Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
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What to do and see in Auckland, North Island: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. NZ Warbirds Association
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
NZ Warbirds At Ardmore provides an opportunity to the public to get close to the operational and static aircraft of the Association. Such aircraft on display include ex- military and vintage aircraft such as: -North American T-6 Harvards -Curtis P-40-N Kittyhawk -North American P-51-D Mustang -Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 -McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawk -deHavilland Tiger Moth -Percival Proctor -Aermacchi MB339C -Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 -Bristol Scout -Fokker Dr.1 and many others. The visitor center presents flying memorabilia and RNZAF squadron history as well as an extensive scale model collection and aviation library resource. NZ Warbirds At Ardmore is operated by the New Zealand Warbirds Association which is the national umbrella body responsible for the safe management of the operating environment for ex- military and vintage aircraft in New Zealand.
Reviewed By MarkR986 - Dunedin, New Zealand
Fantastic opportunity to get up close to some of the icons of New Zealand’s aviation history - with the majority being flyable examples. Knowable guides to fill in any gaps in your own knowledge. Topped off by an amazing scale model collection.
3. New Zealand Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,168 reviews
Dive deeper into our maritime history and discover the genius of early Pacific navigators, their great voyages of exploration and the discovery Aotearoa New Zealand. Cruise Auckland’s sparkling Waitemata Harbour in one of our heritage vessels - sailing twice daily. Help the crew hoist the sails or sit back and take in the city skyline. Find out what it takes to win the America’s Cup - from backyard boat-builders to teamwork and race-winning technology. Plus, see one of only seven replicas of the America’s Cup. Immerse yourself in early European immigration and test your sea-legs in the replica 1840s rocking cabin. Bang! Watch from the concourse as our replica cannon fires every day at 12pm into the marina. Soak up our stories of the sea with a complimentary guided tour departing from our ticket desk 10.30am Friday - Sunday.
Reviewed By TabNZ - Auckland, New Zealand
An absolutely unmissable museum. There is so much to do (and it's free to Aucklanders!). We enjoyed our guided tour, and the special America's Cup Tour, so much that we returned a week later to watch the fabulous Maori Cultural Performance (unmissable - catch it while it's on!) and sail out into the harbour on the beautiful Ted Ashby. There's also a stunning Photography Exhibition on at the moment. The story of the Polynesian settlers is brilliantly told and the boats and other artefacts on display are fascinating. We also particularly enjoyed the recreation of what it was like to sail to NZ from Europe in years gone by - it's horrifying! Well worth a visit.
4. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,866 reviews
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is New Zealand’s most compelling visual arts experience. Enter between majestic kauri (native tree) columns to explore four floors of exhibitions, seven centuries of art and one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings. Experience world-class touring exhibitions, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of traditional and contemporary international works and discover the largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city. The Gallery offers a lively calendar of talks, performances, film screenings and children's activities to complement its exhibition programme. Please visit our website to see what’s on. Join a free Gallery tour in English 11.30am and 1.30pm daily. Open daily 10am-5pm (except Christmas Day) and 10am–9pm on Fridays.
Reviewed By Ruinsgal
The Auckland Art Gallery offers a great opportunity to explore New Zealand art - from early portraits of Maori statesman to the latest in contemporary art. The current Colin McCahon exhibit is a focused and well-curated look at the artist's relationship with Auckland The building itself - linking architecturally as it does the traditional and the contemporary - is worth a visit in and of itself.
5. Auckland Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,640 reviews
Discover and experience Maori culture, with daily cultural shows and an internationally significant Maori and Pacific collection to explore, the Auckland Museum is a must see attraction. Housed in an Iconic building within the grounds of a tranquil park, the Auckland Museum is a place to discover and learn about New Zealand's culture and its natural history. Since 1929, the Museum has served as place of remembrance for the many Aucklanders who have sacrificed their lives in war.
Reviewed By justinwL3694KP - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Much prefer from Te Papa great fun more of a world range to look at really nice way to spend a day. Has cafe food and nice tours, never feel to crowded and have plenty of time to look at everything
6. Museum of Transport and Technology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 827 reviews
The largest museum of its kind in New Zealand, MOTAT offers a fun, interactive, and educational experience. Explore our fascinating exhibitions telling stories of the history and development of New Zealand transport, technology and Kiwi ingenuity. MOTAT offers exciting School Holiday Experiences with a new theme and additional activities every school holidays. With lots of fun activities for kids to enjoy as well as the regular museum experience, MOTAT is a great choice for a fun day out over the school holidays to keep the whole family entertained. Visit the original Pumphouse, wander through our historic village or ride the heritage tram to our Aviation Display Hall which houses one of the largest aviation collections in the Southern Hemisphere. Kids are well-catered for with interactive examples, hands-on technology zone plus our Tinkering Tots gallery which is designed especially for under 5’s. MOTAT has something for everyone and is known as one of Auckland’s best value attractions. With regular events, school holiday experiences and monthly Live Days, visit our website to find out what is on at MOTAT for your next visit.
Reviewed By ewsa10 - Newburgh, United Kingdom
We visited with my cousin and his two little kids when out visiting in New Zealand and had thoroughly brilliant time at 'MOTAT'. The museum has loads of information, displays, exhibitions and lovely little cafes/places to stop & eat a packed lunch. There is a super tram (really old fashioned) that transports you between the main museum and the aviation wing, which is worth both the journey up and the visit - it's truly superb. The whole 'MOTAT' experience is perfect for families, couples, individuals, people of all ages and it's very interactive, with lots to see/read and discover. This is a must-see if visiting Auckland - it's very reasonably priced and there's so much to see and do!
7. Ponsonby
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Reviewed By ChristopherC911 - Selby, United Kingdom
This wonderful Auckland suburb is very much hip. Full of boutique shops and wonderful eateries, it is a great place to visit.
8. Silverdale Pioneer Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By mir0s_awab - Boleslawiec, Poland
great place for a picnic, resting on learning history, you can go back in time visiting the house, walking paths, beautiful lush vegetation and beautifully maintained surroundings. spent time there will definitely not be lost :)
9. Eden Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Home to Auckland Cricket and Rugby for over 100 years, this is New Zealand's largest, most iconic stadium. Behind the Scenes Experience Tours operate weekdays daily.
Reviewed By The_bald_gourmet - Chicago, United States
Eden Park is the home of New Zealand Rugby Union and has been on my bucket list for years. I grew up playing rugby and watching the New Zealand "All Blacks" and had always wanted to see a game at this iconic ground. Whilst I didn't get to see the "All Blacks" I did get to see "The Blues" beat "The Stormers" and it was a terrific match. I also got to eat a meat pie at half-time (which for the uninitiated is quintessentially New Zealand!). If you have any interest in rugby then watching a game at Eden Park should be top of your list. If you don't know much about rugby and find yourself in Auckland on a match day I strongly recommend going to a game. It is a spectacle and an experience that is not to be missed!
10. Central City Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By KBofLB - Littleborough, United Kingdom
As one who travels without smartphone, laptop or tablet I was grateful for the facility for guest visitors to be able to use the library's computers to check emails and undertake any resultant surfing the web. This contrasted with the nearby Art Gallery's attitude to foreign visitors. It was also helpful that the library was open every day and well into the evening.
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