Things to Do in Auckland

If you have chosen Auckland as your destination in New Zealand, you are probably wondering what activities to do! Nicknamed the City of Sails, Auckland is a vibrant metropolis nestled between two bays and the main city of the North Island. Between the lively Queen Street, the stunning view from the top of the Sky Tower, and the beauty of Auckland Domain, discover things to do in Auckland

You can't miss the Sky Tower, which is definitely the most iconic symbol of Auckland! This tower has stood at 328 meters high since 1997 and is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere

From its summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city, have lunch at one of the many restaurants, and even spend the night in a hotel... If you love thrills, two attractions are worth the visit: the Sky Jump, a free-fall experience, and the Sky Walk, where you can walk on an external glass ledge of the Sky Tower at about 192 meters high...

The tower also features bars, a casino, and a theater... It's clearly the most popular attraction that you shouldn't miss, so be sure to book your admission ticket to the Sky Tower

For moments of escape and relaxation, Auckland Domain extends over about 75 hectares and offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city... This is the oldest park in Auckland, featuring the beautiful Auckland Domain Winter Gardens and its collection of plants in Victorian-style greenhouses You can stroll around, admire the lush lawns, and enjoy a picnic with friends or family!

If you're visiting New Zealand with family, this is the best place in the city to engage in such activities. Auckland Domain is child-friendly as it provides various facilities, including playgrounds. At the center of the domain is the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This museum pays tribute to the soldiers who fell in battle... So enjoy this unique place that attracts crowds every year

The ticket for the Auckland War Memorial Museum costs about €15 per person.

Visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which I just mentioned, is an interesting stop to learn more about New Zealand's history. This imposing monument honors the victims of World War I.

Located in the heart of Auckland Domain, it traces the country's evolution from the arrival of the Maoris with over 4 million objects on display... It is one of the most important museums in the country, a visit that should not be missed if you love history or are strongly interested in New Zealand culture

Located in the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland, a trip to Waiheke Island is a must if you're looking to explore the surroundings. This island, renowned for its natural beauty, is the second largest island in the gulf, after Great Barrier Island, accessible by ferry from downtown Auckland ⛴️ Its landscapes are characterized by golden sandy beaches, tranquil coves, vineyards, and lush hills!

Known as the vineyard island, it earned this nickname because it produces the finest wines from award-winning wineries and renowned grape varieties... It is only natural that the main activity here is the Waiheke vineyard tour, which departs from Auckland's port You will discover four vineyards on the island and enjoy a tasting at each without worrying about transportation.

The Mont Eden neighborhood is not only one of the best places to stay in Auckland, but it is also a great spot for a scenic walk and relaxation. This picturesque urban enclave nestled on the slopes of an extinct volcano offers stunning views of the city It is highly sought after for its beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and its multicultural aspect where the Maori population coexisted with British settlers

As you stroll through the streets of this suburb, you can admire beautiful architectural works, from Victorian villas to contemporary homes. Mont Eden is also a vibrant area filled with trendy restaurants, shops, and cafés. You can relax over drinks or put on some good hiking shoes and explore the volcano's slopes

While in Auckland, you will also definitely need to spend time shopping, whether it's to bring back souvenirs for your loved ones or for yourself. Fortunately, the CBD area is filled with all kinds of shops and stores in shopping centers like Westfield Newmarket. If you prefer luxury items, the Britomart shopping center houses a large number of high-end boutiques ️

Of course, budget-conscious shoppers or those seeking a more authentic setting can visit Victoria Park Market for souvenirs. If you want to treat yourself and try a variety of culinary specialties, the Auckland Night Market is a true paradise for foodies

When it comes to nightlife, there is only one place I can recommend in Auckland: Karangahape Road, often called K Road by the locals. Historically, this area was a meeting place for Maori, Pacifica, and immigrant communities

This iconic artery of the New Zealand city is famous for its cultural diversity and especially its nightlife It is lined with vintage shops, art galleries, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment. But once night falls, the street transforms into a dream destination for night owls looking to drink and dance until the early morning... Trendy clubs, bars, and performance venues cater to every desire! It's also an ideal spot for budget-conscious individuals who aren't afraid of a little noise

Another area of Auckland that you will enjoy is Viaduct Harbour, and for good reason, it's one of the most popular spots in the city! This vast body of water, once an industrial port, was renovated in the 1990s to become a vibrant place where leisure and entertainment are available for travelers and locals alike! It's surrounded by beautiful skyscrapers and is filled with restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops for the delight of visitors

Yachts, luxury boats, and a promenade along the docks make it the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some quiet time. Viaduct Harbour is close to Victoria Park and Silo Park, two green spaces where you can also enjoy tranquility, as well as the New Zealand Maritime Museum, which has been around since 1993. When night falls, the nightlife comes alive, trendy bars bustle, and clubs are in full swing

The ticket for the New Zealand Maritime Museum is available on the official site starting from €14, and it's free for New Zealand residents.

Enjoying the beaches is, of course, an essential part of a stay in Auckland ⛱️ The city is ideally located on an isthmus connecting the Northland Peninsula to the rest of the North Island. In this sense, travelers visiting Auckland can enjoy both the western and eastern beaches! Among the most beautiful, Mission Bay and Takapuna boast bright white sand and are easily accessible from downtown

Heading toward the west coast, you will find black sand beaches like Karekare, Muriwai, and Piha, located about 45 minutes from central Auckland. These are perfect spots for surfing in a wild and authentic atmosphere, as they regularly feature powerful waves!

If you have always dreamed of encountering dolphins, know that it is possible in New Zealand near Auckland, provided you choose the right time To do this, you will need to choose a cruise in the Hauraki Gulf marine park. This is done aboard a catamaran If you don't see any dolphins, the provider guarantees a second free cruise!

Considered an icon, the Auckland Harbour Bridge amazes visitors with its architecture! Officially opened in 1959, this two-level arching metal bridge allows locals and tourists to reach Auckland's northern suburbs from downtown. In addition to being essential for traffic flow, it offers an exceptional viewpoint over the Waitemata Harbour along its kilometer-long stretch.

Besides being one of the largest bridges in the world in its category, it is also a true engineering feat considering the challenges posed by winds and marine geography. This emblem deserves attention during a stroll, but avoid windy days.

You will also have the opportunity to pass under the Harbour Bridge if you choose one of the cruises departing from Auckland Harbour:

One of the most renowned attractions in Auckland is undoubtedly the Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium, the brainchild of marine biologist Kelly Tarlton, inaugurated in 1985. As a pioneer in the development of modern scuba diving techniques, the biologist established a series of underground tunnels in his marine museum, allowing close observation of some of the rarest marine mammals

The aquarium features a unique design and boasts a wide variety of creatures through popular attractions such as Antarctic Ice Adventure to see the penguins in a temperature-controlled habitat, Turtle Bay which hosts rehabilitation turtles, and Pacific Shark Zone along with Shipwreck Explorer, an acrylic tunnel to admire fish and sharks

Since it's very popular, it's best to book a ticket for the Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium as soon as possible. With Tiqets, you can also pay for this ticket in euros and without fees, which won't be the case once you're on-site

The plane is inevitably the best option to get to Auckland, and expect a long journey of about 25 hours including a layover. To reach Auckland (AKL) from Paris (CDG), you will need to transit through Doha, Shanghai, San Francisco, or Singapore! If you depart from other French cities like Bordeaux or Marseille, expect a layover in Paris, then one in Amsterdam or Frankfurt

In terms of budget, you should budget at least €1,000 for a round-trip flight to Auckland. New Zealand is one of the most distant countries from France, I would say it's even on the other side of the world, so remember to compare prices before making your reservation ✈️

That's it for this article on the best attractions in Auckland, whether during a city trip or a road trip in New Zealand. If you find yourself in this situation, be sure to check out the rental offers for vans in New Zealand, ensuring a successful trip