Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
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What to do and see in Auckland, North Island: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Muriwai Gannet Colony
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 442 reviews
Reviewed By shonas804 - Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting the gannet colony here is now much more accessible to everyone with the new paths. The gannets are fascinating to watch, especially as they come into land and have to negotiate the winds. You can observe the birds at such close range, the are such beautiful birds. A walk down to the beach is for the more sprightly. Parking is free and there are toilets located here as well.
3. Tiritiri Matangi Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,924 reviews
Reviewed By Escape50291134045 - Auckland, New Zealand
the trip was amazing walking up to the lighthouse to have a break and and seeing native birds fly around you is just amazing even getting to see the little blue penguins and a surprise stingray in the bay.
4. Glenfern Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By NZDebNZ - Auckland, New Zealand
We had an amazing afternoon wondering around Glenfern. We were literally the only people there that afternoon. We walked up the bush track to the Kauri swing bridge, then across to Sunset Rock for an outstanding view of Port Fitzroy, then down the 4 wheel drive track. The native born life was abundant and singing away in the trees. Amazingly it was free to visit Glenfern. We left a donation in their visitors centre :-)
5. Tawhitokino Regional Park
6. Onetangi Forest and Bird Reserve
7. Goat Island Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By Crayeater - Hamilton, New Zealand
This really is a must do, even in summer when the beach is packed! Low tide is the best time to go, take a picnic and plenty of sunscreen. If you need to hire snorkel gear it is better to stop at one of the hire places in Leigh as the one at the beach has irregular hours. This is a free attraction that has actually improved over the years. There is much better signage about not feeding the fish and the reasons behind it. It's about 20 years since I spent a summer selling bbq sausages from a caravan there and the fish no longer approach you looking for food. The toilets and changing rooms are much better where they are now. It's a stunning place and you will see plenty of sea life close to the shore. Just do it!
8. Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Lindyloo1948
This is a wonderful Bush to walk through. It is good for fit and unfit people as there is a flat track or you can go up the hill as well. Unfortunately it is closed at the moment for maintenance.
9. Smiths Bush Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By BridgetF626 - Auckland, New Zealand
Smith's Bush is an ecologically sensitive area so the whole walk is on a boardwalk. It is an extremely pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes to do the circuit. Unlike alot of other bush walks where you spend so much time looking at your feet so that you don't trip, this walk enables you to look up and enjoy the amazing canopy. It has a wonderful collection of epiphytes. If you don't know what these are, you will soon realise. As you first walk into the area you will notice the incredible amount of bird songs. As you get closer to the motorway these stop but pick up again as you loop around the track. It is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. If you have a wheel chair, park at the far end of the carpark, closest to the batting cages of the cricket ground. From there it is a short paved path to the entrance of the bush. The bush entrance has a gate and within it there is a stand with a brochure. If you are interested, pick one up and read about what you are looking at. However if you don't, you will still be impressed.
10. Mahurangi Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By davidcapstick40 - Auckland, New Zealand
One of our favourite beaches to visit, and less than an hour north of Auckland. Stunning views as you drive along the windy roads down to Sullivan’s Bay. Ample parking, campsite available too. Just perfect for kayaking and one of our favourite places to go paddle boarding. There are many other small islands to paddle board across to as well. Plenty of space for your picnic, but beware of the unwanted visitors, the ducks, who want to join in with your feast as well ???? A really idyllic place to visit and simply stunning.
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