There are plenty of things to do in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and also nicknamed The City of Sails or Big Little City!
Here's what we think are the top things to do in Auckland...
1. Auckland Viaduct Harbour
The Viaduct is a superb waterfront area in the heart of Auckland City, where you can watch admire the many superyachts and sailing boats. You can even sail on an actual America's Cup yacht on an Americas Cup sailing tour.
With a vibrant atmosphere and over 30 bars and restaurants makes this one of Auckland's places to be.
2. Visit the Dark Sky Sanctuary island of Great Barrier Island, the world's only!
3. Wine tasting at Waiheke Island
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland is Waiheke Island, Auckland’s island with pristine beaches, world-class wines and a fantastic cuisine.
A day trip to Waiheke Island is one of Auckland's best days out. You can just relax on one of the beautiful beaches, or join a Waiheke Island tour and visit some vineyards.
3. Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium
Come face to face with New Zealand's rich marine environment, including sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other incredible sea creature at this amazing underground attraction, and get up close and personal to the spectacular colony of King and Gentoor penguins. This is truly one of Auckland's top attractions, and a great for the family with kids too!
4. Auckland Skytower
Auckland's most iconic landmark, the Auckland Skytower, can hardly be missed as it dominates the Auckland skyline. Discover the biggest views of Auckland from the top of the tower, and see people leap off the Skytower.
The Skytower also contains a casino in its Skycity and dining options with excellent views are also available. A not to be missed attraction in Auckland!
5. Climb one of the volcanoes
Auckland sits on a large number of extinct volcanoes, and across the city you can see several volcanic cones. Short walks up to the summits of these extinct volcanoes provide for excellent views of Auckland City.
Make sure you either check out Mt Eden with its spectacular 50 metre deep crater or Mt Victoria in Devonport for the best city skyline views of Auckland.
6. Sailing in the Hauraki Gulf
Being the City of Sails with most sailboats per capita in the world, the Auckland Harbour, Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf provide great opportunities for sailing, and many half day and full day sailing options are available and depart Auckland Harbour and the Viaduct. You can even sail on an actual America's Cup yacht getting up to exhilarating speeds.
7.Auckland Sky Jump
A bungy jump from New Zealand's highest building must be the biggest adrenaline rush you can find in Auckland, and one of the best adventure activities to do in Auckland.
It takes some courage to leap off this massive structure, plummeting 53 floors (192m) down at a speed of 85kph, but your sense of pride will be gigantic.
8. Auckland Bridge Climb
If jumping of large buildings wasn't enough for you yet, how about walking on them. One of the main landmarks in Auckland is the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and you can scale the size for yourself on the exhilarating and fun Auckland Bridge Climb, as you climb along custom engineered walkways.
9. Rangitoto Island
Another landmark around Auckland is the perfectly shaped cone of Rangitoto Island, New Zealand's youngest volcano.
It's a favourite day trip for Aucklanders, both for hiking and boating. Kayaking is another excellent way to explore this unique and iconic Auckland location.
To get to Rangitoto Island, it is only a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
10. Auckland Harbour sightseeing cruise
See the best views of Auckland on the green sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour and escape the city bustle for tranquility on a Auckland sightseeing cruise and take in all the Auckland icons such as Rangtitoto Island, Auckland Harbour Bridge. You might even spot a dolhpin or two in the harbour!
11. Auckland Museum
One of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere is the Auckland Museum. The historic Auckland Museum building lies within the peaceful park of the Auckland Domain, and is renowned for its unique collection of Māori and Pacific treasures, with over 2,000 Māori artefacts, including rare carvings, buildings, and the last great Māori war canoe carved from a giant Totara tree.
Truly one of the best things to do in Auckland to learn about Maori and Pacific culture and history.
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