Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks 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. 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Waitemata Harbour
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. Ambury Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By RubikcubeC
Must visit place, beautiful, kids loved it and on top of that it is free. Lovely farm for kids to roam and learn.
9. Matakana Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
There’s something about Matakana Village… Perhaps it’s the fresh country air, the artisanal food and award-winning wine, or the stylish boutiques and galleries you simply won’t find in the city. Whether you’re catching up with friends in one of our eateries, meeting the makers at the famous Matakana Village Farmers’ Market or watching an arthouse film in the magnificent cinema, a visit to Matakana comes with memories to treasure. From the cascading cherry blossoms of spring to the riches of autumn leaves, you’ll find something to savour in every season. Just 45 minutes from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, yet a world away – there’s so much to love in Matakana Village.
Reviewed By Lindaxbarron - Brisbane, Australia
Excellent Saturday market with food stalls. The dumpling and rice paper roll stalls are worth trying. Plenty of fresh produce to buy direct from farmers. Take some cooler bags to store your produce. Make sure you check out the chocolate shop in the village square the price is worth the quality of the produce! If you can’t go on market day there is plenty of little shops and restaurants to choose from.
10. Sheepworld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Sheepworld is New Zealand’s Sheep and Wool Centre. In twice-daily live demonstrations the dogs round up and bring in the sheep, which are then sorted and shorn. Our Wonderful Wool multimedia exhibition then explains how the fleece is turned into an amazing variety of products, many of which are on sale in our store. There’s also an eco-discovery stroll through native bush, a natural adventure playground, a farmyard full of animals and an on-site cafe. Suitable for all ages.
Reviewed By TravelsWithPhillip - Auckland, New Zealand
Great place for the family fun, nice to see many kinds of farm animals the sheep and dog show was funny and very informative . We had a great time there.
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