of the wine-tasting fees, you will just have to get to and from the island on your own.

3. Day trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves

Two of New Zealand’s most epic “must-do” activities are located just a couple hours outside of Auckland. I’m talking about Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and this fantastic full-day tour combines both activities into one fun day trip!

The day begins with a tour of the Hobbiton Set, better known as ‘The Shire’ to fans. Here, not only will you get to learn all the secrets behind the creation of this quirky, colorful set, but you will take in incredible views of the Kaimai Ranges as you walk around it. Visit the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even grab a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Lord of the Rings fans will know exactly what I’m talking about! 

Next, you’ll have a delicious lunch before heading to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here, you will get on a boat and glide through the caves surrounded by thousands of glowworms. It is truly a spectacular sight! I also learned a lot about the Maori culture from our guide who was a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally discovered the caves.

This highly-rated tour (check out the 1600+ 5-star reviews here) costs $370 NZD per person, which I think is a pretty good deal considering it includes two of the best tours in New Zealand, your transportation, and lunch.

Related Read: For more great tour options from Auckland to Hobbiton, check out my post about my favorite ones here!

4. Visit the famous Piha Beach

Piha Beach is one of the best beaches in New Zealand, and it’s also one of the prettiest with its black sand in contrast to the bright blue water!

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Auckland and makes for a great day trip. When I went, I did this 5-hour afternoon guided tour to Piha beach and had the best time! It includes a guided walk of the beach and the surrounding Waitakere Ranges rain forest where your knowledgeable guide will point out all the New Zealand flora and fauna.

I also love that this tour visits the Arataki Centre, where I got to learn about Maori history and view traditional Maori carvings. A bonus add-on is a stop at a local bakery for some delicious treats!

Piha Beach is a very popular spot for surfers, so if you’re lucky, you may get to watch some people ride the waves. Many people come here to swim, too, although be sure to swim between the flags as this stretch of ocean can be rough and rocky!

5. Wētā Workshop Unleashed

From the creators of the award-winning Weta Workshop in Wellington, which creates props for big-hitting movies like Mad Max, Fast and the Furious, and Lord of the Rings – Weta Workshop Unleashed is an experience like no other.

On this 1.5-hour tour through the film effects facility, you will see monsters, giants, and robots up close, as well as set pieces from several famous movies. It feels like you’re right inside the movie, everything is so realistic!

My favorite part was learning how the Weta crew designed and built these fantastical creatures and sets. Whether you’re into the art of movie-making or not, this is guaranteed to be a fun day for all ages.

Weta Workshop Unleashed is an Auckland activity like no other and is located on Federal Street in Auckland CBD. Prices cost $65 NZD per adult which includes a guided journey around the workshop through horror, sci-fi, and fantasy sets. It is a super popular activity though (look at all of these great reviews), so make sure you reserve your tickets online in advance!

6. Join a Guided Tour of the City

The best way to see the city if you have limited time in Auckland is to join a guided tour of the city. That way, you can see the city’s most memorable sights in a short amount of time and learn some fascinating tidbits of information from a knowledgeable local guide.

On this half-day tour, you will be taken to Auckland’s best sights including the Harbour Bridge, Mount Eden, and Mission Bay Beaches (just to name a few). There are many great photo stops along the way and you’ll learn so much about Auckland from the local guides.

This 4-hour sightseeing tour is the perfect way to start out your time in Auckland as it will help you get your bearings and give you many ideas for things to do with the rest of your time in the city. Plus, it is super affordable at only $75 NZD per person!

7.  Go on a Harbor Dinner Cruise 

Auckland is known as the ‘city of sails’ due to the sheer number of yachts and boats located in the harbor here. So, what better way to explore the massive harbor than on a harbor cruise?

Better yet, is going on a harbor cruise AND getting a delicious 3-course meal! This cruise with a 3-course dinner is a fantastic experience. I had the best time watching the sunset behind the Harbour Bridge with a glass of wine in hand. It’s so romantic and is a great activity for couples!

The cruise lasts around 2.5 hours in duration and costs only $160 NZD per person, which includes the cruise and your dinner. Believe me, seeing Auckland from the water is something you have to experience for yourself!

Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Follow my 3-day Auckland itinerary, which includes some of these top activities, plus my favorite hidden gems!

8. Check Out the View from the Sky Tower

The most iconic building in Auckland’s skyline, the Sky Tower, stands at a whopping 1,076 feet (328 meters) tall and is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. But, the best photos can be taken from the top of the tower, where you will be treated to 360-degree views of the city, the harbor bridge, Mount Eden, and even as far as Waiheke Island!

I recommend spending 2 hours on the observation levels of the towers taking photos, and getting your bearings on the sprawling city below. There are some binoculars positioned around the observation decks, but I recommend bringing your own if you have them because sometimes the public ones are already taken.

If you have some more time, check out the SkyBar. It’s a fancy cocktail lounge located 182 meters (597 feet) in the air. I don’t think I’ve ever had a drink with such a nice view before!

Tickets are priced at around $47 NZD for entry and should be purchased in advance to avoid long lines (especially on the weekends!).

9. Go on a Food Tour

One of my favorite things to do in a new city is to join a food tour because it combines two of my favorite things – food and exploring new places!

There are heaps of awesome restaurants and bars in Auckland that choosing where to go can be overwhelming. Food tours such as this 3-hour long walking food tour of Auckland bring you to the best places that you may never have found on your own.

It includes visits to local producers of wine, beer, ice cream, and more. You’ll also learn all about the history of Auckland and the food culture here from your knowledgeable local guide.

This is an afternoon tour and runs from 2:30 – 5:30 pm, so you can easily pack your morning with other Auckland activities. Prices for this tour start at $185 NZD which includes all of your food and beverage tasting fees. So make sure you come hungry!

10. Learn About New Zealand at the Auckland Museum 

The Auckland Museum in the Auckland Domain Parnell is housed within one of the city’s most beautiful heritage buildings. Spread over three floors, you can easily spend a couple of hours here learning about New Zealand’s unique culture and rich history. Believe me, I actually worked at the museum for a few months before I moved to Queenstown.

There are various exhibitions here; some tell the story of the country’s first inhabitants – the Polynesian voyagers who discovered the island way back in 950 A.D. In comparison, other exhibits offer an insight into the indigenous Maori’s way of life. You can see Maori carvings, canoes, and an example of the homes they lived in over the years. It’s truly fascinating. 

The museum is also a war memorial for the Auckland area and holds over 3.5 million taonga (treasures) from its military past. It is also home to one of New Zealand’s top heritage-listed libraries.

I recommend spending at least two hours at this Auckland attraction, and the best way to save some time is by purchasing “skip the line” tickets before you arrive for only $32 NZD per adult.

Where to Stay in Auckland

Auckland is a huge city, so deciding where to stay in Auckland can be a challenge. Luckily, I’ve stayed in Auckland countless times (and even lived there for a few months) so I know the best areas to stay. Below are my favorite hotels/hostels in Auckland to suit all budgets and travel styles:

$$$ – The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity is an Auckland accommodation unlike any other. Treating you to a lavish stay right in the heart of the city, this five-star hotel is exactly where you want to be if you’re after luxurious rooms and city views. 

$$ – Marsden Viaduct Hotel

One of the Auckland hotels with the best views, the Marsden Viaduct Hotel puts you right on the harbor without breaking your budget. This world-class accommodation is within walking distance to the Wynyard Quarter and the restaurant and bars in the Viaduct Harbour, so you’re pretty much in the center of it all. 

$ – The Attic Backpackers

The Attic is one of my favorite budget-friendly accommodations in the heart of Auckland city. Although The Attic isn’t as high-end as the other hotels in the area, you can still call it your home-away-from-home, and it’s actually pretty cozy. You have some chill-out areas a few steps away from the room for chatting with friends and watching TV. There’s also a spacious outdoor covered deck to enjoy the sun in. Both dorm rooms and private rooms are available.

You can book The Attic online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Related Read: For more detailed info on the best areas to stay in Auckland and the best hotels, check out this detailed post!

Thanks for reading!

Well there you have it, 10 of the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand! I bet you can now see why Auckland is worth visiting on your trip.

I’m so excited for you to visit and try these Auckland activities. I, for one, can’t wait to return to this buzzing city soon! If you have any questions for me, please leave a comment below so I can get back to you!

In the meantime, be sure to browse my website for all the most updated and detailed information about visiting Auckland and nearby areas! I have put together an epic bucket list for visitors to New Zealand full of the best things to do and see in New Zealand and the best time to visit New Zealand!

Some other blogs you’ll likely enjoy include:

Auckland to the Bay of Islands Road Trip Itinerary

Things to do in Paihia

The BEST Things to do on the South Island