Discover Auckland’s Top Attractions: The Best Things to do in Auckland

It is undeniable that Auckland is a vibrant city with plenty of activities and places to visit. Nestled in the Waitematā Harbour, Auckland has something to offer for everyone; from idyllic beaches, to awe-inspiring skyscrapers. Auckland has it all. The problem: Most people only visit Auckland only as a quick stopover before continuing to discover the rest of New Zealand. That’s why I have come up with a list of the best attractions to discover when you visit Auckland. That way, you too can fall in love with this beautiful city!

Sky Tower and Sky City Precinct

No matter whether you arrive to Auckland on a cruise, plane or by car, the sky tower is definitely the most relevant landmark in Auckland’s skyline. Completed in 1997, this contemporary structure has been Auckland’s main focal point for over two decades as it reaches a height of 328 metres over the rest of the city. Due to this height, the views from the observation deck are unmatched. If you are coming to Auckland this is a must visit. 

If you are still not convinced, don’t worry, there is plenty more to do!

AJ Hackett Experiences

For adrenaline seekers, here AJ Hacket offers their ultimate leap of faith; Drop 230 meters in a controlled wire descent reaching upwards of 80 km/h. If that sounds too extreme, but you also want to have a once in a lifetime experience I would recommend  the Sky Walk. During this activity, you will get to walk around the outside of the observation deck, giving you unobstructed views of the city and its surroundings.

Also around the Sky Tower you will find the Sky City Precinct. This area is one of Auckland’s most relevant attractions given that it houses multiple award winning restaurants which consistently rank amongst the top in the country. Along with this, you will also find the All Blacks Experience and Weta Workshop Unleashed. 

All Blacks Experience

This is probably one of the most important stops for anyone who wants to discover more about New Zealand’s world renowned rugby teams. In this immersive exhibition you will discover more about the All Blacks, their story, and why rugby is such an intrinsic part of New Zealand society.

Weta Workshop Unleashed

This one is for the movie fans amongst us. Believe it or not, New Zealand has a considerably large film industry, and one of the main key players in this industry is Weta Workshop. Originally based in Wellington, this studio has worked on the special effects of many critically acclaimed movies such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. During this wildly imaginative experience you will be able to have a look behind the scenes and discover what makes possible the magic behind Hollywood’s top thrillers.

Auckland Domain

Often referred to as Auckland’s central park, this incredible green oasis in the middle of the city is without a doubt one of Auckland’s top attractions. This park is a result of volcanic activity thousands of years ago which led to the formation of a volcanic cone, later becoming the ideal space for Auckland’s main green space. Inside this park you will be able to find several nature walks, the city’s wintergardens, but most importantly, the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Auckland Museum

If you are looking to discover more about New Zealand’s history, this is the place for you. The Auckland War Memorial Museum has exhibits covering our ancestors, our land and our future. With carefully curated exhibits, you will be able to learn about our fascinating history, along with enjoying some amazing views over the Waitematā Harbour.

Viaduct Harbour

Regarded as one of Auckland's most exclusive dining precincts, enjoy an incredible night out at the Viaduct with an extensive offer of restaurants and bars. Located right next to the waterfront, the viaduct offers some of the best views towards the harbour, allowing you to enjoy a diverse selection of food and cocktails while sitting meters away from luxurious super-yachts. I especially recommend this area before sunset allowing you to experience some of Auckland’s best views.

Queen Street

As probably the most walked-on street in New Zealand, Queen Street will not disappoint in terms of commercial offerings. Spanning from the waterfront up to the Karangahape ridge, this road concentrates a mixture of international luxury brands with local retailers to create a unique shopping experience in the heart of the city.  If you are looking for a quick eat, I would definitely recommend going up to the third floor of Commercial Bay. This modern shopping centre located at the end of Queen Street has a very diverse offering of cuisines from all over the world, allowing you to have a taste of Auckland’s cultural diversity.

Ponsonby

If you are looking to experience Auckland as a local, Ponsonby is the place to go. This historic neighbourhood is one of Auckland’s top spots for locals due to its varied offerings in terms of shops, galleries and restaurants. Sip on a delicious coffee at one of the local cafes, find your next outfit in one of the many local designer boutiques, or enjoy food prepared by some of Auckland’s best chefs. This is a must visit to experience Auckland from a local’s perspective.

Parnell

While slightly more touristic than Ponsonby, Parnell is also a popular spot for locals due to it being regarded as Auckland’s main art gallery precinct. Walk down Parnell road and discover local art in the many art galleries, or enjoy a nice lunch in one of the many popular restaurants. Along with this, as you walk down the street you will be able to enjoy several public art displays scattered around the neighbourhood.

Make the most out of your visit with GoGuided’s 75 - minute Auckland city tur

Auckland has an enormous variety of things to see and do. This list, while comprehensive, is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the city has to offer. In order to fully discover, learn and fall in love with Auckland, GoGuided’s Auckland City Tour is the perfect place to start. In only 75 minutes discover all about these attractions and many more in a private vehicle with incredible recorded commentary in 6 different languages. What could be more convenient than being picked up from your hotel in the city, and getting your bearings so that you can explore while maximizing your time at hop on hop off pricing? 

For AJ Hackett’s experiences as well as the All Blacks Experience and Weta Workshop unleashed, GoGuided customers are able to get discounted tickets. For any enquiries, contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Hopefully this list was helpful and you are able to make the most of your Auckland visit. Safe travels!