What to see and do in Auckland?

Rather than a list of activities that are basically paid adverts, here is my list of activities that include both free and paid options with my tell it like it is description.

Auckland is a wonderful varied city with multiple harbours, 50 volcanoes, loads of beaches and a slice of culture.

Attractions & Museums

Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

View Auckland like it was back in the 1800’s and check out the trams, buses, planes and rail and military vehicles from days gone by. They also have an interactive area for kids.

www.motat.org.nz

Auckland Zoo

For the most part its your normal zoo containing critters from all over the world. The main point of difference is that they have some of New Zealand’s native and endangered species.

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

Devonport, North Head & Mt Victoria

Just a 10 minute ferry trip from down town Auckland gets you to relaxing Devonport. Old architecture, beaches, specialty shops and greet the visitor. It’s also worth checking out the military installations on Mt Victoria and North Head dating back to 1880.

www.devonport.co.nz

Waiheke Island

For a day or a weekend Waiheke relax and enjoy the beaches, vineyards, restaurants, or explore the military installation of Stony Batter.

www.waiheke.co.nz

National Maritime Museum

This museum is dedicated to the rich history New Zealand has with the sea fro  its earliest settlers to modern day races.

www.maritimemuseum.co.nz

Spookers & Corn Evil

They have an R16 rating for a reason. The actors take their job seriously and Spookers is located in an old mental asylum.

The corn maze has a limited season between January and April.

www.cornevil.co.nz
www.spookers.co.nz

Sky City’s Sky Jump

Day or night, 192 metres above the ground you jump off the Sky Tower and assisted to the ground at up to 83km/hr.

www.skyjump.co.nz

Horse Riding

Murawai and Parkiri are probably two of the best places to ride horses in the Auckland area.

Mountain Biking

There are a number of mountain bike parks around Auckland including Riverhead Forest , Whitford Forest and Hunua Ranges. The cream of the crop with the most and varied trails is Woodhill Forest.

www.bikepark.co.nz

One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) & Cornwall Park

One of Auckland’s most prominent volcanoes set in the lovely Cornwall Park. Although it’s missing its tree, One Tree Hill remains one of Auckland’s iconic land marks with its monument with great views over the city. Yes, its the one U2 wrote and sung about.

www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks/onetreehill.asp

Mt Eden

The highest volcanic peak in central Auckland rises to just under 200 metres. Great views over the city.

www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks/mteden.asp

Coast to Coast Walkway

Starting at the viaduct in downtown Auckland walk the 16kms passing through Auckland’s urban landscape and parks until you reach the Manukau harbour.

www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/walkways/coasttocoast/index.asp

Stardome Observatory

Located on One Tree Hill, learn about planets, stars and constellations as viewed from New Zealand. They also have a variety of shows.

www.stardome.co.nz

Sky City’s Sky Walk

192 metres above the ground with no hand rails you walk around the outside of the Sky Tower (you are clipped in my a harness).

www.skywalk.co.nz

Rainbow’s End

As long as you aren’t expecting a Disneyland or Dream World there are certainly a few rides to get the juices flowing.

www.rainbowsend.co.nz

Bungee Jump off the Harbour bridge

The world first Harbour Bridge Bungee Jump. A 40 metre drop to the water and a bit further if you want to get wet.

www.ajhackett.com/nz

Harbour Bridge Climb

90 minute guided tour sharing the bridge's colourful secrets, architectural features and the myth and legend surrounding this New Zealand landmark.

www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz

Harley Davidson Tours

Cruise the streets of Auckland taking in the panoramic views.

www.harleytoursnewzealand.co.nz

Auckland Brewery Tour

Visit four of Auckland’s local breweries and taste some of the local boutique beers.

www.absolutetours.co.nz

Markets & Shopping

Retail Hubs

The best shopping areas are High Street in the City, Newmarket, Ponsonby and Parnell.

Dressmart Outlet Shopping

A huge number of New Zealand and International brands at discounted prices all under one roof.

www.dressmart.co.nz

Clevedon Village Farmer’s Market

Pick up the local seasonal offerings of fruit and vegetables, fresh pasta and other goodies. Every Sunday 8:30am-12pm.

www.clevedonfarmersmarket.co.nz

Matakana Village Farmer’s Market

Pies, beer, fresh berries and greens, coffee, olives, mustard, macadamia nuts, chocolate, wine, cheese, organic meat and eggs.  Every Saturday 8am-1pm.

www.matakanavillage.co.nz/farmers_market.php

Bars & Restaurants

Viaduct Harbour & Princes Wharf

The bar and restaurant heart of Auckland city.

Minus 5

Don a fur coat and go inside the bar with a sub-zero temperature. Worth a visit for the novelty.

www.minus5experience.com

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