Auckland - Activity Highlights

Auckland | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Auckland offers a vast range of activities and attractions. With its many islands, harbours and beaches, Auckland is a water paradise.

Featured Tourism Operators in Auckland

Auckland Activity Highlights Overview

Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world. The cosmopolitan urban centre is complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown.

With its many islands, harbours and beaches Auckland is a water paradise. There is a huge range of activities to do, not only in the water but also in and around Auckland.

Photographer: Unknown. Aukland Skytower at Night, Auckland, New Zealand

Sky Tower, Auckland
Photographer: Unknown

The Auckland Sky Tower

At 328 metres Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere (taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Sydney's AMP Tower). The Sky Tower is about as tall as 37 buses end on end!

Offering breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction, it's an unmissable attraction in Auckland. On a clear day you can see approximately 82 kilometres (51 miles) from Sky Tower.

Sky Tower has three circular public observation levels, (Sky Deck, Main Observation level and Sky Lounge), from each of which you can get a 360 degree view of Auckland.

The Sky Tower in Auckland is New Zealand's largest entertainment and leisure complex, and New Zealand's most visited attraction. It attracts one out of every two international tourists visiting Auckland.

The Islands of the Hauraki Gulf

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Sailing, Rangitoto on horizon, Auckland, New Zealand

Sailing, Rangitoto on horizon
Auckland
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)

The Hauraki Gulf, on the doorstep of Auckland city, is home to a multitude of remarkable islands.

Walk to the summit of Rangitoto, a black lava volcanic island
Go wine tasting and beachcombing on Waiheke Island
Sunbathe and swim at Motuihe Island
Discover the historic Mansion House (and wallabies) on Kawau Island
Visit the wildlife sanctuary on Tiritiri Matangi Island
Have a wilderness adventure on Great Barrier Island

Waterworld Explorations

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Hunua Falls, Auckland, New Zealand

Hunua Falls, Auckland
Photographer: David Wall
(www.davidWallPhoto.com)

From central Auckland you can be on the water in a matter of minutes.

Charter a yacht and make your own adventure around the Hauraki Gulf
Go swimming with the dolphins
Take the ferry across to Devonport and enjoy a light cafe lunch and a spot of shopping
Hire a kayak—join an evening paddle to Rangitoto Island

Fresh Air and Action

The Auckland region has 22 conservation parks—endless scope for outdoor activities.

Go hiking in the Waitakere Ranges
Have a 4WD (four-wheel drive) motorbike adventure in Woodhill Forest
Play a round of golf at Formosa or Gulf Harbour
Visit Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, home to the Tourism Award Winning 'Ellerslie Flower Show'

History, Art and Culture

What made New Zealanders the way they are? Find out.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Koru Art, New Zealand

Koru Art
Photographer: Scott Venning
(scottv@ihug.co.nz)

Auckland War Memorial Museum is the custodian of the finest and most important collection of Maori treasures, or taonga, in the world
New Zealand National Maritime Museum showcases New Zealand's maritime history
Howick Historical Village recreates the early settlement of Auckland
Shadowcatcher Gallery—rare and vintage works by pioneer New Zealand photographers
Auckland City Art Gallery houses a comprehensive collection of New Zealand and international art

Good All Round Family Fun

Auckland has attractions with any-age appeal.

Go up the Sky Tower, for amazing views of the city and beyond
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World gets you up close and personal with sharks and penguins
Auckland Zoo is always fun
Have a thrilling day at Rainbows End Adventure Park at Manukau City

Beyond the City Zone

From downtown Auckland, it takes only 30 minutes to put yourself in a different world.

Follow the Winemakers of the Auckland wine trail
Explore the wild west coast beaches of Muriwai, Bethels, Piha and Karekare
Discover Clevedon valley - country crafts, gardens and boutique wineries
Go north to Waiwera Thermal Resort for a dip in the hot pools or for a replenishment treatment
Take your snorkelling gear to Goat Island Marine Reserve