Top Auckland Attractions & Museums

Wētā Workshop Unleashed is an immersive, guided experience at Auckland's SkyCity, created by five-time Academy Award-winning Wētā Workshop. On this interactive tour, you'll go behind the scenes of practical filmmaking and see how props, creatures and special effects are made. The experience takes you through three original film worlds - fantasy, science fiction and horror. Led by entertaining hosts, you'll explore detailed movie sets, get hands-on with practical effects, and come face-to-face with creatures, robots and larger-than-life characters built by the Wētā Workshop crew. Photography and video are welcome throughout, so you can capture and share your visit. Suitable for film fans, families and creative minds, Wētā Workshop Unleashed is a hands-on alternative to a traditional museum and a unique thing to do in Auckland. Your ticket includes a complimentary souvenir video.

Save time and guarantee your time slot by pre-booking admission to the Odyssey Sensory Maze. This admission ticket makes it easy to enjoy a trip to the sensory maze. Store your belongings in a locker, then experience the challenging spaces, illusions, scents, and sound effects of the mysterious maze. A fun, family-friendly attraction that’s ideal for kids aged 8 and over.

Make the most of your time in Auckland with skip-the-line access to the Auckland War Memorial Museum (also known as the Aukland Museum). Housed in a beautiful heritage building, the museum's three floors showcase New Zealand's diverse culture, rich heritage, and its role as a place of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives in war.

Auckland’s 1076-foot (328-meter) Sky Tower is one of the city’s most popular attractions, especially for first-time visitors. Save money and time by pre-booking your general Sky Tower admission ticket, which allows you to visit the observation decks. Get quickly orientated and spot key landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Mount Eden, and Waiheke Island. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.

Take in the highlights of New Zealand’s largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from your guide’s commentary. Admire views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt. Eden; and see spectacular views of the Mission Bay beaches—all in just half a day, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s is one of Auckland’s must-visit family attractions, home to over 1,500 marine creatures and a range of exciting interactive experiences. Explore themed zones featuring sharks, rays, penguins, turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, starfish and hundreds of colourful fish, while learning about New Zealand’s unique marine environment. Families and children will love walking through the famous Shark Tunnel, meeting penguins at Antarctic Ice Adventure, getting hands-on at the Sea Cave Adventure and touch experiences, creating virtual sea creatures in the interactive Art Aquarium, and discovering fascinating marine life in the World of Jellyfish and Seahorse Kingdom. Younger visitors can also enjoy the indoor Shipwreck Shores playground and splash table.

Our Gallery Highlights Tour is the perfect introduction to the Museum and its wonderful collections, giving you a window into New Zealand’s past and present. Over the course of an hour, you’ll be guided through our renowned galleries, giving you an understanding of Māori culture and the achievements of Polynesian navigators. Explore the unique natural history and geology of Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand and look back on the conflicts that have shaped the nation. The tour covers select galleries across all three floors of the Museum, and our guide will be happy to answer questions about collection items or galleries along the way. Let us show you around our place. Note: This tour requires visitors to walk up a flight of stairs, therefore is not suitable for visitors with additional mobility considerations. PLEASE NOTE: Te Marae Ātea Māori Court & Pacific Galleries are temporarily closed until further notice due to essential maintenance work.

Located within Auckland’s SkyCity Precinct, the Entertainment Capital of New Zealand. Unleashed is the city’s newest location-based experience. Unleashed launched in 2020 and has already won two international tourism awards. Experience our 90 minute movie-making tour with a Mandarin Speaking Guide. You explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets, focusing on the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi. It's your chance to get up-close and hands-on with enchanting environments, resident creatures, hyper-realistic giants, a galactic robot, and much more.

Step into New Zealand’s rich history, culture, and natural heritage with a visit to Auckland War Memorial Museum, one of the country’s most important museums. Explore extensive collections that showcase New Zealand’s unique wildlife, geology, and Pacific heritage, along with fascinating exhibits covering Māori culture and traditions. Discover authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and stories that bring the nation’s past to life, from early settlement and exploration to significant wartime events. Admire the museum’s impressive architecture and enjoy panoramic views from its location in the Auckland Domain. Wander through galleries featuring rare treasures, historical collections, and cultural exhibitions that offer insight into New Zealand’s identity. Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers, this experience provides an engaging journey through the people, cultures, and natural wonders that have shaped New Zealand.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton™ and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on a small-group tour that includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and personal attention from your guide. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. A must-do tour for nature and movie lovers short on time in the North Island.

Take in spectacular views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower, standing 328 metres above the city. Ride the high-speed elevator to the observation levels and enjoy panoramic 360-degree views stretching across Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf, surrounding islands, and volcanic landscapes. Visit the Main Observation Level at 186 metres, The Lookout at 192 metres, and the Sky Deck at 220 metres for different perspectives of the city. Look through the viewing windows to spot famous landmarks, busy streets, harbours, and distant scenery, or capture memorable photos from above. Take your time exploring the tower and enjoy the unique perspective of Auckland from one of New Zealand’s most recognizable landmarks. For an extra thrill, SkyWalk and SkyJump experiences are available separately, while dining options offer the chance to enjoy a meal high above the city. Whether visiting with family, friends, or on your own, the Sky Tower provides an unforgettable way to see Auckland from above.

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner as you sail past Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Board your yacht at the Viaduct Harbour and enjoy a welcome drink. Learn about Auckland and its scenic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

Skip the taxi line or car rentals on arrival at Auckland Airport with a handy shared arrival transfer to your Auckland hotel by comfortable minivan. Simply book your transport, look out for the meeting spot outside the arrivals hall, and begin your hassle-free vacation with a professional and courteous driver. Airport transfers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so are ready whenever you land.

See the best of Auckland's skyline on this scenic harbor cruise. Set out from 107 Quay Street and glide past the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, and Devonport Naval Base. As you take in the views, listen to insightful commentary about the history of the area and experience the city from a new vantage point.

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and Māori culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous small-group tour takes in both places in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport and hotel pickup from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites and glowworms at Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia Geothermal Park.

Discover the wonders of Rotorua on this immersive day tour from Auckland. Begin your journey through stunning landscapes to Te Puia, where the iconic Pōhutu Geyser erupts and bubbling mud pools come alive. There would be an opportunity to see New Zealand's national Bird Kiwi .Visit the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute to see traditional carving, weaving, and an exhilarating haka performance. Afterward, unwind at the Polynesian Spa, renowned for its rejuvenating thermal waters and picturesque views of Lake Rotorua. With expert guides sharing insights into indigenous culture, this tour offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. - Day trip from Auckland to Rotorua showcasing natural wonders - Visit Te Puia, home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest geyser - Experience Māori culture through crafts and a live haka - Relax at the scenic Polynesian Spa with therapeutic thermal waters

Auckland is known as the City of Sails, but some think it should be called the City of Volcanoes! Gain insight into Auckland's unique volcanic geology and explore its rich Maori history on this half-day tour from Auckland. Explore the summits and craters of Auckland's youngest volcanoes, Mt. Wellington, Mangere Mountain, One Tree Hill, and Mt Eden, with a guide. Along the way, keep watch for native New Zealand wildlife and admire panoramic views over the city. At the end of the tour, we can drop you off anywhere in the city, at the museum or zoo, or Mission Bay beach. Please note, volcanoes visited are inactive.