Verdant green suburbs or skyscrapers, Auckland has the best of all. It would be pretty fair to call it a sin if you’re missing out on this lovely city on your New Zealand vacation. The city is much like a canvas, on which you can paint memories you’ll always cherish.
Thanks to its geographical location, and modern infrastructure, there’s no end to what you can explore; from the lush Mount Eden to the Sky Tower – one of the tallest buildings of New Zealand.
Famous places to visit in Auckland for fun & adventure
1. Sky Tower – Touch the sky
The iconic 328-meters-tall Sky Tower dominates Auckland’s skyline. This observation and telecommunication tower is also a hub for tourists. In fact it is the best among top Auckland tourist attractions. Visit the Sky Tower to admire the view, go for adventure activities, and enjoy luxury dining.
Entry fee: INR 1900 per person for adults | INR 735 per person for children between 6-14 years | None for children below 5 years
Timings: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 8:30 am to 11:30 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Things to do: Dining in the revolving restaurant, Orbit 360˚, and adrenaline adventure such as sky jumping and sky walking
Note: The Sky Tower may be closed sometimes due to adverse weather conditions
2. Rainbow’s End – Enjoy to your heart’s desire
One of the fun places in Auckland for those with a young heart, Rainbow’s End is the largest theme park in New Zealand. The rides vary right from kid-friendly to more thrilling ones like the Log Flume, Corkscrew Roller Coaster, and Power Surge. The park also features a special kids’ zone for children below 8 years.
Entry fee: INR 3800 per person for adults | INR 3100 per person for children
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Open all days)
What’s special: Rainbow’s End organizes special events at night on various occasions
Other recommended theme parks in Auckland: Silverdale Adventure Park and Vector Wero Whitewater Park
3. Queen Street – Nightlife, shopping, and more
The hub of Auckland attractions, the Queen Street is flecked with restaurants, cafes and shops. At night, it turns all the more enchanting with many local theater performances, and live music shows. Art aficionados too have a lot to gulp as they stroll through the Auckland Art Gallery, which exhibits artworks from around the world.
Highlights of Queen Street: Explore fashion hotspot – High Street & Chancery, try out adrenaline activities in Sky Tower, and grab the best food in the city
Must Read: 20 Famous New Zealand Tourist Attractions That Are Staggeringly Beautiful
Beautiful places to visit in Auckland for splendid natural views
4. Cornwall Park – Recreational hub of the city
When you’re in New Zealand, you cannot miss this expansive parkland which is a peaceful hideout for people to unwind and indulge in recreational activities. Cornwall Park, along with having avenues lined with trees, has ancient heritage sites, farms, bistros & cafes, and a sports ground. The volcanic cone, called One Tree Hill is one of the most salient features of the Cornwall Park. Still thinking of the best places to visit in Auckland New Zealand?
Timings: 7:00 am to dusk (Closing time varies from season to season)
Other parks in Auckland: Auckland Domain, Long Bay Regional Park, Auckland North Shore Motels & Holiday Park, and Ambury Regional Park
5. Waitemata Harbour – Crystal clear waters and glistening skyline of Auckland
Providing the main sea-access to Auckland Waitemata Harbour, for the same reason, is also known as Auckland Harbour. The name Waitemata comes from the Maori language and means obsidian glass. It was named so owing to the sparkling water which resembles dark volcanic glass found in the region by early-settlers.
Waitemata Harbour is counted as one of the best tourist attractions in Auckland as it allows a magnificent view of the Auckland city, something you’d want to glance at forever.
Things to do: Boat ride, sailing, and cruise lunch
Other harbours in Auckland: Manukau Harbour and Pine Harbour
6. Rangitoto Island – Flaunting the youngest of Volcanic cones
In your NZ itinerary, do not forget to add Rangitoto Island, one of the most iconic islands of the country. It houses the largest and youngest of the 48 volcanic-cones in Auckland. It has its history dating back to 600 years, when it suddenly emerged from the sea.
Frequent ferries ply between Auckland and Rangitoto, making it among the easiest places to visit near Auckland. Some of the other facilities include toilets, and walking tracks.
Things to do: Guided sea kayaking trip, night kayak, and 4WD road train guided tour
Other beautiful islands in Auckland: Waiheke Island, Motutapu Island, Motuihe Island, Rakino Island, and Ponui Island
7. Mount Eden – A suburb with its own taste of life
Glancing at the glimmering skyline of one of the most influential cities in the world is nothing less than a delight. The suburb, Mount Eden gives a hypnotic 360 degree view of the city. It is one of the best places to relax and treat your eyes!
Also, please your tastebuds with a local lunch in a cafe in the area. Tour the heritage spots and learn about the Maori community. With lush green environs and magnificent beauty, Mount Eden is indeed one of the most beautiful places to visit in Auckland New Zealand.
Popular attractions: Mount Eden Prison, Firth Castle, and Whitecliffe College Of Arts & Design
Suggested Read: 15 Fun Things To Do In New Zealand
Best places to visit in Auckland to witness the marine & wildlife
8. Auckland Zoo – Home to the largest collection of animals in New Zealand
Covering an area of 40 acres, the Auckland Zoo is known to house a large number of animals and birds. This is among the most fun places in Auckland as a visit is not merely about looking at the animals from afar, behind a fence; there are a number of experiences that make the visit special. There are photography workshops, safari nights, and behind-the-scenes experiences to make your visit into a memorable one.
Entry fee: INR 1900 per person for adults | INR 1500 per person for senior-citizens | INR 800 per person for children between 4 to 14 years
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (Winter timing) (Open all days)
Animals in Auckland Zoo: African lion, Asian small-clawed otter, Asian elephant, cheetah, giraffe, cotton-top tamarin, red panda, zebra, Southern-white rhinoceros, spider monkey, and Subantarctic fur seal
9. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium – Marine miracles for you
Yet another of the popular places to visit in Auckland is Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. Named after a famous marine archaeologist and diver, this public-aquarium has one of the largest penguin colonies in the world to show. That’s not all, the Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium houses the biggest species of stingrays, along with the largest collection of sharks in whole of New Zealand.
Entry fee: INR 2100 per person for adults | 1200 per person for children above 2 years | None for children under 2 years
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Open all days)
Historical places to visit in Auckland that walk through the legendary past
10. Auckland War Memorial Museum – Peek into the rich history of New Zealand
One of the most popular places to visit in Auckland, Auckland War Memorial Museum narrates New Zealand’s natural and military history. The building’s neo-classical styled architecture deserves a special mention.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum was inaugurated back in 28 November 1929, and since then it has become an important landmark of the city.
Entry fee: Starts from – INR 1700 per person for adults | INR 670 per person for children between 6 and 14 years | None for children below 5 years
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (Open all days, except Christmas)
What’s special: Collection of Pacific Island and Maori treasures and artefacts; permanent exhibition covering wars of the country; exhibitions
Other best museums in Auckland: New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, and Museum of Transport and Technology
Further Read: 20 Best Beaches In New Zealand For A Romantic Holiday You Always Wanted
Make a note of all these places to visit in Auckland and make sure you’re don’t give any of these a miss when you’re in New Zealand!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Auckland
What is Auckland famous for?
Auckland is one of the largest pacific cities in the world and one of the major cities in New Zealand. Auckland is also called “The City of Sails” because of the coasts on both its sides. Apart from that, Auckland is quite popular for its towering buildings, nightlife, shopping and more!
What can you do in Auckland for free?
Some of the budget friendly and adventurous things to do in Auckland include hiking in the regional areas, exploring the Arataki Center, climbing a volcano, exploring the pristine beaches, visiting the waterfront, and exploring the Auckland Museum.
Is it safe to visit Auckland during covid times?
New Zealand is the first country to contain the spread of covid, hence the Government of New Zealand have issued some important covid guidelines to be followed by all the visitors such as the visitors including the citizens must be vaccinated and provide a negative RT PCR report done 48 hours prior to departure. A 10 days quarantine on arrival is also mandatory for everyone in order to enter New Zealand.
What is there to do in Auckland at night?
Some of the things to do in Auckland at night include exploring the night market, stargazing at Stardome, escape rooms, dining at harbor cruise, night canyoning at Piha, and sunset sea kayaking.
What is the best area to stay in Auckland?
Some of the best areas to stay in Auckland are the Newmarket (best for retail and public transportation), Mt. Eden (best for family stay and dining options), Mission Bay(comprises some of the best beaches), and Piha(known for watersports).
What can you do in Auckland?
Some of the most adventurous things to do in Auckland are Sky Walking and Sky Jumping at Sky Tower, Sailing in Yachts, Zip Lining and Jet Skiing at Waiheke Island, Taking a Waitomo Glowworm Cave Express Tour, exploring the Beaches on both East Coast and West Coast.
Which is the best time to visit Auckland?
March to May and September to November is the most perfect time to visit Auckland as it is not crowded and you can enjoy the warm climate, indulge in several adventurous activities, and explore some of the best beaches.
Is Auckland expensive?
Auckland is one of the most expensive places in New Zealand with a very high cost of living for local residents. Food, rentals, and transportation is also quite expensive as compared to other states of New Zealand.
