Top Things to do in Auckland Central
What to do and see in Auckland Central, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
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. Sky Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Auckland's Sky Tower 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.
Reviewed By Alex D - London, United Kingdom
The Sky Tower was a great experience. The lifts were readily available and quick. The glass panel in the floor was a good touch. The views from the viewing platforms were superb. They keep you informed when and if there is anyboby going to do the jump. We were fortunate and got a couple of great shots of someone in mid air. Noit overly expensive and well worth a visit.
2. Tiritiri Matangi Island
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
3. Waitakere Ranges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
This scenic drive takes you past bush scenery, to observation points for spectacular views and to gorgeous Beaches.
Reviewed By TravlQ - Bengaluru, India
Beautiful ranges; we drove through these ranges during our road trip. It was an amazing experience. There are also good breakfast joints on the way with amazing views. Do make a pit stop for a good English breakfast with awesome view.
View of clouds touching hills is simply mind blowing. A must do road trip; recommended highly by me
4. Waiheke Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisJS51 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
A billboard you see just after leaving the ferry says 'You have arrived. Slow down'. This sums up the island perfectly! A very beautiful island with stunning views and excellent - though outrageously expensive - boutique wineries. Try the Olive Oil producer too.
5. Hauraki Gulf
Overall Ratings
5 based on 329 reviews
This area comprises 47 Islands, the most popular of which is Waiheke for its excellent Beaches and bays.
Reviewed By sofiegsd - Bainbridge Island, Washington
We took a ferry ride in the gulf and enjoyed our day. There are many Islands in the gulf and iit was a sunny day there were sail boats everywhere.This is a perfect trip to get away from the city for awhile.
6. Cornwall Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 affalon - Whanganui, New Zealand
A wonderful place rain or shine. I’ve spent a week walking daily around the park and the summit.
It’s great to see families, joggers, walkers and elderly enjoying the scenery.
Plenty of trees and picnic areas. Plenty of sheep and cows and even some chickens and roosters.
Good paths around the park or if your wanting a bit more of a challenge, try walking the summit.
7. Rangitoto Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This volcanic island, which last erupted 600 years ago, offers bird-watching, swimming, fishing, walking trails, colorful flora and spectacular views from the summit of its cone-shaped mountain.
Reviewed By Roslyn F - Gold Coast, Australia
Read a lot about Rangitoto and thought we would take the hike. We caught the local ferry over and just did our our trek up the volcano to the summit. Path very well defined and other interesting side tracks to take if you are inclined. Also for the not so fit there are places to stop and take in the view along the way for a break. Just remember no shop on the island so take your own water and snacks or lunch if required. The view over Auckland and other Islands well worth the walk.
8. Mount Eden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
A trip up the highest volcanic peak in Mainland Auckland offers striking views of the downtown area and harbor.
Reviewed By jdvmd - Paducah, KY
Beautiful 360 degree views offers a great look at Auckland. Think it would be a great place to watch the sun set.
9. Howick Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Enter another era at this living museum, where costumed staff and 30 restored buildings recreate an early Auckland settlement.
Reviewed By Jane W - Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Spending the last few days of our holiday in Auckland, we came across a leaflet for this 'fencible' village and were intrigued as we'd never heard the term before. We caught the bus (takes about 55mins and cost $7) from Britomart to Lloyd Elsmore Park (don't go as far as Howick) and spent the next few hours enthralled by this recreated village. Plenty of information at each cottage detailing the lives of those that lived there, plus church, schoolroom, dairy, etc. Fascinating if you like social history and great for kids. Try putting a dollar in the mill wheel!
Can also recommend the tea rooms and well stocked gift shop too. All in all, a lovely day out away from the bustle of the city. BTW, good luck to the gentleman who we chatted to who was busy with his paintbrush - you're doing a grand job! And to the ladies I met in red hats and purple clothes, carry on enjoying yourselves!!
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10. Auckland Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Discover the history and culture of New Zealand through this memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in wartime.
Reviewed By Niranjan D - New Delhi, Delhi, India
You will know a lot about NZ history, its culture and tradition - particularly Maori culture. It is big and requires lot of time to go through each section. There is an entry fee. Some time there is an exhibition of photographs and other artistic things. We were amazed to see various presentation of photographic marvels. A must while in Auckland.
