After a trip of more than 15 months in New Zealand and at least 5 spent in the biggest city of the country: Auckland, today I am going to tell you about the things to do in Auckland. New Zealand's largest city is full of incredible activities, thrills, culture and gastronomy. A most pleasant city with a very active center and a marina lined with many cafes and restaurants where you can relax. Let's go together to Auckland to discover: What to do in Auckland?
What to do in Auckland?
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- Discover the Harbor Viaduct district
- Sky Tower: the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere
- Quartier du mont Eden and Eden Park
- Waiheke, one of the most beautiful islands in the world
- Cruise: Whale and dolphin watching
- Rangitoto, nature a few minutes by boat from the CBD
- Auckland Domain, its museum and park
- Harbour Bridge : sensations fortes
- Visit Devonport
- Zoo d'Auckland
- Aquarium Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life
- Shopping on Queen Street
- Auckland's beaches
> 10 must-sees in New Zealand
> Visit Auckland's Sky Tower
> Cruise in Milford Sound
Discover the Harbor Viaduct district
To start this article on “What to do in Auckland? », let me take you to one of my favorite neighborhoods in Auckland, the Viaduct Harbor area. This seafront district is very pleasant with its marina, its many restaurants and its terraces. In this district you will find the maritime museum. You can continue a little further towards the recently rehabilitated Wynyard district, this district is one of the liveliest in Auckland at night with many restaurants.
At the very end of this district is Silo Park, a park where there is a silo on which outdoor films are projected during the summer period.
Sky Tower: the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere
An emblematic monument of Auckland, the Sky Tower is none other than the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. It measures 328 meters in height and is undoubtedly one of the must-sees in Auckland. To visit the Sky Tower of Auckland, several options are possible. You can opt for a simple climb to the observation platform and enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city.
You can also decide to sit at the tower café or eat at the panoramic restaurant. In this case the ascent of the tower will be refunded to you.
Alternatively, you can also try out the two thrill rides offered by the tower. The Sky Walk and Sky Jump. The first is to walk outside the tower, at the very top of it.
The second, meanwhile, is a jump from the top of the tower. It's not really a bungee jump but a free fall jump guided and braked at the end.
Quartier du mont Eden and Eden Park
The Eden world district is where it all started for me. Indeed it is in this district that my hostel was located when I arrived in New Zealand. The Mont Eden district is also called "Mont Eden Village" because, in fact, this district looks like a village. These points of interest are Mount Eden, one of the highest volcanoes in Auckland. It has the particularity of offering a breathtaking view of the CBD (the city center) of Auckland. Climbing Mount Eden is truly a must in Auckland, do not hesitate to go there in the evening to enjoy a breathtaking view of the illuminated city center.
A few hundred meters from the mountain is the mythical stadium: Eden Park. Emblematic stadium of the All Blacks. This stadium is a monument of sport, particularly rugby. A guided tour of Eden Park seems to me like a thing to do during a stay in Auckland. The best is still, if you have the opportunity, to attend a rugby match of the national team!
Waiheke, one of the most beautiful islands in the world
Auckland, although the largest city in New Zealand, the most populated and the most dynamic has managed to leave an important place to nature. We will see that many places, located a few minutes from the CBD, will immerse you in nature. This is the case of Waiheke Island. An island located about 40 minutes by boat from downtown Auckland. This island is a true haven of peace. Waiheke Island was recently voted the most beautiful island in the world. Renowned for hosting the luxurious villas of wealthy Aucklanders, the island is best known for its wine. Indeed many wine estates are located on this island.
Art takes an important place on the island with the presence of many galleries.
A half-day excursion on Waiheke to discover this island is something that I highly recommend, you will not be disappointed with the trip.
Cruise: Whale and dolphin watching
I recently told you about it with my article on Sydney, whale and dolphin watching cruises. Auckland is not to be outdone since the east coast of New Zealand is also a place of passage for many marine mammals. Whales, dolphins but also killer whales very present in the region and even sometimes in the port of Auckland.
A cruise from Auckland can be a good idea to see these amazing marine mammals.
Whale watching cruise
Rangitoto, nature a few minutes by boat from the CBD
Like Waiheke Island, Rangitoto is an island in the Hauraki Gulf. This island is located relatively close to the CBD of Auckland, about 20 minutes away. Rangitoto is a volcanic island, it is home to Auckland's youngest volcano. The island is uninhabited, it is not possible to stay there for more than one day. Indeed Rangitoto is now a nature reserve. A day trip is most enjoyable. The ascent of the volcano is done without too much difficulty and will offer you a breathtaking view of Auckland and its skyscrapers.
Excursion to Rangitoto
Auckland Domain, its museum and park
Let's return to the center of Auckland with the visit of Auckland Domain. Auckland Domain is the largest park in the city, it is located in the heart of Auckland. It is very pleasant to walk there in sunny weather. Auckland Domain is home to a café, a botanical garden, many sports fields and also the Auckland Museum, the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Visiting a museum is an activity to do in Auckland that I highly recommend. His visit will teach you more about the history of this country as well as the Maori culture. An ideal activity also to do in case of rain.
Auckland Museum Entrance Ticket
Harbour Bridge : sensations fortes
Are you a fan of strong sensations? So turn to the side of the Harbor Bridge, this bridge that connects the two shores of the Hauraki Gulf to the attraction made for you.
Two activities are available to you, the first is the walk on the Harbor Bridge. Climb the arch of the bridge and enjoy a breathtaking view.
The second activity is bungee jumping from the bridge!
Visit Devonport
Devonport is a district of Auckland located just opposite the CBD. To get there, prefer the "ferry" option which makes the crossing in less than 10 minutes. This district is one of the most pleasant and literally contrasts with the nearby CBD. Devonport is a kind of peaceful "village" that allows you to get away from the bustling CBD of Auckland. You can climb Mount Victoria and enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Auckland. East Devonport a “must” to do in Auckland.
Zoo d'Auckland
Like all major cities in the world Auckland has its own zoo. What interest to visit the zoo of Auckland rather than another will you tell me! Well the answer is simple. A visit to Auckland Zoo will give you an opportunity, perhaps unique, to see real Kiwis! This emblematic New Zealand bird, which is particularly difficult to see in its natural environment, can be seen at the Auckland Zoo.
Entrance ticket to Auckland Zoo
Aquarium Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life
Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is one of New Zealand's largest aquariums (along with Napier). This aquarium hosts more than 2 animals and more than 000 different species. The major attraction are the sharks in the aquarium. The aquarium can be visited via more than 50 meters of tunnel which crosses the different basins.
Several other attractions make the success of the aquarium, including the “Antartic Ice Adventure”, a unique opportunity to see penguins.
Shopping on Queen Street
If you are a shopping lover then go to Queen Street. Auckland's main avenue is full of shops of all kinds. Clothing, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants are plentiful on what is Auckland's most popular avenue.
Auckland's beaches
Why not take advantage of your stay in Auckland to spend half a day or even a “beach” day. These are numerous around Auckland, some very close to the center such as Devonport, or Mission Bay about 15 minutes by car from the center. You can also go to Takapuna, a beautiful beach that will give you a breathtaking view of Rangitoto.
A little further from the city center is one of New Zealand's most famous beaches, Piha Beach. A black sand beach which is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. This beach is also famous for being a surf spot particularly appreciated by experienced surfers.
