Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
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Things to do in Auckland, North Island: The Best Shopping
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. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. TOI Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
5. Auckland Night Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Held in seven locations across Auckland, the night markets have a great vibe, with buskers, magicians, and dance troupes plus delicious street food from around the globe.
Reviewed By IntoTheDeepBlue
The Glenfield Sunday Night Market is a must-do for a huge variety (with an emphasis on Asian) of cheap eats served fresh and hot. Malaysian, Thai, Chinese, Filipino, American, Korean, South African...the list of cuisines represented is long. At first glance, you could easily imagine that you were browsing street vendors in any of a dozen Asian cities. Most of the food is cooked right in front of you, so you get it piping hot. We’ve been coming to this market for years and it’s always good, always a fun experience for everyone in the family. Wander around, snack on delicious food from all over the world, top it off with your choice of sweet treat from any of a dozen dessert stalls and then take home a little bit of everything. Wow. The prices are rock-bottom. $10 for 4 large teriyaki chicken sticks, $11 for 33 pot-stickers, $2 pork buns, $10 for 7 pieces of prawn shiu-mai, and don’t leave without your healthy serving of Nutella cheesecake for $5. As the night goes on, the market gets crowded and parking fills up in the parking structure. Still, there are always spaces available, you just have to drive up higher in the structure to get them. We like to show up when things are just getting rolling at 5:30pm, and folks are starting to trickle in. Whenever you arrive, the Glenfield Sunday Night Market is a good time, with good food, at crazy-good prices. There are merchandise vendors here, also, and browsing their stalls is always interesting. iPhone paraphernalia, jewelry, hats, clothing, holistic health items, toys and more. Fresh fruit and vegetables round out the vendor stalls. The hours are 5:30pm to 11:00pm. We heartily recommend the Glenfield Sunday Night Market. It’s fun for the whole family. If you’re lucky, there will be live music and maybe even the human statue guy. Check out the pictures!
6. Takapuna Markets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By blueshark_m4ko - Warrnambool, Australia
Awesome Sunday market on an awesome day is brilliant. Every stall was friendly and polite, not all have eftpos available so bring cash, those that do or don’t accept cards are clearly signed as such either way. Plenty to eat and drink, a lot of buskers but they are strategically placed and volume controlled so they don’t interfere with each other. From old stuff to new stuff, there is something for everyone. Apparently the council is planning to concrete jungle the car park where this institute is located thus ending this iconic thing to do, that would be a shame.
7. Clevedon Village Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By TwinklyToes
Lots of different food stalls and other things for sale to browse through. We went away well fed and managed to do some shopping. Pony rides, mussel fritters, wood fired pizza, ice cream, curry sauce, biltong, beeswax wraps and the usual fresh fruit, veges, meat and cheeses are amongst the things to check out.
8. La Cigale French Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
This award-winning, French-inspired market is held Saturday from 8am until 1:30pm and Sunday from 9am until 1:30pm. Stallholders sell bread, pastries, cheese, flowers, olive oils, honey, and more.
Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I came a bit early around 0910 thinking that it would be difficult to find parking. When I got to the end of the road I noticed the sign that said the tow-away signs don't apply on weekends so I was able to get a really close park. The market is in the area outside La Cigale and also includes some bit on the inside. There was quite a lot of options for food, whether it was to eat there or to take away for later. We came as a fairly large group and managed to get one of the tables outside. We then had a pot luck style brunch where everyone just grabbed a few things from the different stalls and we just ate. We were able to get bread, salami, dips, smoked fish and lots of sweet items. It was definitely a nice experience. I'm not sure how often the stalls rotate but there was a bit of everything like crepes and paella to baos and cacti. Worth a stop for an hour or two just to look around and gorge yourself.
9. Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery is West Auckland's regional gallery. We present a diverse programme of contemporary exhibitions, events and activities, including art, craft and design, to reflect and strengthen the full diversity of cultural identities, interests and potential of our community. As a destination gallery, Te Uru operates from an award-winning, purpose-built building that is part of the recently re-opened Lopdell Precinct. The gallery first opened in 1986 as the Waitemata City Arts and Cultural centre, later known as Lopdell House Gallery, sited in the historic Lopdell House building in the heart of Titirangi, gateway to the Waitakere rain forest and en route to Auckland's famous west coast beaches. From 2012, during an extensive redevelopment programme, the gallery delivered exhibitions and outreach style programmes from a temporary base in nearby New Lynn. We reopened as Te Uru on Saturday 1 November 2014 in our new building alongside Lopdell House. Te Uru receives core operational funding from Auckland Council through the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.
Reviewed By Katieclem46 - Hamilton, New Zealand
There is always something interesting on display here. The recent Portage Ceramic Awards was a wonderful exhibition, with much to inspire and fascinate. The gallery is purpose built, providing an airy and light filled space for art to be presented. Fantastic views across the Waitakeres to the Manukau harbour. There is a good shop on the premises.
10. Coatesville Markets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Kiwijanice - Auckland, New Zealand
A very popular art and craft market. Lots of variety and good quality products. Also a variety of food stalls/caravans for snacks or lunch. Plenty of parking in paddock off Glenmore Road for gold coin donation to scouts at the gate.
