Things to Do in Auckland
Located in the northern half of the North Island , Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand. The city’s cosmopolitan city center is compensated by the nature escapes – forests, beaches, islands – and by the vineyards. You can recharge your batteries , see a variety of landscapes, engage in adventure activities or soak up the urban lifestyle.
Climb Auckland Harbour Bridge
It is possible to climb Auckland Harbour Bridge and enjoy lovely sights of the city. The climb takes abut 90 minutes and you’ll be walking at 67 meters high.
It is also possible to Bungy Jump from the bridge. The platform for bungy jumping is located 40 meters high. It is the only Harbour bridge bungy in the country.
Shop on Queen Street
It starts from the harbor and goes uphill for more than 3 km. You can find international fashion brands within modern stores, as well as cafes and bars when you need to take a break from shopping.
See the city from the Sky Tower
The Sky Tower has 328 meters and is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. The views are breathtaking and you can even engage in some adrenaline-seeking adventures: bungy jumping! Or you can take the walk along a platform at 192 meters.
Spend half a day at Auckland Museum
This is the most important museum in the city and comprises three museums: Maori/New Zealand cultural museum, a natural history museum and a war museum. It is free to visit. If you want to attend the Maori cultural shows, then there’s a fee to pay.
See the city from Mt Eden
Take the Explorer Bus to Mt. Eden for some spectacular views of the city. You can also take some walks as there are walking paths along the mountain.
Half a day at the Botanical Gardens
It is home to over 10,000 plants from all over the world and there’s always something blooming regardless when you visit. During the summer there are various events taking place within the gardens. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Get a different perspective of the city from One Tree Hill
It is another extinct volcano and it offers lovely views of Auckland. You can jog, walk or bike in Cornwall Park, which is home to Acacia Cottage, the city’s oldest timber building.
Take the kids to the Rainbow’s End theme park
If you travel with the kids, enjoy a day at the theme park which features rides and attractions for kids of all ages. It is open daily, except on Christmas Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Some of the rides and attractions include: The Invader, Power Surge, Log Flume, Gold Rush , Family Karts and Castle Land. General admission is NZ$49 for adults and NZ$39 for children (2-13 years).
Visit the oldest suburb of New Zealand: Parnell Village
Parnell Village is the oldest suburb in the country and dates back from the European settlement (1841). It’s laid-back and trendy. It is also home to the oldest Catholic church in the country, the church of St. John the Baptist. Stop by the crafts shops or enjoy the cafes.
Photo credits:Auckland Harbour Bridge , Mt Eden , One Tree Hill , Sky Tower