Auckland is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most historic cities, in addition to being the largest and most populous, making it one of the most important tourist centers in the country. Situated by two major ports, Auckland combines natural beauty and city views, attracting visitors for leisure and business throughout the year.
Auckland has a plethora of activities and attractions for every type of traveler, offering visitors the luxury of choice in terms of experiences. It is world-famous for being home to many volcanoes, islands, and mountains. To add to its beauty, the city is dotted with beautiful lush green parks, gardens, and lakes. You can visit one of the many views around the city for a beautiful view of the natural landscape with gorgeous modern skyscrapers that make Auckland’s cityscape pleasing to the eye.
With New Zealand’s reputation for adrenaline activities, Auckland is a hotbed of adventure sports. Due to its proximity to the water and vast ports, the city is known around the world for its love affair with boats and the sea, hence nicknamed the ‘City of Sales’ and has dominated the America’s Cup in recent years. This is well captured in Auckland’s Maritime Museum, one of the city’s many museums dedicated to the fields of art, national and natural history, and even plant and animal history.
Auckland also offers a great assortment of adventure activities, the most famous being the port bridge and bungee jump from the Sky Tower. The same two locations offer quite astonishing vantage points of the city. The city is the site of various cultural events throughout the year, such as the Auckland Festival, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, and the New Zealand International Film Festival, to name just a few.
Things To Do In Auckland
- Sky Tower
Auckland’s Sky Tower can be seen rising skyward everywhere in the city. This historic tower offers some unforgettable views from its observation deck. The Sky Tower is a telecommunications office building with several restaurants and bars on its premises. It is also the highest in the Southern Hemisphere.
At 328 meters, the Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in the entire Southern Hemisphere. The tower is a popular attraction as it gives you a vantage point of the city that you can otherwise only get to if you have a helicopter. In addition, the tower has two adrenaline-rushing activities. The Skywalk is to walk on a narrow platform encircling a building about 190 meters high, or if the walk is too monotonous, you can simply jump, an opportunity provided by SkyJump (yes, a harness will). Apart from these, there are cafes and restaurants on the tower, namely the rotating Class 360, the classy Sugar Club, and the Sky Cafe.
- Cornwall Park
Spread over 425 acres, Cornwall Park is a symbol of New Zealand’s history, flora, fauna, and agricultural culture. It is located in the heart of Auckland and offers a range of activities. One can go for a casual stroll with loved ones in the lush surroundings of the trails and then enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal from its eateries, meet with friends and family on the barbecue, on the farm and other gardening Cattle can be traced. activities.
Maungkiki, or One Tree Hill, is the center of Cornwall Park. It stands for friendship and unity between Māori and non-Māori settlers, known as pake in the Māori dialect. Sir John Logan Campbell donated the land on which Cornwall Park is built to a private trust that would ensure that the land would be used only for the enjoyment of the public. He is buried under an obelisk built to depict the friendship between Māori and European settlers. From visiting the historic Acacia Cottage built in the 1800s to playing sports in clubs – this place is a popular destination for all age groups with varied interests. Exercising, doing yoga while enjoying the peace, and connecting with mother nature with birds chirping in the background is nothing short of eternal bliss.
- Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto is the smallest and largest volcano in Auckland’s wider volcanic area. The island can be seen directly from the mainland as its wide symmetrical conical shape creates an iconic silhouette in the distance. After taking the ferry from the port, which is a picturesque experience, you will find yourself on this gorgeous volcanic island. Climb to the top, and discover black lava caves along the way, to enjoy a view worth the labor!
The largest of the 50 Volcano Auckland Islands, Rangitoto is also the most recent. It was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption about 600 years ago. The sedimentary-rich volcanic soils on Rangitoto Island resulted in a thriving vegetation environment with many wild orchid species and more than 40 species of ferns, making the island home. Lava tubes, the remains of paths through which lava flowed, are also an attraction on the island.
You can see the entire Hauraki Gulf, the Waitakere Ranges to the east, and the Hunua Ranges to the west. You can also opt for a guided tour to visit the summit, to learn more about the history and ecology of the island. The island is also home to the largest forest of pohutukawa trees in the world.
- Waiheke Island
Waiheke is a spectacular island just 35 minutes away from the mainland. Famous for rows and rows of vineyards and olive fields, Waiheke Island is home to some of New Zealand’s most famous wineries and produces some of its most famous wines.
Waiheke Island is the most densely populated island in New Zealand. The fact that it has permanent residents and is a tourist hotspot means that it has developed many activities for you. Spend the day soaking up the sun on Onetagi Beach or any of the nine others, and head out to a winery for a wine tasting tour before lunch as it has so many vineyards and wineries. The island also has a cinema and an art theater for various performances, which are very well complemented by local art galleries and studios. Other extremely engaging activities include archery, zip-line, and shooting.
- Auckland Art Gallery
First established in 1888, the Auckland Art Gallery, or Toi o Tamaki, as it is known to the Māori community, was the first permanent art gallery in New Zealand. It is known for its large body of national and international art exhibits. Situated in the heart of central Auckland, surrounded by Albert Park, Auckland Art Gallery is only a two-minute walk from major bus stations in downtown Auckland and is easily accessible. The four floors hold more than 15,000 works of art, from native Māori traditional paintings to landscapes from 19th-century old European masters to contemporary works by New Zealand artists and everything in between.
One of Auckland’s major tourist attractions, the Auckland Art Gallery, or Toi o Tamaki, came to the fore when it was realized that Auckland needed an art gallery. It organizes several international exhibitions throughout the year. Since its inception, a large part of its collection has been through donations and bequests by merchants, noblemen, and government officials. Today, the extensive collection includes artists from European as well as Pacific regions dating back to the medieval era. Many international artworks came from donations from European individuals. In contrast, New Zealand artists such as Albert Henry O’Keefe, Gretchen Albrecht, C.F. Goldie, and many others are well represented.
The Auckland Art Gallery was recently extensively renovated for over NZD 100 million. The newly renovated Auckland Art Gallery was awarded the World Building of the Year Award at the World Architecture Festival. The tall pillars of the native Kauri tree welcome visitors as they walk into the establishment.
- Auckland Zoo
Opened in December 1922, the Auckland Zoo is now in its 96th year of operation. It is one of the major zoological parks in New Zealand. Situated 6 km away from Central Auckland, it is spread over 40 acres of land. Auckland Zoo is home to around 1400 animals of 138 different species. Divided into specific areas where there are various animals, the Auckland Zoo has recently started work on developing a South-East Asian wing for the region’s endemic flora and fauna.
This 40-acre zoological park is home to around 120 species of native and exotic animals. The zoo has evolved immensely since its first opening in 1922, acquiring various new animals and expanding in size. It has several different enclosures and exhibits for other animals such as the Hippo River, the Orangutan Trail, and the Tiger Field. It even has a children’s play area, with animals such as chickens, guinea pigs, and frogs on display. In addition, the Auckland Zoo houses the New Zealand Center for Conservation Medicine, the first such institution globally.
- Auckland Domain
Perched atop the remains of the oldest volcano in the midst of Auckland’s Volcanic Zone, Pukekawa, a 75-hectare expanse of greenery, is Auckland’s oldest public park. One of the most important areas of public land in the heart of central Auckland, Auckland Domain is also home to the Auckland War Memorial and Cenotaph. A band rotunda provides a place for visitors to play bands in the open park. Boardwalks and museums provide park-goers ample avenues to occupy the domain.
The Māori community had identified the hill that the volcano sits on as one of the most fertile areas of the isthmus and proved to be fertile ground for the cultivation of sweet potatoes. The land was purchased by European settlers in the late 1800s, and a freshwater lake near the summit was drained to make way for the first-class sports fields that still exist today.
- One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill is the second largest volcanic mountain in Auckland. It is often visited due to its parks and has an obelisk and stardom observatory. One Tree Hill is so called because when the Europeans arrived, there was a lone parrot tree on the top of the hill, which was cut down by the British and replaced with Monterey Pine. In 2001 the tree was cut down for good as it caused unrest among indigenous Māori, who believed that non-native trees should not be above ‘maungkiki’.
An obelisk on the top of the hill serves as a monument to the Māori people. It also served as the resting place for Sir John Logan Campbell, whose contribution to the area was substantial. There are two parks on the hill: One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park. The Stardome Observatory is located in the One Tree Hill domain and is a popular attraction on the hill.
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum has made sure to preserve and glorify Māori culture – the traditional culture of the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand. To keep the legacy alive in people’s memories, the museum tells many stories of historic Māori life in New Zealand through talks, tours, exhibitions, and events.
Many items and souvenirs resembling Māori culture are sold online in the museum shop. Distinguished guest experiences are provided through viewing award-winning Māori cultural performances, private tours, and special exhibitions. The Museum’s Neoclassical style of architecture has been critically acclaimed and has received such esteemed awards as the NZIA Gold Medal and the ACENZ Innovate NZ Gold Award.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum, also known as the Auckland Museum, plays an important role and provides a deep insight into the history of the city and the country as a whole. Its many exhibitions and collections cover many areas of interest, such as World War I, historical battles, arts and crafts works, and treasures of the Pacific. Not only this, the museum has an exhibition of photographs. In addition, it displays the natural history of New Zealand, showcasing over 1.5 million specimens. There is a war memorial in front of the museum. Complete with Cenotaphs and Holy Land, it was primarily built to remember those who lost their lives during the World Wars. However, several sections inside the museum also serve as part of the monument.
- Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
Dive into this fascinating Sea Life Aquarium, which features fascinating exhibits and interesting tunnels that lead you through displays of over 30 live animals. Located at 23 Tamaki Drive in Auckland, 7 km from Central Auckland, Kelly Tarleton’s Sea Life Aquarium is one of New Zealand’s most innovative and largest aquariums.
In an effort by New Zealand marine biologist Kelly Tarleton, Kelly Tarleton’s Sea Life Aquarium used a new method of acrylic shaping that allowed clear acrylic to form curved shapes. The aquarium was also the first of its kind to use itineraries that lead people slowly through a long, viewing tunnel.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Auckland
Q. What is Auckland known for?
A – Some of the best things to do in Auckland are its vibrant Maori community, along with waterfront seafood restaurants and bars that ignite a dazzling skyline. Nestled in a bay on the North Island, the city faces the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea.
Q. Is Auckland a good place to live?
A – If you already have children or are planning for the future, Auckland is a great place to raise a family. It is safe, stable, and culturally diverse with excellent public health care, a lifestyle where children can enjoy our natural playground, and a world-class education system.
Q. Why is Auckland so popular with tourists?
A – Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and one of its most special places. The North Island metropolis is blessed with a spectacular waterfront, a spectacular skyline, and more beaches than many of the country’s coastal resorts.
Q. Is Auckland worth visiting?
A – With towering skyscrapers, volcanic islands, and picturesque beaches, Auckland seamlessly blends majestic scenery with the hustle and bustle of city life. For adventure junkies, Waiheke Island has everything from zip lining to sky towers to bungee jumping.
Q. Why do people want to live in Auckland?
A – It has a comfortable lifestyle. Despite being the largest city in the country, Auckland maintains a very comfortable lifestyle. It is less crowded than other major cities around the world, and the locals have a friendly feel about them. You can expect a relaxed lifestyle and work-life balance.
Q. Why do people want to live in Auckland?
A – It has a comfortable lifestyle. Despite being the largest city in the country, Auckland maintains a very comfortable lifestyle. It is less crowded than other major cities around the world, and the locals have a friendly feel about them. You can expect a relaxed lifestyle and work-life balance.
Q. Does Auckland get cold?
A – Auckland weather can be quite cold in winter. During June, July, and August it can be between 1.5 – 15.5 °C (35 – 60 °F). Rain is expected over the North Island during this time of year, although it is not as cold as the South Island, where a lot of snow can be seen.
Q. Is Auckland a safe city?
A – However, despite its size, the crime rate in Auckland is extremely low. It offers a slightly lower safety index than the Wellington, but remains unusually high, especially when walking alone throughout the day.
Q. How many days are enough in Auckland?
A – 3 days in Auckland is a great time to enjoy the city. New Zealand’s largest city has a lot to offer, and you can see most of it in three days. But if you choose to stay longer, you’ll be able to uncover everything there is to see!
Q. Is Melbourne better than Auckland?
A – If you are looking for a city with an abundance of universities, Melbourne is the better choice. Melbourne has a total of 8 universities, while Auckland has only 5. If you want to continue your education or study in a vibrant and multicultural city, Melbourne is the better choice.
