Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
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The 10 Best Museums in Auckland, North Island
The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers,
and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and
natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the
west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place
where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more
than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away
from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland
1. Connells Bay Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
The Connells Bay Sculpture Park hosts a private collection of large scale sculpture by New Zealand artists bringing art and nature together on a two hour + guided walk in a beautiful coastal landscape. Bookings by apointment only. $30pp. PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR A BOOKING AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOUR TRAVEL DATES AS THE WALKS FILL QUICKLY
Reviewed By Trek219898
The owners have done a great job of returning this site to native bush and framing some fantastic art works by New Zealand Artists. Do not be put off by the access in our view this is an absolute must visit and shouldn't be missed. Jo and her husband have obviously made a very major investment in bringing this site to life. We couldn't stop talking about it after we left
2. McCahon House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By SallyT1105
A 'must see' if interested in NZ art and McCahon's work. Alice gave us a tour and we became fascinated with the house and learnt more about McCahon's life and how he made this small house his families home. There are opportunities to discover more about his art with audio and visual stations. Alice was a friendly & informative guide and we felt like we had discovered a real treasure snuggled in beautiful Waitakere bush. Thank you to the The McCahon House Trust and all involved.
3. Of Hand & Heart
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 159 reviews
An Art Gallery showing work of over 35 Painters & Sculptors & 50+ Potters & Ceramic artists in addition to Silk dresses from American designers & jewelry & Fiber arts created by various artists. Follow the YELLOW BRICK ROAD beside Queen Street Cafe & Pete & Mary's Eatery on Queen Street
4. NZ Warbirds Association
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
NZ Warbirds At Ardmore provides an opportunity to the public to get close to the operational and static aircraft of the Association. Such aircraft on display include ex- military and vintage aircraft such as: -North American T-6 Harvards -Curtis P-40-N Kittyhawk -North American P-51-D Mustang -Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 -McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawk -deHavilland Tiger Moth -Percival Proctor -Aermacchi MB339C -Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 -Bristol Scout -Fokker Dr.1 and many others. The visitor center presents flying memorabilia and RNZAF squadron history as well as an extensive scale model collection and aviation library resource. NZ Warbirds At Ardmore is operated by the New Zealand Warbirds Association which is the national umbrella body responsible for the safe management of the operating environment for ex- military and vintage aircraft in New Zealand.
Reviewed By MarkR986 - Dunedin, New Zealand
Fantastic opportunity to get up close to some of the icons of New Zealand’s aviation history - with the majority being flyable examples. Knowable guides to fill in any gaps in your own knowledge. Topped off by an amazing scale model collection.
5. Sculptureum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,267 reviews
The Sculptureum Experience is made up of three sculpture gardens and six art galleries spanning over 1.5km of flat paths. The private collection includes over 650 works of art by local and international artists. From live rabbits to the grand Chihuly glass chandelier and everything in between, you are guaranteed to find inspiration around every corner during your visit to this immaculately kept attraction. The 11 acre award-winning vineyard overlooks the sculpture gardens with views out to Little Barrier Island. Sculptureum wines are best enjoyed with a meal at Rothko Restaurant or savour the experience and take a bottle home.
Reviewed By Alison-JNZ - Wanaka, New Zealand
This is the second time I have been to Sculptureum. I was equally if not more impressed than I was 3 years ago. The gardens are spectacular and the artwork and sculptures nestle into the gardens beautifully, creating a peaceful and reflective space to wander through. This trip was extra special for my daughters and me as the owner took us under his wing while we meandered through the artwork inside. It was an absolute treat to have Anthony delve into the history of some of the pieces, why he had chosen them, show us the newest pieces in the collection as well as give us some history and insight into the artists. How special and absolutely memorable! We are so fortunate in this part of the world to have such a stunning private collection of art and sculpture available to be enjoyed by all. Highly recommended.
6. Flagstaff Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Established in 1993, Flagstaff Gallery is a contemporary art gallery based in Devonport. Our aim is to provide a friendly, relaxed environment in which to make a wide variety of quality art accessible to all. Well-established and new artists contribute to our exhibitions, which includes paintings, sculpture and hand-worked prints.
7. Glenbrook Model Railway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By 726AnthonyK
After a nice drive through the Auckland countryside we were greeted by Bob and his amazing model railway. Our 3 year old loved it and Bob was very enthusiastic providing us all with lots of information about his railway. They are open on Sundays but are happy to open up on other days if you are passing by. Very accommodating and for only $2 you can't really beat it.
8. New Zealand Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,168 reviews
Dive deeper into our maritime history and discover the genius of early Pacific navigators, their great voyages of exploration and the discovery Aotearoa New Zealand. Cruise Auckland’s sparkling Waitemata Harbour in one of our heritage vessels - sailing twice daily. Help the crew hoist the sails or sit back and take in the city skyline. Find out what it takes to win the America’s Cup - from backyard boat-builders to teamwork and race-winning technology. Plus, see one of only seven replicas of the America’s Cup. Immerse yourself in early European immigration and test your sea-legs in the replica 1840s rocking cabin. Bang! Watch from the concourse as our replica cannon fires every day at 12pm into the marina. Soak up our stories of the sea with a complimentary guided tour departing from our ticket desk 10.30am Friday - Sunday.
Reviewed By TabNZ - Auckland, New Zealand
An absolutely unmissable museum. There is so much to do (and it's free to Aucklanders!). We enjoyed our guided tour, and the special America's Cup Tour, so much that we returned a week later to watch the fabulous Maori Cultural Performance (unmissable - catch it while it's on!) and sail out into the harbour on the beautiful Ted Ashby. There's also a stunning Photography Exhibition on at the moment. The story of the Polynesian settlers is brilliantly told and the boats and other artefacts on display are fascinating. We also particularly enjoyed the recreation of what it was like to sail to NZ from Europe in years gone by - it's horrifying! Well worth a visit.
9. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,866 reviews
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is New Zealand’s most compelling visual arts experience. Enter between majestic kauri (native tree) columns to explore four floors of exhibitions, seven centuries of art and one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings. Experience world-class touring exhibitions, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of traditional and contemporary international works and discover the largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city. The Gallery offers a lively calendar of talks, performances, film screenings and children's activities to complement its exhibition programme. Please visit our website to see what’s on. Join a free Gallery tour in English 11.30am and 1.30pm daily. Open daily 10am-5pm (except Christmas Day) and 10am–9pm on Fridays.
Reviewed By Ruinsgal
The Auckland Art Gallery offers a great opportunity to explore New Zealand art - from early portraits of Maori statesman to the latest in contemporary art. The current Colin McCahon exhibit is a focused and well-curated look at the artist's relationship with Auckland The building itself - linking architecturally as it does the traditional and the contemporary - is worth a visit in and of itself.
10. Museum of Transport and Technology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 827 reviews
The largest museum of its kind in New Zealand, MOTAT offers a fun, interactive, and educational experience. Explore our fascinating exhibitions telling stories of the history and development of New Zealand transport, technology and Kiwi ingenuity. MOTAT offers exciting School Holiday Experiences with a new theme and additional activities every school holidays. With lots of fun activities for kids to enjoy as well as the regular museum experience, MOTAT is a great choice for a fun day out over the school holidays to keep the whole family entertained. Visit the original Pumphouse, wander through our historic village or ride the heritage tram to our Aviation Display Hall which houses one of the largest aviation collections in the Southern Hemisphere. Kids are well-catered for with interactive examples, hands-on technology zone plus our Tinkering Tots gallery which is designed especially for under 5’s. MOTAT has something for everyone and is known as one of Auckland’s best value attractions. With regular events, school holiday experiences and monthly Live Days, visit our website to find out what is on at MOTAT for your next visit.
Reviewed By ewsa10 - Newburgh, United Kingdom
We visited with my cousin and his two little kids when out visiting in New Zealand and had thoroughly brilliant time at 'MOTAT'. The museum has loads of information, displays, exhibitions and lovely little cafes/places to stop & eat a packed lunch. There is a super tram (really old fashioned) that transports you between the main museum and the aviation wing, which is worth both the journey up and the visit - it's truly superb. The whole 'MOTAT' experience is perfect for families, couples, individuals, people of all ages and it's very interactive, with lots to see/read and discover. This is a must-see if visiting Auckland - it's very reasonably priced and there's so much to see and do!
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