Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
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What to do and see in Auckland, North Island: The Best Free Things to do
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. Tawharanui Regional Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Just 85km north of Auckland’s CBD find this beautiful predator free regional park. Several beaches to choose from for the day tripper swimmer, surfer, sun lover or various walks around the peninsula. We enjoyed a great walk on the well pathed Ecology Trail, great native bird life, fauna and forest. Amongst the usuals we saw, Saddle Backs and Bellbirds. On arriving at the top of the forested trail if the tide is low you can drop down through the farmland to the coast and return to the beach / carpark via the beautiful coastline and its rocky outcrops dynamic in colour and design. A great public facility.
2. Cornwall Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,362 reviews
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 NicholasM2408
Other than having the best cricket club in NZ, Cronwall Park boasts lush fields, old oak trees and great icecream
3. Auckland Domain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 969 reviews
Characterized by its formal gardens, this park is a great place to relax just minutes away from the city center.
Reviewed By amandacJ5606BH
Just beautiful. So much green space, gorgeous old trees, and a brilliant outdoor arena for summer events. Think Christmas in the Park. Auckland is so lucky to have many of these areas to enjoy without travelling from their city.
4. Viaduct Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,419 reviews
Visit the center of Auckland sailing and the place for the finest restaurants, bars, and luxury apartments.
Reviewed By 48andreww - Broad Oak, United Kingdom
Lots of super yachts to admire and Admiral's Cup yachts. Plenty of places to eat and drink. Not to be missed when in Auckland.
5. Mount Eden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,898 reviews
A trip up the highest volcanic peak in mainland Auckland offers striking views of the downtown area and harbor.
Reviewed By LindaK631 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I’m an Aucklander. I love the views from the top of Maungawhau/ Mt Eden. I’ve been here for years and I’m a great supporter of taking the traffic away from the summit. More tranquility and space for the pedestrians. The views from the top are excellent and you get a 360 degree view of the city and the two harbours - Waitemata and Manukau. There is little of the city you can’t see from here and the walk to the top is not too strenuous if you take your time. You can also take a variety of routes up and down the mountain - stick to the road or take one of the more scenic cross-mountain routes. Then pop over to Mt Eden Village for lunch - there are so many cafes to choose from.
6. Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 975 reviews
The Arataki Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges Regional park, with more then 16,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline. Free entry to the Visitor centre for everyone.
Reviewed By MrC1994
The Aratiki Visitor Centre is a must if visiting the Waitakere Range. There is a 12 minutes film about the area. The Nature Trail (1.6km) is through Kauri Rainforest and the native species have name plates to help identify them
7. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,215 reviews
The second highest volcanic peak in Auckland, next to Mount Eden, One Tree Hill offers views of the city and has a huge obelisk at the top.
Reviewed By jeanettem190 - Cairns, Australia
After your walking visit to Mt Eden; a caldera volcano, it makes sense to stroll through tony, leafy Mt Eden Village & Epsom Village to Cornwall Park (vast! Check out the sheep & cows grazing!) up to One Tree Hill; a cone volcano (Check out the difference!). There are two horseshoe shaped calderas on two different sides of the 'cone'. As you wander up the very gentle slope, you'll see the Vicotrian Folly. Then there's the heritage-style Bistro where you can snag an ice-cream or similar & have a seat on the verandah. Right next door is Huia Lodge; a heritage listed little cottage & info centre promoting early Auckland & current cultural exhibitions. Across the road is Acacia Cottage; the oldest surviving structure in Auckland. 1841. No wonder it survived; it's made from super-strong kauri wood. The cottage is beautifully restored, having been shifted from it's original location in inner Auckland. There're all kinds of historic everyday items on display, which was quite interesting & nostalgic. Buses are no longer permitted beyond this point, so there're no more obnoxious loud hordes of shouting 'tourist' type people elbowing the walkers & shoving their selfie sticks all over. It's very scenic at the top. You're bound to find several nice photographic subjects. After all this walking you're liable to feel tired. No worries, just walk down another path, not through the vast public park, into a suburban street. You'll soon find a bus stop. If the bus is headed further out from Auckland, just cross the street! All the northbound city buses will meander their way back to the Auckland CBD!
8. Ambury Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By RubikcubeC
Must visit place, beautiful, kids loved it and on top of that it is free. Lovely farm for kids to roam and learn.
9. Auckland Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
"Where ideas grow'. Explore a garden of national significance that can delight, inspire, entertain and relax your senses. The collections of natives and exotics are complimented by lakes, the award winning Potter Children’s Garden and a growing collection of large scale outdoor sculpture by New Zealand artists. Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at Cafe miko, located in the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre with views out over the gardens. Enjoy the changing centre displays introducing you to the beauty and fascinating facts about plants. View many of our sustainable initiatives from vegetated swales to green roofs. Only 20 minutes from the city or airport Auckland Botanic Gardens is open every day of the year and entry is free.
Reviewed By 196barbl - Dunedin, New Zealand
These gardens are huge and well spaced out. The areas are broken up by particular plant groupings so if you have a particular interest then you can go directly to that area. The edible garden is great as it gives examples of what you can do in your own backyard. The gardens are dog friendly, and dogs are on a lead, however if you or your child is not a dog person then it could be overwhelming. The cafe is reasonably priced with a good selection of food, and if you are just wanting a coffee then you can skip the line and go to the coffee cart at the rear or the other one down by the rose garden.
10. Piha Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 867 reviews
Reviewed By F5666SPalicec
This day with guide Jo was loads of fun. It was truly amazing to drive one hour out of Auckland and experience the glorious Wild West Coast. The walks and the beach were stunning and the food at the Piha cafe has excellent. Jo was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide.
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