Auckland is home to approximately one third of New Zealand's population, and the city combines all the energy of a bustling metropolis with the charm of its abundant natural beauty. Nature lovers can choose from thousands of walking trails and dozens of beautiful beaches, while those who love culture will be spoiled by the number of incredible restaurants and unique cultural events. Once you visit, you'll see for yourself why so many people from around the world have fallen in love with this beautiful city. Here are the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand.
Highwic
Dating back to 1962, Highwic is the former family home of English immigrant and prosperous businessman Alfred Buckland.
Highwic, Newmarket, 40 Gillies Ave, Auckland 1023, Phone: 9-524-5729
Motutapu Island
Motutapu Island is part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, and at 178 million years old is one of the oldest land masses in the area.
Ewelme Cottage, Auckland, New Zealand
Built in 1864, Ewelme Cottage is made out of kauri wood and was designed and constructed by the Anglican Reverend Vicesimus Lush.
Ewelme Cottage, 14 Ayr St, Parnell, Auckland 1052, Phone: 9-524-5729
Mt William Walkway
Located on the Waikato side of the Bombay Hills, the Mt William Walkway is an advanced hiking trail that provides excellent views from the summit of Mount William.
Mt William Walkway, McMillan Rd, Mangatawhiri 2471, Phone: 9-379-6476
Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve
Located on a 25-hectare (62-acre) sand bar that stretches out into the Tamaki Estuary, Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve and wetland habitat.
Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve, Riddell Road, Glen Innes, Auckland 1071, Phone: 9-301-0101
Twin Coast Discovery Highway
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is a 751-km (467-mile) adventure that brings visitors along both coasts of the warmest region in New Zealand. Twin Coast Discovery Highway
Crystal Mountain, Auckland, New Zealand
Located on a 40-acre property in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges, Crystal Mountain is home to the largest selection of crystals and minerals in New Zealand. You can marvel at the many rare and beautiful specimens on display, or they can purchase their own unique souvenirs from the on-site gift shop.
Crystal Mountain, 80 Candia Rd, Swanson, Auckland 0614, Phone: 9-833-5033
Parnell Farmers' Market
Open Saturday mornings, the Parnell Farmers' Market boasts more than 25 vendors who only attend the market when they have in-season products available for sale.
Parnell Farmers' Market, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland 1052, Phone: 9-555-5154
West Lynn Garden and Butterfly House
Built and run by volunteers, West Lynn Garden and Butterfly House takes up 4.5 acres of land. Pathways meander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and a number of picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds.
West Lynn Garden and Butterfly House, 73 Parker Ave, New Lynn, Auckland 0600, Phone: 9-827-7045
The Alan Gibbs Farm
Businessman Alan Gibbs is one of New Zealand's leading art collectors, and he has turned the 990-acre Alan Gibbs Farm into the largest outdoor sculpture collection in the country.
The Alan Gibbs Farm, 2421 Kaipara Coast Hwy, Makarau 0984
Hobsonville Point Farmers Market, Auckland, New Zealand
Hobsonville Point Farmers Market is housed inside a historic seaplane hangar at The Landing, making it the only covered waterfront market in the city.
Hobsonville Point Farmers Market, The Landing, by Hobsonville Ferry Terminal, Hobsonville
Western Springs
Also known as Waiorea, Western Springs Park surrounds a lake fed by a natural spring.
Western Springs , 731 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, Phone: 9-301-0101
Otara Market
Located in south Auckland, Otara Market is held on Saturday mornings. The market is the largest Maori and Polynesian market in the world and has up to 150 stalls when the weather is good.
Otara Market, Otara Leisure Centre Newbury St, Otara, 1701, Phone: 9-274-0830
Kiwi Valley Farm Park
The Kiwi Valley Farm Park is an excellent place for the entire family to interact with farm animals like pigs, goats, dogs, and donkeys.
Kiwi Valley Farm Park, 308 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson Valley, Auckland 0612, Phone: 9-837-2952
Foxes Island
Founded in 1992, Foxes Island Wines is known for its limited production handmade wines that are carefully crafted by expert winemaker John Belsham.
Foxes Island, 15 Williamson Ave, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, Phone: 9-378-1369
Coopers Creek Vineyard
Founded in 1980, Coopers Creek Vineyard was one of the pioneers of the New Zealand wine industry. The winery is family owned and operated and is dedicated to introducing innovative wine styles and new varieties of grapes.
Coopers Creek Vineyard, 601 SH 16, Kumeu 0891, Phone: 9-412-8560
Myers Park
Located in central Auckland, Myers Park is known for its steep grassy slopes and beautiful mixture of local and exotic trees.
Myers Park, 72 Greys Ave, Auckland, 1010, Phone: 9-301-0101
Odyssey Sensory Maze
The unique Odyssey Sensory Maze sends visitors on a challenging journey of sensory exploration through a variety of physical obstacles, sound and lighting effects, and strange sensations as they try to find their way out.
Odyssey Sensory Maze, Lower Basement, Metro Centre, 291-297 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, Phone: 9-365-1145
Westhaven Promenade
Constructed in 2015, the Westhaven Promenade is a 5-meter-wide boardwalk that runs along the Westhaven Marina waterfront. There is plenty to keep visitors occupied along the waterfront, including picnicking at St Mary’s Bay, observing the beginning of one of the famous twilight yacht races, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes. The boardwalk is quite flat and is suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Emperor Lounge
Located in the Auckland airport, the Emperor Lounge is available to all passengers regardless of which airline they are flying with or which class they are flying in.
Emperor Lounge , Auckland Airport, Auckland 2022
Britomart
Situated on 16 acres of land next to the Waitemata Harbour, Britomart is one of the largest collections of heritage buildings in the city.
Britomart , 130 Quay St, Auckland 1140, Phone: 9-914-8431
Alberton
Named for its location on the lower slopes of Mt. Albert, Alberton is an 18-room mansion first built in 1863. Map
