Top Things to do in Auckland Central
What to do and see in Auckland Central, North Island: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. 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.
2. Waitawa Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By JamesM780 - Auckland, New Zealand
Waitawa Regional Park is one of the many beautiful places within an hour's drive from the centre of Auckland. I've recently been there twice and have to say, even on a cloudy day it is stunningly beautiful. It has some lovely trails to walk around. The wharf down on the water, and the adjacent beach, are a lovely area to fish for snapper. At the moment there is roadiung road being carried out in that part of the park so you'll have to walk the last 1-2kms but it is well worth the walk. It has toilet facilities down by the wharf adjacent to the carpark. The views for the top of the hill over to Waiheke Island and the Corromandel are amazing. Pac a picnic as there are many tables set up around the park to enjoy the views. Thoroughgly recommended.
3. Waiatarua Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By ngahere101
Love being in this reserve, while walking around happened to come across a big boulder near the pond of the wetlands and went to visit it and was wondering if it has any significance I only say this as I noticed that it was pointing in the exact direction of Maungakiekie(One Tree Hill) and thought possibly it had a strong purpose for Tangata Whenua Maori back in the day or if it was placed there when the reserve was beautified
4. Point View Reserve
5. Clevedon Scenic Reserve
6. Mangemangeroa Reserve
7. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,004 reviews
Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is New Zealand’s most famous aquarium! It is home to New Zealand's only sub-Antarctic penguins and offers a myriad of opportunities to get up close and personal with incredible marine life from the Pacific and Southern oceans. For a truly incredible experience, take the plunge on an Animal Adventure jump into the shark tank and go snorkeling with 14 massive sharks or jump on the ice and get up close and personal with the King and Gentoo penguins!
Reviewed By Rhi21 - Arlington, United States
I was in Auckland with my 4 year old son and Mother. This was one of our stops on our must-see list. We used the hop on/off bus to get here, and were also able to purchase our ticket at one of the bus kiosks. It was very convenient to have the ticket voucher ready upon our arrival. There is also a cool (Shark) shuttle that picks up/drops off from the Queen's Wharf. All three of us really enjoyed the aquarium, we loved seeing the King penguins, the automatic walk way beneath the sea life, and we loved the kids' area where we were able to color fishes, put it in a scanner and then see the fish "come to life" digitally. My son absolutely loved it!
8. Tohuna Torea Nature Reserve
9. Butterfly Creek
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 643 reviews
Butterfly Creek has a unique collection of animals, insects and critters. It has brought the worlds most aggressive predator the Australian Crocodile to New Zealand (2 Giant Salt Water Crocodiles) Alligators, Tropical Aquaria, full Petting Zoo & established a breeding program for endangered Giant Wetapunga and has Australasia's premier Butterfly House with approximately 800 butterflies. New in 2014 is the fantastic Dinosaur Kingdom - a world of real life sized dinosaurs to glare at! A fantastic family day out all year round with all weather undercover attractions & cafe. There is something for the whole family! Plus - complementary shuttle to & from the airport for those visiting the attractions - just arrive at the airport and visit the iSite information centre and ask them to call you a shuttle.
Reviewed By J4909YAjimc - Huntly, New Zealand
What an amazing complex. Something for everyone. Farm animals, Avery, Play ground, Alligators, Train ride, Aquarium, Butterflies, Otters, Roaring articulated Dinosaurs, Mythic Creatures, Kiwi, Spiders, Weta's and Eels, There is also an aerial walk which is named Rocket ropes plus a cafe. We spent 2 hours there and could have spent 2 more had we had children with us.
