Top Things to do in Auckland Central
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Auckland Central, North Island
European, Polynesian, Asian and strong Maori heritages give the Auckland its distinctive culture. Discover the history of the world's largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures at Auckland Museum and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Find Polynesian handicrafts at Otara Market or people-watch in bustling Ponsonby and Parnell. Adventure junkies can get their fix from kayaking, sailing and high-octane bungee jumping.
Restaurants in Auckland Central
1. Foxes Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Founded by John Belsham in 1992, Foxes Island is a distinguished producer of single vineyard, cellar aged wines. Varietals include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery Tasting Room / Cellar Door is located in the heart of urban Auckland, in the suburbs of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn. Open for tasting and retail sales from Tuesday to Saturday or by appointment. Retail sales only Monday to Saturday. We deliver throughout NZ.
2. Babich Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Babich Wines is New Zealand’s most experienced family owned winery. We have been proud producers of fine New Zealand wines since 1916, when Croatian immigrant Josip Babich produced his first vintage. A century on, our family business has three generations of winemaking experience behind it, 13 vineyards in New Zealand’s finest wine regions, and a passion for winemaking as a way of life. We are a global export business (currently exporting to over 50 countries world-wide) but have never lost sight of the importance of family, farming and the winemaker’s craft. We make wines that are worth drinking; wines to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family.
Reviewed By GrayMcGowan - Timaru, New Zealand
Babich wines has become our "must visit" destination when we're in Auckland as it never disappoints. The wines are wonderful, the service and knowledge from Jake superb and the entire experience of tasting wine in a country atmosphere so close to the city cannot be beaten. The wines are not expensive either which is a bonus, so yes, we'll be back for more.
3. 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.
4. Alberton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
This home grew from a modest farmhouse built in 1863 into an enormous fairy tale mansion, where visitors can admire its beautiful verandahs and towers and view original family furniture.
5. Highwic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Built in 1862, Highwic, once the home to the prominent Buckland family, is one of the finest examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in New Zealand.
Reviewed By Staffshire - Stafford, United Kingdom
Like so many beautiful historic buildings in Auckland, Highwic is a gem of a property - with such a story to tell - but which is gradually being penned in by high rise commercial development on all sides Access presently IS off Gillies Avenue as Mortimer Pass is closed for building development. We visited on a very wet day and, indeed, were the only visitors at the time. We were warmly greeted by Christopher and given a very comprehensive introduction to Alfred Buckland and his family before being allowed to wander freely in the house. Chris was never far away and always enthusiastic to answer our questions as we toured room after room making many discoveries along the way. I enjoyed the opportunity to play the well maintained piano in the ballroom and Chris made us a pot of tea which was greatly appreciated. We were at Highwic for about three hours, enjoying the building; its history and its gardens. It was well worth the walk up the hill. Thanks to all those who work hard to preserve this building and to Chris for looking after us so well.
6. 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.
7. Auckland Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,640 reviews
Discover and experience Maori culture, with daily cultural shows and an internationally significant Maori and Pacific collection to explore, the Auckland Museum is a must see attraction. Housed in an Iconic building within the grounds of a tranquil park, the Auckland Museum is a place to discover and learn about New Zealand's culture and its natural history. Since 1929, the Museum has served as place of remembrance for the many Aucklanders who have sacrificed their lives in war.
Reviewed By justinwL3694KP - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Much prefer from Te Papa great fun more of a world range to look at really nice way to spend a day. Has cafe food and nice tours, never feel to crowded and have plenty of time to look at everything
8. Ponsonby
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Reviewed By ChristopherC911 - Selby, United Kingdom
This wonderful Auckland suburb is very much hip. Full of boutique shops and wonderful eateries, it is a great place to visit.
9. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Experience the unique wonders of New Zealand’s southern hemisphere night sky at Stardome. Discover the history and significance to New Zealanders of prominent constellations like the Southern Cross and Matariki, in a live presentation. The sky of the Southern Hemisphere contains beautiful star clusters, gas cloud nebulae and star patterns that can only be seen from this latitude. Experience the unique wonders of New Zealand’s southern night sky at Stardome Observatory & Planetarium.
Reviewed By tomtom755 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We loved our visit to The Satardome Observatory, it was very informative and could be enjoyed by all ages.
10. Holy Trinity Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By 20JanetC - Torrevieja, Spain
This was definitely a stop to make, I am not a very religious person but beautiful cathedral and lite candles for family who have passed.
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