Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Auckland, North Island
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. Rotoroa Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 117 reviews
Closed to the public for nearly 100 years, Rotoroa Island is now a sanctuary for wildlife and home to endangered native species including kiwi, tieke, takahe, pateke and skinks. Just over an hour from downtown Auckland, this beautiful and unique island warmly welcomes you to reconnect with nature. Come and see endangered species in their natural habitat, and learn about our ongoing efforts to protect them. Visit our award-winning museum and exhibition, and learn all about our fascinating history. Hiking, swimming, volunteering and fishing; on Rotoroa Island there's something for everyone.
Reviewed By 196barbl - Dunedin, New Zealand
We spent a day exploring the island and loved it. We walked to both the North Tower and then the South Tower and the views are spectacular. There is so much birdlife on the island, all you need to do it just stand and then it will appear, some of it quite close. We didn't swim, however others were and it seemed like the ideal way to cool off on a hot day. There is a fountain at the exhibition centre, that you can use to refill water bottles and their is a small kiosk that sells natural feel good icecreams on a stick, made in Nelson. You need to take all your rubbish with you and make sure that you check with the person who welcomes you from the ferry to the island about the return time as the information on fullers was incorrect and there is only one return ferry each day.
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. 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.
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. 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. 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
8. 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
9. 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.
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.
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