What to do and see in Auckland Central, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips

April 1, 2018 Lashaunda Abraham

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. Sky Tower

Corner Victoria and Federal Sts, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand +64 9-363 6000
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Sky Tower

Auckland's Sky Tower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, this tower is more than 300 metres high. Offering stunning views, along with award winning restaurants, a gift shop and an opportunity to push your limits by walking the outside of the viewing platforms, or by jumping off from 192 metres above Auckland's CBD.

Reviewed By Alex D - London, United Kingdom

The Sky Tower was a great experience. The lifts were readily available and quick. The glass panel in the floor was a good touch. The views from the viewing platforms were superb. They keep you informed when and if there is anyboby going to do the jump. We were fortunate and got a couple of great shots of someone in mid air. Noit overly expensive and well worth a visit.

2. Tiritiri Matangi Island

Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Reviewed By Benjamin S

This is definitely on my short list of Auckland musts. Susan and Anna were our guides and provided wonderful insight to the Islands rich ecology. I recommend the guide as it helps fund the conservatory effort, though the island is beautiful no matter how you approach it.

3. Waitakere Ranges

Arataki Visitor Centre | 300 Scenic Drive, Titirangi, Auckland Central, Auckland 0604, New Zealand +64 9-817 0089
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 706 reviews

Waitakere Ranges

This scenic drive takes you past bush scenery, to observation points for spectacular views and to gorgeous Beaches.

Reviewed By TravlQ - Bengaluru, India

Beautiful ranges; we drove through these ranges during our road trip. It was an amazing experience. There are also good breakfast joints on the way with amazing views. Do make a pit stop for a good English breakfast with awesome view.
View of clouds touching hills is simply mind blowing. A must do road trip; recommended highly by me

4. Waiheke Island

Hauraki Gulf, Auckland Central, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Waiheke Island

Reviewed By ChrisJS51 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom

A billboard you see just after leaving the ferry says 'You have arrived. Slow down'. This sums up the island perfectly! A very beautiful island with stunning views and excellent - though outrageously expensive - boutique wineries. Try the Olive Oil producer too.

5. Hauraki Gulf

Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 329 reviews

Hauraki Gulf

This area comprises 47 Islands, the most popular of which is Waiheke for its excellent Beaches and bays.

Reviewed By sofiegsd - Bainbridge Island, Washington

We took a ferry ride in the gulf and enjoyed our day. There are many Islands in the gulf and iit was a sunny day there were sail boats everywhere.This is a perfect trip to get away from the city for awhile.

6. Cornwall Park

Epsom, Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand +64 9-630 8485
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Cornwall Park

This lovely urban park offers an escape from the city hustle and bustle with oak tree-lined roads, winding paths and grazing sheep and cattle.

Reviewed By affalon - Whanganui, New Zealand

A wonderful place rain or shine. I’ve spent a week walking daily around the park and the summit.
It’s great to see families, joggers, walkers and elderly enjoying the scenery.
Plenty of trees and picnic areas. Plenty of sheep and cows and even some chickens and roosters.
Good paths around the park or if your wanting a bit more of a challenge, try walking the summit.

7. Rangitoto Island

Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Rangitoto Island

This volcanic island, which last erupted 600 years ago, offers bird-watching, swimming, fishing, walking trails, colorful flora and spectacular views from the summit of its cone-shaped mountain.

Reviewed By Roslyn F - Gold Coast, Australia

Read a lot about Rangitoto and thought we would take the hike. We caught the local ferry over and just did our our trek up the volcano to the summit. Path very well defined and other interesting side tracks to take if you are inclined. Also for the not so fit there are places to stop and take in the view along the way for a break. Just remember no shop on the island so take your own water and snacks or lunch if required. The view over Auckland and other Islands well worth the walk.

8. Mount Eden

Access off Hillside Crescent | Mount Eden Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1024, New Zealand +64 9-638 8395
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Mount Eden

A trip up the highest volcanic peak in Mainland Auckland offers striking views of the downtown area and harbor.

Reviewed By jdvmd - Paducah, KY

Beautiful 360 degree views offers a great look at Auckland. Think it would be a great place to watch the sun set.

9. Howick Historical Village

Bells Road | Lloyd Elsmore Park, Howick, Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand +64 9-576 9506
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 277 reviews

Howick Historical Village

Enter another era at this living museum, where costumed staff and 30 restored buildings recreate an early Auckland settlement.

Reviewed By Jane W - Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

Spending the last few days of our holiday in Auckland, we came across a leaflet for this 'fencible' village and were intrigued as we'd never heard the term before. We caught the bus (takes about 55mins and cost $7) from Britomart to Lloyd Elsmore Park (don't go as far as Howick) and spent the next few hours enthralled by this recreated village. Plenty of information at each cottage detailing the lives of those that lived there, plus church, schoolroom, dairy, etc. Fascinating if you like social history and great for kids. Try putting a dollar in the mill wheel!
Can also recommend the tea rooms and well stocked gift shop too. All in all, a lovely day out away from the bustle of the city. BTW, good luck to the gentleman who we chatted to who was busy with his paintbrush - you're doing a grand job! And to the ladies I met in red hats and purple clothes, carry on enjoying yourselves!!
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10. Auckland Museum

The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand +64 9-309 0443
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Auckland Museum

Discover the history and culture of New Zealand through this memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in wartime.

Reviewed By Niranjan D - New Delhi, Delhi, India

You will know a lot about NZ history, its culture and tradition - particularly Maori culture. It is big and requires lot of time to go through each section. There is an entry fee. Some time there is an exhibition of photographs and other artistic things. We were amazed to see various presentation of photographic marvels. A must while in Auckland.

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