It’s time to travel to Auckland – from Sky Tower, Hobbiton to Waiheke Island. What to do in Auckland? Your New Zealand itinerary will be more interesting with 13 must & best things to do in Auckland below.
- 10 must-visit places & best things to do in Wellington that you cannot miss
- The LATEST New Zealand Travel Entry Requirements: Custom Regulations, Tourist Visa Requirements & MORE
- The COMPREHENSIVE New Zealand North Island Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Best Attractions, Must-eat & MORE
- Suggested New Zealand road trip itinerary 10 days
- 19+ most famous & best places to visit in New Zealand
Auckland – New Zealand’s most vibrant port city – is where you can start your day with a cup of coffee by the pier and end it with a sunset on top of a volcano. Whether you love exploring nature, modern architecture or local cuisine, Auckland has something that will make you want to stay a little longer.
This article summarizes 15 of the most worth-trying Auckland travel suggestions. Each suggestion comes with tips, ideal times and suggestions for booking tours/tickets on Klook, helping you easily plan the most economical and complete trip.
Visit Hobbiton Movie Set – Middle-earth in Real Life
Located in Matamata, about 2 hours drive from Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. This place was the setting for two famous film series, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
When joining the official Hobbiton tour, you will be led by a local guide through more than 1,250 acres of still-working farmland. Along the way, they will share how the film crew transformed this idyllic green hill into the legendary Hobbit village. You will stop to take photos at the small Hobbit Hole, The Mill, the double-arched bridge and The Green Dragon Inn pub.
Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings Movie Set Tour
The tour lasts about 2 hours, including shuttle bus, entrance fee and a free drink at the signature pub at the end of the journey. This is your chance to truly “step into Middle-earth”, touching the scene that was previously only seen on the screen.
Tip: You should book tickets at least 1 week in advance on Klook to choose the right time slot, especially in the summer (December – February) when the number of visitors increases.
Best things to do in Auckland : SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium – Ocean Fun in Auckland
Without leaving the city, you can still “dive deep” into the ocean world at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton – a typical destination of Auckland, just a few minutes drive from the center along Tamaki Drive.
This aquarium is designed to simulate transparent tunnels, where visitors can walk between giant tanks and admire thousands of sea creatures swimming around. You will encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles, seahorses, and many other native creatures of New Zealand.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium Ticket in Auckland
One of the most popular areas is Antarctic Ice Adventure, home to the largest colony of King and Gentoo penguins in the Southern Hemisphere. And don’t miss Turtle Bay, New Zealand’s only turtle rescue center, where experts care for and rehabilitate turtles in distress before releasing them back into the ocean.
Odyssey Sensory Maze – A World of Illusions in the Heart of Auckland
What if you stepped into a space where all your senses were challenged? Odyssey Sensory Maze offers exactly that feeling – a maze of colors, sounds, lights and illusions, located right in the heart of Auckland CBD.
Instead of just looking around, here you will join a journey of discovery through endless mirrored rooms, dark passages with flashing lights, floors as soft as sand or as flexible as rubber. Each space is designed to stimulate a different sense – making you not only “see” but also “touch”, “hear” and “feel” in a completely new way.
Odyssey Sensory Maze Auckland Ticket
The experience lasts about 30-45 minutes, but if you choose the 1-hour unlimited entry ticket, you can return to any area you like. This is a fun activity for groups of friends, couples or families with young children, especially on rainy days or when you want a change of pace from the outdoors.
Explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum
If you want to learn more about New Zealand’s history and culture, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is the place to start. Located in Auckland Domain Park – the city’s oldest parkland – the museum is both an architectural landmark and a repository of over 4.5 million artifacts that reflect the heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand’s indigenous name).
Auckland War Memorial Museum Ticket
Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of Māori and Pacific peoples, military artifacts from World War I and II, and displays about the country’s natural, animal, and geological heritage. In addition to static displays, the museum also features live Māori cultural performances – an emotional experience that will help you understand the kia ora spirit and national pride here.
Auckland Sky Tower City Views
As soon as you look up from the heart of Auckland, the Sky Tower is almost impossible to miss. Standing 328 metres tall, the iconic tower is the highlight of the city’s skyline and the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
From the observation deck at 220 metres, the view stretches in all directions: ancient volcanoes in the distance, the shimmering waters of Waitematā Bay, and skyscrapers blending into the deep blue sky. The view can extend as far as 80 kilometres, enough to give you a sense of the scale and dynamic pace of the “City of Sails”.
If you like thrills, SkyWalk and SkyJump are two options worth trying. After sightseeing or challenging yourself, take a break at Orbit 360° Dining – a revolving restaurant located right in the tower, where you can dine while watching the whole city gently rotate around you.
New Zealand Maritime Museum – The Story of People and the Sea
In the middle of the bustling Viaduct Basin, where cruise ships line the shores of Waitematā Harbour, there is a stop that makes you slow down and listen – the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
This is where the journey between the people of Aotearoa and the vast ocean is told. Through the themed galleries, you will gradually step into the story of the first Polynesians crossing the Pacific to find new land, the journey of European explorers, until the America’s Cup period – New Zealand became the world’s leading yachting power.
New Zealand Maritime Museum Ticket
The museum houses over 130 vessels and thousands of maritime artifacts, reflecting the deep connection between people and the sea – from migration, trade, to creativity and sport. In addition to the exhibition, you can also join a traditional boat trip on the bay, feel the sea breeze and see a different perspective of the city.
Auckland Bridge Bungy – The Only Sea Bounce in New Zealand
Sometimes looking up at the Auckland Harbour Bridge, you will see small figures hanging in the sky – that is the starting point for one of the most daring bungy jumps in New Zealand.
Unlike other bungy spots, Auckland Bridge Bungy is the only sea bounce in New Zealand. From a height of 40 meters, you can choose the style that suits you – jump with a partner, tie a rope around your ankles, or use a full-body safety harness.
Auckland Bridge Bungy by AJ Hackett
The feeling of free-falling for a few seconds, then gently touching the surface of Waitematā Bay, is what many visitors describe as “both scary and exciting”. All are guaranteed absolute safety, under the guidance of the professional team of AJ Hackett – the most famous bungy brand in New Zealand.
Auckland Harbour Cruise – Experience the True “City of Sails”
When the afternoon falls on Waitematā Bay, hundreds of sails simultaneously glide across the water – that is the image that makes Auckland nickname “City of Sails”. And there is nothing better than drifting in that scene on a real yacht.
The Auckland Harbour Sailing journey allows you to relax on the deck while listening to the crew share stories about the port city, the history of the racing boats that competed in the America’s Cup, or little secrets that only the locals know. You can choose to sit back and enjoy the scenery, or take the helm of a 50-foot sailboat to feel the wind and waves up close.
Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
The trip lasts around 90 minutes and is both relaxing and lively. Complimentary tea, coffee or hot chocolate is served on board, and if you wish, you can enjoy a cold glass of wine or New Zealand beer from the fully licensed bar.
Must do in Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus – The Easiest Way to Explore Auckland
One of the most comfortable ways to explore the whole of Auckland is by hopping on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus – a flexible way to choose your own itinerary. With a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket, you can stop at any attraction – from the Sky Tower, Auckland War Museum, to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s – and easily hop on the next bus when you want to continue.
Auckland Explorer Bus Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass
There is free WiFi and multilingual commentary on the bus, allowing you to rest and listen to interesting stories about the history, culture and life of the “City of Sails”. The buses run continuously throughout the day, helping you to be proactive with your time and save on travel costs, especially if you only stay in Auckland for 1-2 days. This is also a great choice for visitors who want to explore many places without having to rent a car or find their way.
Auckland Adventure Jet Boat – Speed and Scenery on the Hauraki Gulf
The roar of the engine, the water splashing up like silver ribbons – that’s when Auckland Adventure Jet begins its chase with the wind and waves. This activity takes place right at Waitematā Harbour, giving you the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the city while experiencing the true feeling of speed.
Auckland Adventure Jet Boat Ride Ticket
In about 35-40 minutes, the jet boat will take you past the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Chelsea Sugar Mill, and the forested cliffs of Kauri Point, with 360° spins, sharp stops and exciting waves. All are controlled by a team of professional drivers, ensuring safety while sharing interesting stories about the Hauraki Gulf – the pride of the port city.
Man O’War Winery – Taste of the Sea & Grapes on Waiheke Island
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from central Auckland, you can set foot on Waiheke Island – a paradise of wine and blue sea. On the east side of the island is Man O’ War Vineyard, where vineyards stretch along the shores of the bay with clear waters reflecting the sunlight.
Man O’ War Vineyard – Direct Ferry from Auckland
Man O’War is famous for its Bordeaux blend, Syrah and Rosé wines, all grown and aged on site. You can start the tour with a cold glass of wine in the Tasting Room, then leisurely stroll around the beach at Man O’War Bay right in front of you. If you like, stay for lunch at the vineyard’s waterside restaurant – which combines fresh local cuisine with the region’s signature wines.
Te Puia Geothermal Valley – From Auckland to the Heart of Rotorua
Leaving Auckland in the morning, the minivan glides through the green hills of the Bay of Plenty and takes you to Rotorua – a land famous for its steam rising from the ground. Here, Te Puia Geothermal Valley is a convergence of spectacular nature and long-standing Māori culture.
On an area of 60 hectares, Te Puia owns the 30-meter-high Pohutu geyser, boiling mud pools, and the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute – where artisans still maintain traditional carving and weaving techniques passed down through generations.
Te Puia Geothermal Valley Day Tour
You will also have the opportunity to see native kiwi birds in the reserve and listen to folk tales about how Māori live in harmony with earth and fire. Some tour packages also offer a special experience: lunch cooked with geothermal steam, helping you learn more about how indigenous people take advantage of this unique natural energy source.
Tip: The tour departs daily from central Auckland, lasting about 11-12 hours. You can book in advance through Klook to choose the right tour type (small group, with lunch or Māori cultural performance).
Bay of Islands – Journey to the Birthplace of New Zealand
About 3 hours drive north of Auckland, Bay of Islands opens up like a picture that perfectly combines blue sea, small islands and deep history. This was the first settlement of Māori people more than 700 years ago – where the first waka (dugout canoes) landed, opening the journey to form Aotearoa today.
The Bay of Islands is home to over 144 islands, surrounded by clear blue waters and quiet coves. In addition to its natural beauty, the area is also a significant cultural crossroads – from the village of Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Māori and British signed the founding treaty, to Russell, New Zealand’s first historic town.
Summer Bay of Islands Day Tour
A day tour from Auckland will take you through the highlights: Paihia, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and a cruise around the islands – where you can spot dolphins, seabirds, and see the famous “Hole in the Rock”, the area’s natural icon.
Tip: Summer is the best time: calm seas, clear skies, and perfect light for no-filter shots.
Auckland knows how to keep people busy – not because of a tight schedule, but because there are so many things to do. One day you’ll be standing in the wind-swept seas of Waiheke, the next touching ancient lava flows at Mount Eden. Whether your visit is short or long, you’ll never leave Auckland empty-handed – but with a sense of freedom that’s very much Kiwi feeling.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Auckland you can refer to
- Taste of Waiheke Day Tour from Auckland
- Hobbiton Express Small Group Tour with Lunch from Auckland
- Karekare Waterfalls and Piha Beach Day Tour from Auckland
- Auckland Zoo Ticket
- Auckland Explorer Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass 24 or 48 Hour with Devonport ferry
- SkyTower Auckland Tickets
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Ticket
- SkyBus Auckland Airport (AKL) Express Transfer Ticket
- SheepWorld Admission Ticket
- Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers for Auckland
- Shared and Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers to/from Auckland CBD
- Soaring Kiwi Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in Auckland (24 or 48 Hours)
Are you looking for more top things to do in Auckland: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.
