Top Things to do in Auckland Central
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Auckland Central, North Island
European, Polynesian, Asian and strong Maori heritages give the Auckland its distinctive culture. Discover the history of the world's largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures at Auckland Museum and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Find Polynesian handicrafts at Otara Market or people-watch in bustling Ponsonby and Parnell. Adventure junkies can get their fix from kayaking, sailing and high-octane bungee jumping.
Restaurants in Auckland Central
1. Hauraki Gulf
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 363 reviews
This area comprises 47 islands, the most popular of which is Waiheke for its excellent beaches and bays.
Reviewed By raewyn2015 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
A fabulous place to explore, close to the centre of the City and a great ferry ride to Waiheke Island to enjoy the vineyards and the local Hospitality, Highly recommended
2. 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.
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 Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,513 reviews
Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just minutes from central Auckland. Auckland Zoo is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am.
Reviewed By 795hana_
I have seen already several ZOOs around the world and this one is one of my favourite. Besides that you can see some rare animals like red panda, or kiwi bird ( where else ????), it is also visible, that they really take care and love those animals there. Currently there is freshly born small red panda and zebra. Recommended not only for kids, but for everyone who likes animals.
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
