The port city of Auckland is the only true metropolis of New Zealand and the dynamic economic heart of the country. Known as the “City of Sails”, Auckland stretches more delicately between the port of Manukau in the west and the port of Waitemata in the east, with the compact central district of the city right next to the waterway.
For most visitors to New Zealand, Auckland is the point of arrival, and a few days to soak up the cultural and outdoor attractions should be on the tourist must-do list.
In fact, the monuments, museums and numerous art galleries are among the most beautiful in the country. Other fun activities to do include exploring the city’s suburban coastline, popular for its beautiful beaches, while the Hauraki Gulf Islands offer a taste of the spectacular scenery of New Zealand National Park. right next to the city. For more ideas for visiting this beautiful corner of New Zealand, be sure to refer to our list of top rated tourist attractions in Auckland often.
1. Sky Tower, Auckland
Auckland’s needle-shaped Sky Tower is the city’s most prominent monument and, at 328 meters high, is the tallest building in New Zealand. If you are looking for a place to have the perfect view of the city, the observation deck here, accessible by zooming up the building in a glass elevator, is just the place to take out your camera, with views s extending over the distance of 80 kilometers on a clear day.
For many visitors to the Sky Tower, it is much more than the view. New Zealanders are known for turning attractions into thrill-seeking opportunities, and the Sky Tower can’t resist the trend. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the 192-meter-high outdoor Sky Walk platform around the pergola of the tower, and those looking for a total adrenaline rush can jump off the platform on a Sky Jump .
A restaurant and gift shop are also available on-site, and make sure you get a glimpse of the tower at night when it is successfully lit.
2. Waitemata Harbour, Auckland
The wide sweep of Waitemata Harbor cuts Auckland in half and is the city’s most important natural feature. It was because of this easily navigable waterway that Auckland became the capital of New Zealand in 1840 (the country’s capital is now Wellington, although Auckland remains the economic power of New Zealand). It is a nice place to explore on foot and offers a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Other fun things to do here include exploring Quay Street, which runs parallel to the harbor in the central district with access to Princes Wharf and ferry terminals to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. A number of fun and unique experiences can also be enjoyed on the Auckland Harbor Bridge
3. Harbour Bridge Adventures, Auckland
The broad sweep of Waitemata Harbor cuts Auckland in half and is the city’s most important natural feature. It was because of this easily navigable waterway that Auckland became the capital of New Zealand in 1840 (the country’s capital is now Wellington, although Auckland remains the economic power of New Zealand). It is a nice place to explore on foot and offers a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Other fun activities to do here include exploring Quay Street, which runs parallel to the harbor in the central district with access to the Princes Wharf and ferry terminals to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. A number of fun and unique experiences can also be enjoyed on the Auckland Harbor Bridge
4. War Memorial Museum, Auckland
The imposing War Memorial Museum in Auckland sits at the highest point of the Auckland Estate in a large neoclassical building dating from 1929, which was erected as a memorial to the New Zealand soldiers who fought in the First World War . Today, it houses an impressive collection of artifacts that trace the history of New Zealand from its first Polynesian settlers to the present day and showcase the natural heritage of New Zealand. Of particular interest are the main Maori galleries, which are home to an artistic wealth, including a magnificent Maori gateway dating from the 12th to 14th centuries; a richly decorated meeting room; and the 25-meter canoe, dating from 1836, in which Maori warriors once sailed in the port of Manukau.
The first floor houses the natural history collection, including a reconstruction of the famous and now extinct giant Moa birds. The top floor of the museum is dedicated to war memorials and presents the history of New Zealand’s involvement in world conflicts throughout the country’s history. Guided tours are available, as well as regular conferences and workshops.
5. One Tree Hill, Auckland
For many Aucklanders, the volcanic cone of One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) is the symbol of their city. The 182-meter-high hill sits in the middle of the lush Cornwall Park with a series of flower beds and mature tree stands amidst walking trails. One Tree Hill takes the southwest corner of the park, and the slopes contain the remains of a Maori Pa, a fortified village located here in pre-European times.
At the top of the hill is a solitary obelisk built on the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell who offered this strip of greenery to Auckland for use as a city park. There are fantastic views across the cityscape from the top of the hill.
The Stardome Observatory, which includes a planetarium in addition to its two telescopes, one of which can be experienced during a visit, is also fun to visit.
6. Art Gallery, Auckland
Auckland Art Gallery is the most impressive cultural site in the city. Housed in an impressive structure in the French Renaissance style built in 1887, the gallery houses the largest art collection in New Zealand with more than 15,000 works on display. The permanent galleries house a range of works of art, including European painting and sculpture dating back to the 14th century.
But it is worth noting in particular the main New Zealand collection. Located on the ground floor, you will find here a large amount of work highlighting Maori and Pacific Island artists. Be sure to also visit the New Zealand Historic Art Gallery and the Maori Portraiture Gallery on the first floor, which showcase the work of New Zealand’s early European settlers. Guided tours are available, and a café and shop are located on site.
7. Waiheke Island, Auckland
Auckland Art Gallery is the most impressive cultural site in the city. Housed in an impressive structure in the French Renaissance style built in 1887, the gallery houses the largest art collection in New Zealand with more than 15,000 works on display. The permanent galleries house a range of works of art, including European painting and sculpture dating back to the 14th century.
But it is worth noting in particular the main New Zealand collection. Located on the ground floor, you will find here a large amount of work highlighting Maori and Pacific Island artists. Be sure to also visit the New Zealand Historic Art Gallery and the Maori Portraiture Gallery on the first floor, which showcase the work of New Zealand’s early European settlers. Guided tours are available, and a café and shop are located on site.
8. New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland
New Zealanders have always been deeply connected to the sea, and the well-organized New Zealand Maritime Museum explores this connection, providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s maritime history. The exhibits retrace the history of the country since the arrival of the first Polynesians and include Maori canoes and canoes, whaling equipment and old instruments and instruments. A gallery is dedicated to the success of modern boating in New Zealand and includes the yacht in which the New Zealand crew, led by Sir Peter Blake, won the America’s Cup in 1995. Many vessels in the collection sail regularly, which adds a real dose of excitement for a tourist trip.
9. Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
The regeneration of the Viaduct Harbor is a legacy of New Zealand that hosted the America’s Cup pleasure regatta and transformed this waterfront area into one of the main entertainment and dining centers of the city.
In addition to being one of the main marinas in the country, the lively calendar of events at the Viaduct Harbor is a tourist attraction. Every Sunday, the flower market draws crowds with live music and street food, while regular free events during the summer months are a favorite with local families. The lively waterfront cafes and restaurants are a great place to stop and linger over lunch while exploring Auckland’s central attract tions.
10. Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, Auckland
One of Auckland’s top attractions for visiting families, the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton Aquarium lets you get closer to life underwater. A series of huge aquariums containing aquatic life can be observed from the tunnel walkways with aquariums dedicated to sharks, tropical fish and rays. Kelly Tarlton is also home to an Antarctic encounter gallery, with a snow-capped penguin enclosure, highlighting New Zealand’s close association with international Antarctic scientific communities.
Adrenaline junkies are also catered for with the Aquarium’s Shark Dive and Shark Cage Snorkel experiences, with savings available for online reservations.
