Top Things to do in Auckland Central
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks 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. The Alan Gibbs Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Sheofthebroom - Melbourne, Australia
This destination had been on my bucket list ever since I watched a documentary on Anish Kapoor’s Dismemberment Site 1 which sits proudly into the landscape at Gibbs Farm. We were fortunate to engage the services of Glen from Art Travel NZ who picked us up at the ferry terminal in Auckland and drove us to the farm. His knowledge on both the farm, the owner Alan Gibbs and each of the sculptures made it a memorable day and we got so much more out of it than doing it on our own. The opportunity to visit the farm, given it is a private property is mainly when a charitable event is taking place and they agree to open it to the public. We were overwhelmed at the scale of the sculptures but given the vastness of the property, they perfectly complemented the landscape. Make sure you wear reasonable walking shoes as there are plenty of hills to tackle. Acknowledgement to Glen Armstrong at Art Travel for the photographs included in this review too.
2. SkyTower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,422 reviews
Auckland's SkyTower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, this tower is more than 300 metres high. Offering stunning views, along with award winning restaurants, a gift shop and an opportunity to push your limits by walking the outside of the viewing platforms, or by jumping off from 192 metres above Auckland's CBD. Off Peak Season - (1st May - 31st Oct) 9:00am - 10:00pm daily - Last tickets sold at 9:30pm Peak Season - (1st Nov - 30th Apr) Sun - Thurs: 8:30am - 10:30pm - Last tickets sold at 10:00pm Fri & Sat: 8:30am - 11:30pm - Last tickets sold at 11:00pm
Reviewed By LachmiPunjabi - New Delhi, India
Visit the Sky Tower in Auckland for an awesome view of the city and harbour.The ride in the lift to the top floor is amazing with the glass floor mesmerising anyone who looks down. The 360 degrees view of the tower is magnificent and the money is totally worth it.
3. Highwic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Built in 1862, Highwic, once the home to the prominent Buckland family, is one of the finest examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in New Zealand.
Reviewed By Staffshire - Stafford, United Kingdom
Like so many beautiful historic buildings in Auckland, Highwic is a gem of a property - with such a story to tell - but which is gradually being penned in by high rise commercial development on all sides Access presently IS off Gillies Avenue as Mortimer Pass is closed for building development. We visited on a very wet day and, indeed, were the only visitors at the time. We were warmly greeted by Christopher and given a very comprehensive introduction to Alfred Buckland and his family before being allowed to wander freely in the house. Chris was never far away and always enthusiastic to answer our questions as we toured room after room making many discoveries along the way. I enjoyed the opportunity to play the well maintained piano in the ballroom and Chris made us a pot of tea which was greatly appreciated. We were at Highwic for about three hours, enjoying the building; its history and its gardens. It was well worth the walk up the hill. Thanks to all those who work hard to preserve this building and to Chris for looking after us so well.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,215 reviews
The second highest volcanic peak in Auckland, next to Mount Eden, One Tree Hill offers views of the city and has a huge obelisk at the top.
Reviewed By jeanettem190 - Cairns, Australia
After your walking visit to Mt Eden; a caldera volcano, it makes sense to stroll through tony, leafy Mt Eden Village & Epsom Village to Cornwall Park (vast! Check out the sheep & cows grazing!) up to One Tree Hill; a cone volcano (Check out the difference!). There are two horseshoe shaped calderas on two different sides of the 'cone'. As you wander up the very gentle slope, you'll see the Vicotrian Folly. Then there's the heritage-style Bistro where you can snag an ice-cream or similar & have a seat on the verandah. Right next door is Huia Lodge; a heritage listed little cottage & info centre promoting early Auckland & current cultural exhibitions. Across the road is Acacia Cottage; the oldest surviving structure in Auckland. 1841. No wonder it survived; it's made from super-strong kauri wood. The cottage is beautifully restored, having been shifted from it's original location in inner Auckland. There're all kinds of historic everyday items on display, which was quite interesting & nostalgic. Buses are no longer permitted beyond this point, so there're no more obnoxious loud hordes of shouting 'tourist' type people elbowing the walkers & shoving their selfie sticks all over. It's very scenic at the top. You're bound to find several nice photographic subjects. After all this walking you're liable to feel tired. No worries, just walk down another path, not through the vast public park, into a suburban street. You'll soon find a bus stop. If the bus is headed further out from Auckland, just cross the street! All the northbound city buses will meander their way back to the Auckland CBD!
7. Howick Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Walk through our front gate of our Living Museum and step into the pages of a colonial history book. Explore the early settlement of Howick as it was in the mid to late 1800s. Open the doors of real homes and experience living history for yourself. See how the early settlers would have lived as they went about their daily activities. Better still, come along to one of our monthly "Meet the Villagers" Days where you will get the opportunity to interact with costumed villagers. Explore the heritage garden, have a picnic on the lawn or relax with home-style food and coffee in our cafe. And please ask questions of our volunteers on site. We love to share our knowledge of local history.
Reviewed By 970lynne
We have just visited this village on our way to Coromandel. What a lovely way to pass a couple of hours. It is about 20 mins from the city Center and easy to find with clear directions on the website. ( the sat nav did not recognise the address) The village consists of original houses brought together by the historical society and lovingly restored. There is lots of information about the buildings and the ‘fencibles’ Members are around in role and are welcoming, friendly and informative. There was an activity trail which children appeared to be enjoying. The cafe food was delicious with a good choice at reasonable prices. I am surprised it only features as 52 on things to do in Auckland.
8. Achilles Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By NiketaB18 - Auckland, New Zealand
Driving past Mission Bay and St. Heliers Beach you reach Achilles Point. You get scenic Bay and Island views. You also get beautiful city views from there. I have been there number of times.
9. Holy Trinity Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By 20JanetC - Torrevieja, Spain
This was definitely a stop to make, I am not a very religious person but beautiful cathedral and lite candles for family who have passed.
10. Titirangi
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