Things to Visit in Auckland: Harbors, Volcanoes, and Islands
Discover the best of Auckland from its volcanic cones and harbor views to island day trips and Pacific Island culture. Covers landmarks, nature, beaches, food, neighborhoods, and outdoor activities.
Auckland's 328-meter landmark offers 360-degree views from the observation decks on levels 51 and 52. On a clear day you can see 80 km in every direction. Entry costs $36 NZD for adults. Thrill seekers can SkyWalk around the outside on a ledge at 192 meters or SkyJump off the tower for $225-290 NZD.
Climb the summit of Mount Eden volcanic cone
The highest natural point in Auckland at 196 meters, this dormant volcano has a 50-meter deep crater and panoramic views across both harbors and the city. The walk from the parking area takes 15 minutes. Sunrise and sunset visits offer the best light and views. Free entry. Vehicle access to the summit is restricted.
Walk the Auckland Harbour Bridge path
Walk or guided climb tours allow pedestrians onto this iconic bridge for harbor views. The Auckland Bridge Climb takes you to the top of the arch 67 meters above the water for $140 NZD. Alternatively, bungy jump from underneath the bridge for $165 NZD. The bridge connects the city center to the North Shore.
Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum
This neoclassical museum in Auckland Domain park houses the world's largest collection of Maori and Pacific Island artifacts. The Maori cultural performance three times daily is a highlight. The museum also covers New Zealand's war history and natural history. Entry is free for Auckland residents, $28 NZD for international visitors.
Islands and Beaches
Ferry to Waiheke Island for wine and beaches
A 40-minute ferry ride from downtown reaches this island paradise of vineyards, olive groves, and golden beaches. The island produces excellent syrah and bordeaux-blend wines. The hop-on-hop-off bus connects wineries and beaches. Ferry costs $42 NZD return. Wine tastings cost $10-20 NZD at most cellar doors.
Explore Rangitoto Island volcanic cone
This symmetrical volcanic island visible from downtown last erupted 600 years ago. A 1-hour ferry ride and 1-hour hike to the 259-meter summit rewards with panoramic harbor views. Lava caves near the summit are explorable with a torch. Ferry and entry costs $40 NZD return. Bring water as there are no facilities on the island.
Swim at Mission Bay beach
Auckland's most popular urban beach is a 10-minute drive from the CBD with calm swimming waters, a waterfront promenade, and a strip of cafes and ice cream shops. The Rangitoto Island views from the beach are postcard-perfect. Free parking fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive before 10 AM or take the bus.
Surf at Piha on the wild West Coast
This dramatic black sand beach 40 minutes west of the city has powerful surf breaks and the iconic Lion Rock sea stack. Piha is known for strong currents so swim between the flags. Surf lessons cost $95-125 NZD for 2 hours. The Kitekite Falls track behind the beach is a 45-minute return walk through native bush.
Food and Neighborhoods
Eat at the Ponsonby Road restaurant strip
Auckland's trendiest dining street has everything from Vietnamese pho to fine dining New Zealand cuisine in restored villas. The stretch between Three Lamps and Ponsonby Central has the highest concentration of top-rated restaurants. Main courses cost $28-45 NZD at most restaurants. Book ahead for weekend dinners.
Explore the Britomart dining precinct
This revitalized waterfront area near the ferry terminal has Auckland's best concentration of bars and restaurants in restored heritage buildings. The craft beer scene here is excellent with several microbreweries. The Saturday Britomart Farmers Market runs 8 AM to noon with local produce and artisan food.
Try Pacific Island cuisine in Otara or Mangere
Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world and the South Auckland suburbs serve authentic Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, and Cook Islands food. The Otara Flea Market on Saturday mornings sells Pacific Island food, crafts, and produce. A plate of chop suey or raw fish costs $10-15 NZD.
Eat fish and chips on the waterfront
New Zealand takes fish and chips seriously, with fresh snapper or blue cod battered and fried to order. Waterfront fish shops along the Viaduct Harbour sell portions for $12-18 NZD. Eat on the harbor steps watching the boats. The Friday evening atmosphere at the Viaduct is particularly lively.
Culture and Activities
Visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
New Zealand's largest art institution has over 15,000 works spanning Maori art to contemporary New Zealand and international collections. The heritage and modern wings are architecturally interesting in their own right. Entry to the permanent collection is free. Special exhibitions cost $15-25 NZD.
Walk the Coast to Coast walkway
This 16-km urban walk crosses Auckland from the Waitemata Harbour to the Manukau Harbour, passing through parks, historic sites, and volcanic cones. The full walk takes about 4 hours. The route is well signposted and connects many of Auckland's best green spaces. Free and accessible year-round.
Explore the Wynyard Quarter waterfront
This redeveloped former industrial waterfront has parks, playgrounds, public art, and restaurants. The Silo Park hosts outdoor movies in summer and markets on weekends. The fish market nearby sells fresh and cooked seafood. The area is family-friendly and connects to the Viaduct Harbour by a pedestrian bridge.
Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum
This waterfront museum covers 1,000 years of New Zealand maritime history from Polynesian voyaging canoes to racing yachts. Interactive exhibits include sailing on a heritage vessel in the harbor. Entry is $20 NZD for adults. The harbor sailing add-on costs an additional $10 NZD.
Day Trips
Drive to Matakana wine region
This boutique wine region 50 km north of Auckland has intimate cellar doors, farmers markets, and a sculpture trail. The Saturday Matakana Farmers Market is one of the best in the country. The drive takes about 1 hour. Several wineries have excellent restaurants with vineyard views.
Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
These limestone caves 2.5 hours south of Auckland feature thousands of bioluminescent glowworms on the cave ceilings, creating a starscape effect. Boat rides through the caves cost $55 NZD. Black water rafting through the caves is available for more adventurous visitors at $147 NZD.
Explore Hobbiton movie set near Matamata
The film set built for a major fantasy franchise is preserved in the rolling green farmland 2 hours south of Auckland. Guided tours take 2 hours and include a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Tour tickets cost $89 NZD and must be booked in advance. The set looks exactly as it does on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Auckland?
Three to five days covers the main landmarks, an island day trip, beaches, and the food scene. Spend one day on the Sky Tower, Mount Eden, and museum, one day on Waiheke Island or Rangitoto, one day exploring neighborhoods and beaches, and extra days for West Coast surf beaches or Waitomo Caves. Many travelers use Auckland as a starting point for wider New Zealand road trips.
What is the best time to visit Auckland?
December through March is summer with the warmest temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius, the longest daylight hours, and the best beach conditions. Auckland gets rain year-round but summer has the least. Winter from June to August is mild at 10-15 degrees Celsius with more rain. The shoulder months of November and April offer good weather with fewer crowds.
Is Auckland expensive?
Auckland is New Zealand's most expensive city but more affordable than Sydney or London. Budget hostels cost $30-50 NZD per night and mid-range hotels $120-250 NZD. Restaurant meals cost $18-40 NZD for mains. Many of the best experiences like Mount Eden, the Coast to Coast walk, and Mission Bay beach are free. A comfortable daily budget is $150-250 NZD.
How do you get around Auckland?
Auckland's AT HOP card works on buses, trains, and ferries. Downtown is walkable but the city is spread out. Ferries to Waiheke and Rangitoto depart from the downtown ferry terminal. Renting a car is recommended for West Coast beaches and day trips outside the city, costing $50-80 NZD per day. The Link bus loops through the inner city suburbs for $1 NZD with an AT HOP card.