23 BEST Things to do in Auckland in Summer

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Looking for Auckland’s best summer activities? You’ve come to the right place!

After living in Auckland myself, I learned that there’s more than meets the eye in New Zealand’s largest city. The city comes alive during the summer and there is so much to do, I could have made this list twice as long!

But, to save you some time and the headache of travel planning, I narrowed down the absolute best things to do in the summer in Auckland. Whether you’re looking for a local festival and farmers market, a day trip to experience the beautiful outdoors, whale watching, hikes, rooftop bars, or trendy neighborhoods – you can find it in Auckland!

Best Things to do in Auckland in Summer

1. Go on a harbor cruise 

Auckland’s nickname is “the city of sails” and once you gaze upon the Waitemata Harbour, you’ll know why. There are dozens and dozens of boats sailing in the water here, and all of the sails dotted on the horizon are stunning! I was eager to get out on the water for myself, and luckily there are plenty of cruises on offer, no matter your budget.

The most budget-friendly option is this 1.5-hour yacht sailing cruise on the Waitemata Harbour. I love that it’s relatively short, so you can fit it into your busy travel schedule, and it only costs $100 NZD so it doesn’t break the bank either! You’ll set sail from the Viaduct Harbour, and pass by the iconic Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and the stunning Devonport area. This is such a fun way to experience Auckland, and you can even steer the boat if you’re up for it!

Check availability and book this sailing experience in advance here. 

If you’re looking for a luxurious evening out, I highly recommend this 3-course dinner sunset cruise! Sunset over the harbor is a memorable experience, and the food on this tour blew my expectations out of the water. The exact menu changes by season, but I had the market fish and it was so fresh! This is perfect if you’re looking for a romantic activity while in Auckland, and it’s well-priced at $150 NZD per person.

Book this popular tour in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.

Did you know you can sail on a racing yacht? Well, you can in Auckland on this America’s Cup Sailing Experience – perfect for die-hard sailing fans. The America’s Cup is the top worldwide sailing competition and it has been held in Auckland Harbour in the past. You’ll get the chance to help the crew operate the vessel and see all the mechanics of the boat. Or you can just relax and enjoy a luxury boat ride and let them do all the work!

This 2-hour cruise is $195 NZD and is a totally unique way to explore Auckland Harbour!

Secure your spot on this tour here, before it sells out. 

2. Take the boat to Waiheke Island 

A day trip to Waiheke Island is an absolute must while you’re in Auckland! This is easily one of the best day trips from Auckland, although I think spending a night or two here is even better (check out the top hotel options!). This island is gorgeous and famous for its wine scene. So I say, treat yourself to a lovely summer getaway!

You can get to Waiheke Island pretty easily from downtown Auckland. Ferries leave a few times a day, and the boat ride is only 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can take your car along, which makes getting around the island easy, or ride the ferry as a foot passenger which is cheaper. The Sea Link Ferry allows cars and is $154 NZD for a car and passenger ticket, or a foot passenger ticket is $28 NZD each way.

This is quite pricey, so if you can avoid taking your car you’ll save a lot of money! You can take the Fullers Fast Ferry for $44 NZD return (if you purchase tickets online ahead of time). This ferry is only 35 minutes too, leaving more time to explore the island!

Once you get to Waiheke Island, you may never want to leave! There are lots of beaches to explore, an adorable little town called Oneroa, and plenty of wineries to check out. 

This top-rated wine tour is an exceptional way to visit Waiheke’s best wineries! I had so much fun on this tour – we went to three wineries and all the tasting fees were included, as well as commentary about the wines and the region. The tour guide picked us up from the ferry and we had 6 hours of sightseeing and wine tasting. At the end, we were dropped off in Oneroa and had time to grab lunch (or another glass of wine) before catching the ferry back to Auckland. 

I thought this tour was well worth the cost of $235 NZD. It also has over 1,000 5-star reviews, so I’m not the only one who loves it!

Check out all the 5-star reviews here and book this tour before it fills up!

And if you want to see even more of Waiheke Island, plan on spending a night! I recommend booking your hotel in advance, as this is a popular destination and hotels are limited.

3. Go dolphin and whale watching

Did you know that Auckland is one of the best spots to go whale watching in New Zealand? You can actually see whales here any time of year, which is pretty rare, but I personally love going in the summer because the weather is much better! The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is just off the coast and here you can see various types of whales, dolphins, penguins, and seabirds. I had so much on this half-day whale-watching experience and with 1,400+ glowing reviews, it’s one of the top experiences in Auckland. 

There are actually more than six different species of whales that live in the marine park. Most famously is the Bryde’s whale and the humpback whale – I was lucky enough to see both on my tour! And thanks to the guide’s expert commentary, I could tell them apart.

This tour takes off from the Viaduct Harbour, so it’s really convenient from Auckland CBD. We sailed on a catamaran, which is typically more stable than other boats (just in case you get seasick!). I recommend bringing snacks and water, as the tour just includes the boat, crew, and any fees in the $209 NZD price tag.

If you don’t see any whales on this tour, they have a whale-sighting guarantee, so you can come back and take another tour at no charge!

Book this top-rated tour in advance here with FREE cancellation options. 

4. Visit the famous Piha Beach 

If you’re like me, you’re eager to escape the city and get to the beach! Piha Beach is easily one of the best beaches in New Zealand, and in my personal opinion, it’s the prettiest. I’m sure you’ll agree once you see the black sand, the iconic Lions Rock, and the vibrant blue water. 

Piha Beach is a great surf spot and people often swim here, perfect for a summer’s day. Just be sure to swim within the flags, as the water here can be quite rough and filled with rocks. I like to hike up Lion Rock for incredible views from the top!

You can reach the beach in just a 45-minute drive from Auckland, it’s about 40 kilometers (25 miles). Since it’s so close to Auckland, the beach can be a bit busy if you’re visiting on the weekends during the summer. If your schedule allows, try to go on a weekday. 

If you don’t have a rental car, you can join this afternoon guided tour to Piha Beach! This takes care of the driving for you, and is an excellent way to learn about the history, culture, and formation of this stunning area! We went on a guided beach walk to learn why the sand is black, and we also had some time to explore on our own, which I appreciated.

I thought visiting the Arataka Centre to learn about Maori history was especially interesting, and we also made a pit stop at a local bakery – we needed a sugar rush to keep our energy up! This tour is $185 NZD and lasts about 5 hours. 

Check availability and book this guided tour to Piha Beach here!

5. Take the ferry to Devonport and hike Mount Victoria

If you’re looking for more of a local experience, head to Devonport. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Auckland and is a short ferry ride across the harbor from downtown. The ferry ride takes 12 minutes and is $16 NZD return.

I hope you come hungry because Devonport is full of classy cafes and upmarket seafood restaurants. For that local feel, you can also find classic Kiwi pubs and tons of fish and chips shops down Victoria Road! Since you’ll be visiting during the summer, Devonport Beach is a must-visit, but be warned, it can get busy here. I like to hike up North Head for incredible views of the harbor and check out the underground army tunnels along the path.

You can’t come to Devonport and skip hiking Mount Victoria, especially if you love being outside on a summer’s day. The hike takes you up the dormant volcano over 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) and typically takes 40 minutes to complete. It’s a relaxed hike and the views at the top are nothing short of incredible. You’ll probably notice the colorfully painted mushrooms at the summit, and while the decor is cute, they actually are vents for the water pumping station under the volcano – neat!

Related Read: If you’re spending a few days in Auckland, check out my 3-day Auckland itinerary for the best sights and travel tips!

6. Head up Mount Eden

If you don’t have time to hike up Mount Victoria, there’s another dormant volcano just outside of Auckland CBD. Mt Eden is just a 20-minute bus ride (or about a 1-hour walk) from downtown and gives incredible views of the city and the harbor below. You can even see the massive crater at the summit, which I think is pretty unique. 

Now, I know hiking a volcano sounds pretty intense, but Mt Eden is actually an easy hike. It takes about 40 minutes to complete and has 223 feet of elevation gain over 2 kilometers (1.3 miles). The path is paved and doable for anyone who can walk 2 km. My friends and I like to bring some picnic supplies and have a sunset picnic from the top – it’s stunning!

7. Wander the botanic gardens

One of Auckland’s best free activities also happens to be one of the best summer activities! The Auckland Botanic Gardens is a sprawling 64-hectare (158-acre) garden area with thousands of plants. I love going for a stroll through here, and with over one million visitors a year – it’s certainly a popular place to visit. 

There are 10 hectares (24.7 acres) of untouched forest here so you can check out native New Zealand plant life. The gardens are split up into growing areas based on the plant types, such as the African Plants Garden, Conifer Garden, Camellia Garden, and my favorite, the Edible Garden. This one is dedicated to vegetables and herbs you can grow at home and eat, so it’s great to learn about these plants if you have a green thumb. Kids also love the Wiri Rambler train that cruises through the gardens.

I really enjoy the walking paths along the gardens, such as the Stream Forest Trail. This links up with Totara Park and is a fantastic way to see the plants up close and away from the crowds. It’s a 4-kilometer (2.5 mile) loop trail and takes about 2 hours to see it all. I also love the Permanent Sculpture Trail, and based on the name I’m sure you can guess what you’ll see – lots of sculptures and art!

The Auckland Botanic Gardens is a little way outside of the city center in Manurewa and takes about 20 minutes to get there (outside of rush hour). If you have a group, you can book a guided tour of the gardens for $50 NZD. This is available on the weekends and can be booked at the visitor center.

8. Pasifika Festival

One of the best ways to enjoy Auckland’s summer scene is to dive into some of the local festivals. The Pasifika Festival is a fantastic representation of the Pacific Island people who call New Zealand home. The festival has been going since 1993 and is growing in popularity as the community celebrates the Pacific people’s rich culture. 

There are 11 Pacific Island nations represented here, and each brings something unique. It’s cool to see how diverse Auckland is and to pay homage to many people’s native roots. 

The festival is family-friendly and completely free to enter. There are tons of performances in traditional and modern dance and music, all in authentic outfits, jewelry, and paint. I was so impressed when I saw these dances! But the best part of the festival is the food – there are tons of food vendors serving up traditional fare from all the nations represented. It is all incredibly tasty!

Check the Pasifika Festival’s website for exact dates, but it usually happens on a Saturday and Sunday in mid-March. It’s something that many Aucklanders look forward to every summer!

9. Auckland Foreshore Heritage Walk

One of my favorite ways to explore a city is simply by walking! The Auckland Foreshore Heritage Walk takes you by some of the top city sights from Point Erin in Herne Bay to the Parnell Baths. 

This track is 5 kilometers (3 miles) and has 25 informational boards along the way so you can learn about the area you’re exploring. You’ll pass by historic parks, wharves, and residential neighborhoods, and find some unique nooks and crannies too. This is a flat and easy path, great if you have kids that need to burn some energy!

There are parking lots at both ends of the track, so you can start from either end. It takes about 2 hours to return, or you can cycle along this route to speed it up a bit.

10. See the gannet colony at Muriwai Beach 

New Zealand is known for having some truly unique wildlife, and you can easily experience it from Auckland! Muriwai Beach is about a 45-minute drive from Auckland, and here you can see a huge colony of Gannet birds nesting on Otakamiro Point. This only happens from August to March, so it’s an ideal summer activity while in Auckland!

You can easily drive to Muriwai Beach on your own to see the gannet birds. However, for an even more memorable experience, you can drive onto the beach itself! You’ll need a 4WD vehicle and have applied for the free permit ahead of time, but it’s totally worth the effort. The beach stretches for a few kilometers and is so scenic. 

However, if you don’t have a car, you can still get to Muriwai Beach on this organized tour. Not only do they provide transportation to the beach, but you’ll also learn heaps about the gannet colony. My favorite part of this tour is stopping by a local winery for a tasting! What’s better for a summer’s day than the beach, wine, and wildlife!? This tour is $175 NZD. 

This tour has limited dates, so be sure to book it in advance to secure your spot!

11. Explore Tawharanui Regional Park

One of my favorite things about Auckland is how easy it is to escape the city and get to the great outdoors. Especially on a hot summer’s day, who wants to be in the concrete jungle!? Tawharanui Regional Park is a one-hour and 20-minute drive north of Auckland’s CBD, and although it’s small, it’s mighty in terms of views and outdoor recreation. 

Anchor Bay borders the regional park, and the 360-meter (0.2-mile) white sand beach is gorgeous. This area is also great for surfing! There are a few walking paths along here, such as the ecology trail that takes you by the rare dotterels breeding area. Some of the longer trails take you up to a viewpoint where you can see the entire peninsula. 

Tawharanui is open all year and summer is definitely the best time to visit (and the busiest). The waves are in perfect condition for surfing at this time! Or if you’re not a surfer, it’s super fun to sit on the beach and watch them go.

12. Hit a Farmer’s Market

One of my favorite summer activities is strolling through a farmer’s market. There’s something so charming about the local vendors on a sunshine-filled day! Whether you’re looking to buy some fresh produce and locally made goods, or just go for a stroll to see what’s out there, you’ll find plenty of options in Auckland. 

Most farmer’s markets happen on Saturday and Sunday during the summer. The Britomart Saturday Market is loved by locals and is the spot to go for organic produce, baked goods, talented food vendors, and more. This market is located in Takutai Square in the CBD and is open from 8 am to 4 pm. The Avondale Sunday Market is also in Central Auckland and it’s open from 5 am to 12 pm, and this one has a greater Pacific Island and Asian influence – you can truly find anything at this market! 

Outside of the CBD, you can catch the Devonport Market on the first Saturday of every month from 9 am to 2 pm. This one is fun because you can catch the ferry and wander around the market, making a whole day of it! The Otara Market in South Auckland is unique because it’s more of a flea market than the other farmer’s markets and has been running since 1976. It’s open on Saturdays from 6 am to 12 pm. 

If getting up early in the morning isn’t your thing, the Auckland Night Markets are also super fun to explore! I love visiting the night market because there is seriously good food here, and it changes locations every day, so the vendors and locations are ever-changing. There’s always something fun to find! Check out the dates and locations of the Auckland Night Market here. 

13. Wander through Ponsonby

When I lived in Auckland, some of my most memorable summer days were spent in Ponsonby! This is the trendy neighborhood in Auckland, filled to the brim with cool bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The neighborhood is very walkable and most of the attractions are centrally located on Ponsonby Road. Just behind this main street are gorgeous Victorian houses with pristine gardens which is a unique contrast to Ponsonby Road’s hipster vibe.

This is one of the best spots in the city to eat, so plan on trying a few places. I love Prego, it’s Italian food and is loved all throughout Auckland, expect a line! The Blue Breeze Inn is another unique spot and it serves authentic Chinese food that’s oh-so-flavorful.

If you need a pick-me-up, stop by Sol’s Place for the best cup of coffee in Ponsonby. I love the cozy interior, but they also have a quaint patio area that’s great for a summer day. If you’re hungry, they also have a great menu offering, but I’ve personally only tried coffee here. 

You can’t have a hip neighborhood without a local market and of course, Ponsonby Central is a very trendy market area! There are dozens of food stalls featuring cuisines from all over the world. My go-to is Olas Arepas – it takes me back to my time in Latin America! Arepas are maize dough filled with slow-roasted meat and tons of sauces and spices, they are so tasty

With all the hip restaurants and bars in Ponsonby, it only makes sense to hit the nightlife here. Bedford Soda & Liquor has the best cocktails in Auckland, I’m talking alcoholic caramel shake or a Kentucky bourbon coffee! Ponsonby Social Club is another fun spot to hit and stay until the wee hours of the night. From Wednesday through Sunday, you can find amazing DJs here, whether they are local or international 

If you want a guided experience through Ponsonby, I love this food tour of Auckland that highlights Ponsonby Market. This is perfect if you want to learn about the city’s eclectic food scene and have all the logistics taken care of for you. The local guides will show you the best places to eat in the market, and also take you wine tasting and to a farmers market for $275 NZD. It’s a fantastic introduction to Auckland’s ever-growing foodie scene. 

This tour is likely to sell out – book it in advance here!

14. Have a cocktail with a view

Is there anything better on a summer’s day than relaxing with a tasty cocktail, and enjoying the views? Auckland natives certainly love this activity because there are a few rooftop bars that overlook the water for a totally luxurious experience!

One of the most famous spots is the Hi-So Rooftop Bar, sitting 15 floors on top of the SO/ Auckland Hotel. You can see the harbor on one side and the CBD on the other. The cocktails are excellent, my favorite is the Peary Nice to Meet You, and there’s frequently a DJ in the evenings. I recommend coming here for sunset – you won’t find a better view of the city!

Another popular area is Viaduct Harbor, which sits right along the water. This is an upscale side of town, full of trendy bars and stunning waterfront views. You can find a range of bars along “the Viaduct” as locals refer to this area, whether you like live music and chill bars, a high-end restaurant, or a swanky cocktail bar. 

If you’re looking for a lively outing, head to Holey Moley for drinks, mini-golf, and karaoke. It’s always a good time with friends and I hate to admit that the waterfront mini golf course got the best of me!

In terms of views, I recommend the Soul Bar and Bistro for sunset. It’s small but lively and has amazing waterfront views. For my craft beer lovers out there (like myself) you’ll love Dr. Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co. The beer is even better than the views, and is a casual spot for a summer’s night! There are even bowling lanes at the brewery that are free for customers – how fun!

15. Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival

I don’t think there’s anything in Auckland that screams “summer” more than the Sunsetter Festival. As a local, I look forward to this event every year! Good food, lots of music, wine, cocktails, need I say more?

Located on the Devonport Waterfront, the festival is a single-day event in mid-January (January 18, 2025 to be exact!). It is such a fun day, full of live music from local New Zealanders and international performers alike. This is also a great spot for local NZ breweries, wineries, and spirit and cocktail distributors, as this is an event where the drinks are flowing! 

I also have to rave about the food at Sunsetter – they bring in some of the best food vendors from all over New Zealand and beyond. 

Tickets often sell out the minute they are released, so if you are trying to go this upcoming year, I recommend purchasing your tickets ASAP. General admission tickets range from $69 to $89 NZD, and you can get VIP tickets for $159 to $179 NZD. GA tickets only include admission, buy VIP tickets get you access to better stage areas, exclusive lounges, and two complimentary drinks. 

Don’t miss out on Auckland’s best summer activity!

16. Explore Rangitōtō Island

Rangitoto Island is another gorgeous day trip right off the coast of Auckland. This is actually a volcanic island and is the largest of the 48 dormant volcanoes in the region. It’s also home to the world’s biggest pohutukawa forest, so if you’re a nature lover, you’ll swoon over this island!

You can reach Rangitoto Island in a quick 25-minute ferry ride from downtown. Ferry tickets are $53 NZD round trip and it makes for a smooth day trip. Once you’re there, walking to the top of the dormant volcano is one of the top activities. The summit track is actually an easier hike than it sounds, as it’s pretty flat and spans 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). You’ll walk by black lava caves, so bring a torch so you can explore them for yourself!

However, I think the best way to get to Rangitoto is by taking this guided sea kayaking tour! Led by a professional guide, they will lead you across the harbor to Rangitoto, no matter your experience level, and then take you on a hike to the summit. The day ends with a beachside BBQ – what a lovely day! This tour is 6.5 hours and $245 NZD per person. 

Don’t miss out on this unique kayak experience – book this tour here. 

17. Day trip to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves

A “best things to do in Auckland in summer” blog wouldn’t be complete without at least one Lord of the Rings activity! Hobbiton is one of the most popular New Zealand attractions, and you can visit for yourself on a day trip from Auckland. I think summertime is the best time to visit Hobbiton so you can see the stunning movie set on a gorgeous sunny day and experience the Shire in all of its glory. 

I recommend taking this full-day tour to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. This is another can’t-miss North Island sight, and if you’re limited on time, seeing both in one day is super convenient. You can see the famous glow worms at the Waitomo Caves!

You’ll first visit Hobbiton, where you’ll discover the behind-the-scenes secrets about the film set. I loved seeing the quirky props and colorful buildings, but you also get amazing views of the Kaimai Ranges too. Our guide took us by the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and we had a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. If you’re a true fan you can probably picture all of these places as you’re reading this!

The Waitomo Caves are about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Hobbiton, so it’s convenient to have the tour provide transport. Once you’re at the caves, you’ll hop in a boat and go deep into the caverns to find thousands of glow worms! It looks like a night sky, I was blown away the first time I saw this!

Expect to spend quite a bit of your day in the car, as it’s about 5.5 hours of driving in total. This tour is $370 NZD per person and includes entrance tickets to both Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves, lunch, transportation, and your guide. 

Book this tour with over 1,600 5-star reviews here, before spots fill up!

Alternatively, you can visit these sights on your own if you rent a car in Auckland. I recommend using Discover Cars, then you can road trip all over the North Island. Visiting Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves is a common stop on the drive from Auckland to Rotorua, and Rotorua is a unique destination while you’re exploring New Zealand!

Related Read: Check out these epic 10-day North Island road trip itineraries for some travel inspiration! 

18. Bungy jumping

Did you know bungy jumping started in New Zealand? It sure did! What better place to take on this adventure activity than on the iconic Auckland Bridge!? 

Imagine jumping 40 meters off the bridge and over the harbor. You can even have your head touch the water while you jump (but only if you want!), talk about a way to cool off!

This is the only bungy jumping experience in Auckland and happens to be the most famous bungy company in all of New Zealand. This experience takes about 2 hours in total, but your jump only lasts for a few minutes, and prices start at $210 NZD. Jumpers must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 35 kg and 150 kg. 

This Auckland bungy jump is located just a 5-minute drive from Auckland CBD, and you’ll meet at Westhaven Marina in Herne Bay. They also offer a shuttle bus that takes off from downtown.

19. Day Trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island

If you traveled to New Zealand hoping to see wildlife, you can do just that at Tiritiri Matangi Island! This wildlife sanctuary is home to all sorts of native bird species, as well as unique New Zealand flora and fauna. Volunteers have been working to plant over 250,000 trees in the reserve over the past few years. 

The reason there are so many native birds here is that the preserve is a predator-free island, which allows the birds to survive, breed, and thrive! It’s really fun to spend a day here, and it feels completely opposite from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

I like to pack a picnic and hang out on one of the beaches. This is ideal for a summer’s day because the water here is super refreshing. It’s important to know that there are no stores or restaurants on the island, so be sure to bring plenty of water and anything you’ll need for the day. There are a handful of walks on Tiritiri Matangi that allow you to wander through the untouched natural landscape, it’s quite stunning!

Ferry tickets are available for $95 NZD per person roundtrip. You can check departure times and purchase tickets in advance here!

20. Go skydiving

If bungy jumping isn’t enough of an adventure for your summer vacation, why not go skydiving? You can choose between a 13,000 foot drop with 45 seconds of freefall, a 16,000 foot jump with 60 seconds of freefall, or the big 18,000 foot jump with 75 seconds of freefall. No worries if this is your first time jumping out of a plane, you’ll be strapped to an expert Tandem Master who will take care of the safety aspect, so you can just enjoy the ride. 

Auckland is such a fun place to skydive because you can see the stunning Hauraki Gulf and the lush green landscape as you are in the air. From my experience, the views are good on the plane ride up, but even better once you’re sailing through the air, everything seems to slow down and you’ll never get a better viewpoint in your life! Unless you go skydiving again, of course. 

Prices start at $345 NZD and you can book it in advance here. 

21. Scenic flight

Summertime is the best time to take to the skies, and a scenic flight is easily one of the best ways to see Auckland! I had so much fun on a scenic flight over the city, as it gave incredible views of the downtown area and the harbor. The pilot was really good at pointing out landmarks such as the Auckland Zoo, Auckland Harbour Bridge, and Mount Eden.

You can choose from multiple flights, such as this 45-minute flight that soars over the Hauraki Gulf. You have a chance to see whales breaching from up above! This experience is $262 NZD, which is actually a great price for an experience like this. 

I recommend booking your flight in advance to secure your spot, especially during the busy summer months!

22. Walk the vibrant Parnell Road

Auckland is full of hidden gems and pockets of unique neighborhoods. Parnell is the oldest district in New Zealand, so there are tons of historic and unique businesses to explore. Parnell Road is the main street, filled with trendy cafes, amazing restaurants, boutique shops, and local art galleries. I always enjoy wandering around Parnell Road and getting lost in the sights!

I always like to start my Parnell exploration with a cup of coffee and a famous cookie from Red Rabbit Coffee. Then hit the boutique shops and check out the artwork at Parnell Gallery or Birdwoods Parnell. By now you’ll probably be hungry, so swing Non Solo Pizza located on Parnell Road. 

You can reach Parnell by walking, it takes about 30 minutes from downtown Auckland. Or you can take the public bus from the Auckland Art Gallery or Britomart and it will take about 5 minutes. 

23. Experience the Vector Wero Whitewater Park

The best way to beat the summer heat is by hitting the Vector Wero Whitewater Park! You can have an adventurous day rafting or kayaking or chill out and relax on the lake. But regardless, dive into the water – it’s the perfect summer activity in Auckland. 

I love that this park is suitable for all abilities and adventure levels. There are beginner-friendly rafting experiences on the Tamariki River, which is just 200 meters long, and a grade 1-2 whitewater course. For something a bit more, check out the 300-meter River Rush course, which is grade 3-4. Or if you are looking for a real thrill, try the Pump Waterfall, a 4.5 meter (14.7 foot) artificial waterfall and you can actually raft over the falls!

If this all sounds a bit too extreme for you, the lake provides some relaxing kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding activities. These are family-friendly and fun with a big group who just want to chill! 

The Vector Wero Whitewater Park is located in Manukau, which is about 30 minutes south of Auckland CBD. 

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. 

Rooms are around $400-$500 NZD, but you’re definitely getting quality with that price tag! Check availability and book this hotel on Booking.com.

$$ – 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. 

You can get a room for around $300 NZD a night during the summer, and it’s cheaper during other seasons. Book this stay on Booking.com.

$ – 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.

For more detailed info on the best areas to stay in Auckland and the best hotels, check out my blog!

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Thanks for reading!

It’s hard to beat Auckland in the summer. This harbor-side city is full of things to do and it’s the absolute best in the summer! After living here myself, I found tons of activities to fill my summer days, from rooftop bars to epic day trips to enjoy the outdoors, unique summer festivals, and more. I know you’ll enjoy your time in Auckland in the summer – you’ll never be bored!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out my other New Zealand blogs. I have lived on the North and South Islands and extensively traveled both, so I have a lot of expertise and experiences to share! Here are a few related blogs to help plan your next New Zealand getaway:

13 BEST Stops on the Drive from Auckland to Rotorua

12 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting Wētā Workshop Unleashed, Auckland

4 BEST Tours to Hobbiton from Auckland +Things to Know Before Booking

Is Auckland Worth Visiting? My Advice After Living Here!