Auckland attractions

On the coast a few minutes outside Auckland, New Zealand, Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE® Aquarium is the pioneering aquarium that originated curved-glass viewing containers and conveyor belts that move you along. At this family-friendly stop, visitors can see tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and two species of penguins.

The entire western coastline of New Zealand’s two main islands is known to be wild and windswept, and Muriwai Beach, to the west of Auckland, is no exception. The black sand beach with high cliffs and rugged waves are popular with adventurous surfers as well as bird spotters, who come to see the huge colonies of nesting gannets.

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is home to the largest collection of artwork in New Zealand, with more than 17,000 pieces in its collection. Permanent and rotating exhibits show a wide range of art, from historical Maori and Pacific art to contemporary international works. A gallery visit is a great addition to any central-city sightseeing tour.

The open wildlife sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island is devoted to the protection and conservation of reintroduced threatened and endangered reptiles like the tuatara, and birds such as the flightless takahe. The island is tightly controlled to keep out predators that hunt fragile bird species like the nocturnal little spotted kiwi.

All roads in Auckland lead to Queen Street, the bustling heart of the city. Running from the Downtown Ferry Terminal all the way up to artsy Karangahape Road, Auckland city’s shopping and cultural center is stacked with restaurants, bars, hotels, theaters, and stores catering to all kinds of tastes and budgets.

In a country famous for sauvignon blanc, Waiheke Island’s Stonyridge Vineyard is highly regarded for its Bordeaux-style cabernet reds. The vineyard follows French winemaking techniques to create wines that are unusual for New Zealand and on par with varieties produced in France. You can sample wines and enjoy Stonyridge’s Veranda Cafe.

Auckland’s Albert Park is one of the most centrally located parks in the city, and travelers staying in or exploring the CBD are sure to find their way there at some point. With a significant Maori and European history and views of central Auckland’s tallest buildings, it’s a great place for a picnic lunch and a stroll.

Motutapu Island’s emerald landscapes, striking coastline, and thick forests of Motutapu Island attract day trippers from nearby Auckland. Sandy beaches and easy walking paths offer up plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation, while a scattering of some 300 Maori archaeological sites detail a rich history of the island’s early inhabitants.

The hustle and bustle of Auckland is mere miles from lush forests and stunning landscapes. The Waitakere Ranges, a short drive northwest of the city center, are home to a regional park full of dense native bush, running rivers, and enchanting waterfalls. Enjoy numerous walking trails and incredible views of Auckland and the Tasman Sea.

At the top of Bastion Point, overlooking Waitemata Harbour, is the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. A monument to the legacy of New Zealand’s well-loved 23rd prime minister, the memorial is surrounded by a peaceful park with gardens and panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf—a perfect escape from the hectic inner city.

Auckland is covered in pretty volcanic mounds, and Mt. Eden is one of the most famous. You can drive or hike to the summit for sweeping views right out into the harbor. The mount also lends its name to the upmarket suburb below, a lively neighborhood with hip coffee shops and bars.

The Arataki Visitor Centre is the official gateway to the Waitakere Ranges, a lush stretch of mountains nestled between Auckland and New Zealand’s west coast. Staffed by knowledgeable park rangers and full of informative displays, the center is a perfect place to prepare for your hiking or camping trip through the lush Waitakere forest.

Just a half-hour ferry ride from Auckland, Rangitoto Island offers active travelers an adventurous escape from the city. This 600-year-old dormant volcano boasts stunning panoramic views of Auckland and a selection of rugged walks both up and around the island, most of them suitable for people of all fitness levels.

The New Zealand Maritime Museum (Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa) tells the country’s maritime story via art and artifacts displayed across its numerous galleries on the Auckland waterfront. Relive seafaring history through the museum’s impeccably restored boats—not just those in the galleries, but the ones on the water that you can even go sailing in.

A large, popular green space in the Auckland suburb of Epsom, Cornwall Park is a great option for a day of outdoor fun. The park houses restaurants and cultural attractions, and, as the site of a pre-European Maori settlement, is also archaeologically significant.

The grand neo-baroque landmark presiding over the Auckland central business district is Auckland Town Hall, the civic heart of the city since the early 20th century. Admired for its architecture, the Town Hall is more than just a pretty facade—it’s also a popular concert venue that’s hosted everything from symphony orchestras to shows by pop icons, including The Beatles and Elton John.

Mt. Victoria Reserve(Takarunga) is located on a volcanic hill in Devonport, a seaside town on Auckland’s North Shore. The climb to the top is quite quick and manageable for active travelers, and the views are impressive, as you can look back to the central Auckland skyline with its skyscrapers and sailboats bobbing in front.

Smack in the middle of downtown Auckland, just off of bustling Queen Street, Aotea Square is a popular spot for festivals, gatherings, and events. Located across from the Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Square provides more than an acre of open space in the Central Business District (CBD that can accommodate up to 20,000 people for outdoor events and open-air concerts.

Urban cool meets laid-back beach vibes at Takapuna, just 15 minutes from Auckland CBD. Not only does this North Shore suburb have white-sand beaches, a volcanic lake, and ocean views looking out to Rangitoto Island, but the small town center has enough shops, cafés, and restaurants to keep Aucklanders entertained away from the beach.

Opened in 2017 in Matakana, north of Auckland, Sculptureum is a sculpture garden, art gallery, restaurant, and vineyard in one. The many animal sculptures in the gardens delight kids, while six indoor galleries display glass work and abstract art interesting to adults, making Sculptureum a popular day-trip destination for all.

At the base of the Auckland skyline’s most prominent building, you’ll find SKYCITY, an entertainment complex with something for almost everyone. Learn to play table games in the casino, dine in some of Auckland’s most celebrated restaurants, or just take in the sweeping views from the Sky Tower.

Whether you want to stretch out on the grass on a sunny afternoon, watch a movie at the open-air cinema, or break up a sightseeing tour with a picnic in the park, Silo Park is one of Auckland’s most popular green spaces. The small park sits at the heart of the Wynyard Quarter and is known for its lively summer events calendar.

Great Barrier Island is a natural paradise and an idyllic getaway from the bustle of Auckland. About 55 miles (90 kilometers) offshore in New Zealand’s only national marine park, with no electricity, ATMs, or public transportation on the entire island, there is little more to do here than play in nature and truly relax.

At Sheepworld near Auckland, visitors can learn about sheep farming in New Zealand and see how sheep wool is collected and used. Live shows are put on twice daily, during which sheep dogs round up the sheep and shearers shear them. Sheepworld is a family-friendly destination, and lamb feeding is a particular hit with kids.

Odysseum includes three fun and challenging activities in the heart of Auckland: the Odyssey Sensory Maze, the Brain Cell Challenge Room, and the Doom Room. While it’s not recommended for smaller children, older kids and groups of friends will especially enjoy the challenges of each room.

White-sand beaches, sloping vineyards, and blazing sunsets make Waiheke Island the urban getaway of choice for Aucklanders. Just a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke attracts foodies, luxury travelers, and celebrities with its boutique wineries and world-class dining scene. The island has an adventurous side, too: There are scenic hiking trails, ocean-view zip lines, and calm waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Located on Auckland’s North Shore, Devonport is a hub for commuters who work in the Central Business District (CBD). But, there’s more to the area than the ferry terminal: its restaurants, shops, heritage buildings, hiking trails, and beach make it a worthwhile destination in its own right.

Located right in the middle of Auckland’s downtown, St. Patrick’s Cathedral stands in stark contrast to the modern city skyline. Founded in 1841 along with Auckland itself, the Catholic cathedral has seen modern-day Auckland literally grow up around it. Today, about 2,500 parishioners gather there for weekly Mass each Sunday morning.

Port Auckland is a cruise port and commercial cargo shipping terminal set in Waitemata Harbour. Located at the top end of New Zealand's North Island, Auckland is the country's largest and most cosmopolitan city. Considered one of the world’s most livable cities, it sits on an isthmus surrounded by volcanic hills and is easy to explore.

See a variety of animals from around the world at Auckland Zoo. Large moats are used instead of bars to separate animals and visitors, meaning that natural habitats are replicated as much as possible. Enjoy seeing and learning about everything from African wetland animals to Australian desert creatures and native Kiwi flora and fauna.