Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
Countries
What to do and see in Auckland, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
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. Sky Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
3. Sculptureum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 252 reviews
The hundreds of works on display in its Gardens and Galleries have been chosen to amuse, inspire and stimulate. They are a mix of colour, whimsy and wonder.
Reviewed By MagsCrichton - Waipu
This is a hidden gem in Matakana. The sculptures and art on display are amazing. A real feast for the eyes and soul. Allow a good 2 hours for both the outdoor and indoor Exhibitions. Dont worry about the weather, they provide umbrellas :) make a day of it and dine at the fantastic restaurant. This is one of the best attractions in NZ. Really worth a visit.
4. Tawharanui Regional Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Haastman
Tawharanui Regional Park is truly a wonderful place.
It has beautiful sandy Beaches which generally have a light surf.
It has some great, relatively short bush walks and being a pest controlled wildlife reserve, it has good numbers of NZ native birds.
It also has some pasture land and usually has sheep running around.
There is good car parking and public toilets.
Well worth a visit.
5. Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 128 reviews
The newest edition to Auckland’s vineyard destinations has been honored with international accolades for our estate-grown wines, plus national awards in architecture and design, building craftsmanship, cuisine and dining. The idyllic sloping vineyards of the family owned Tantalus Estate are located in the heart of the Onetangi Valley - a gentle picturesque twenty-acre vineyard in Waiheke’s renowned wine growing region. Complete with olive groves, macadamia trees, an apiary, kitchen Gardens, native trees and boardwalks, Tantalus Estate is a destination not to be missed.
Reviewed By Theresa D - New York, New York, United States
It's really tough picking a favorite meal on Waiheke, but this one came close -- and it feels a bit like cheating because we only had appetizers. The truffle fries were hyped up by our bus driver and they were even better than that! Oysters were from Coromandel and thus, really creamy and delicious. Then we had squid pressed into "noodles." Really cool and perfect for a summer day. We did a beer tasting at the table and really enjoyed that, too, more than other NZ beers we had tried. We did a wine tasting afterwards and I thought the prices were very fair and I enjoyed the estates reserves more than the regional tasting. Would definitely return -- the estate is gorgeous! We even saw some super rich people land a helicopter in the vines. Very fancypants. Our waitress was nice.
6. Waitakere Ranges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
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
7. Kitekite Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Paul K - Eastleigh, United Kingdom
We walked to the top of the falls. It is quite a steep climb but well worth it. I recommend wearing suitable footwear I myself wear my trusty old Merrels (strapped sandals) Various paths around Piha are closed due to Kauri dieback although there does not appear to be any signs stating this so perhaps not officially closed and as a tourist you have no idea) but we were told this one was open. The view of the falls from the bottom are breathtaking. The pool at the base had a couple of eels swimming around
8. Waiheke Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Veronica660 - New Jersey
I purchased a two-day bus pass online from Fuller’s website, then I printed the tickets saving me time, otherwise I would have been waiting on line to buy the tickets at the harbor.
My flight landed at 8:00 am, a shuttle service picked me up to take me to the hotel. I left my light baggage in storage at the hotel because it was too early to check in; then I walked from the hotel to the Auckland ferry. There was a short line to board the ferry. The ferry ride is approximately 40 minutes long with a many scenic views and photo opportunities.
Once off the ferry, I followed the yellow duck feet prints on the ground to reach the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. Any seat is comfortable but for a better view I walked upstairs and sat on the front row, taking photos of the Island. Once it reached the midpoint of the route, a scenic beach, it turned to make its way back to the ferry, I waited to get off near four vineyards. I first visited Bach to have lunch. I ordered a fish plate with chips and drank some local wine. Once my stomach was full, I visited Wild, Stony Ridge, and Te Motu vineyards to enjoy the scenery and their wines. Satisfied with my day, I returned to Auckland that night to sleep.
The following day I stopped to have breakfast at a place with a view of the water, visited museums and shops. I visited two vineyards near the beginning of the bus route. Later that afternoon, I visited Mudbrick and Cablebay, those two locations have excellent views of the water.
The Hop-On Hop-Off two-day pass is an excellent way to enjoy the Island, without worrying about being too intoxicated to drive safely or ride a bike. You can get on and off as many times as you want or just sit back and watch the scenery. The pleasant bus guide will greet you and inform you about the Island, while you see the location on a map.
9. Hauraki Gulf
Overall Ratings
5 based on 329 reviews
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.
10. Muriwai Gannet Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By jaybeeFL - Florida
Incredible coastline, cascading surf, towering cliffs and oh yeah, THE BIRDS! This is nature at its finest. We visited towards the tail end of the gannets' nesting season but there were still plenty of adults with their young including several still on their eggs. Go early as the bus tours show up around 10-11AM and overwhelm the place. Great photo ops!! Limited parking as well especially weekends.
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