Auckland is a pleasant urban centre; it is colourful, vibrant, cultural, beautiful and full of fun. It is not just an urban area for locals, but there are lot of stuff for travellers/visitors to do, even if you are just visiting for a very short time. We have put together a summary of, or should we say, a list of fun activities to do and things to see in Auckland.
Coming to visit Auckland for one day
For those people who are crazy to spend just one single day in beautiful Auckland, here’s the most convenient way to take full advantage of your time:
Start the day by taking a stroll through the lovely city, and you can stop off at the Museum, free art gallery and Auckland’s tallest natural point Mt. Eden, this inactive/dormant volcano provides you with 360-degree views of the entire city.
During the early hours of the afternoon, have a stroll or wander around the Sky Tower, which happens to be Australasia’s tallest building attaining a height of 328 meters. In case you are feeling adventurous, opt for a SkyWalk around the outside area. The Sugar Club Restaurant is awesome and cool 192m above the level of the streets.
Or if perhaps you’re beginning to feel like an actual daredevil, you should do the Sky Jump, which is regarded as New Zealand’s tallest jump. This thrilling and exciting drop will have you dropping/falling at a speed of 85km/hr for an astonishing eleven seconds!
Lastly, just what more suitable way to finish off the day than kayaking off to Rangitoto Island, the youngest and most busy of Auckland’s 53 volcanoes. Take pleasure in a gourmet BBQ supper while observing the sunset over the urban centre.
Auckland for two days
If you have more than one day in your schedule, here are some suggestions on how to make full use of your limited time to explore Auckland.
Day 1
You need to make your very first day in Auckland the most exciting. Begin your day by moving up the Sky Tower, Australasia’s tallest building, take a look around as well as a walk around the outside area of The Sugar Club restaurant at 192m above sea level! The sights up at this point are unbeatable. Get your personal postcard photo of Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s majestic volcano island.
You’ve accomplished the frightening bit, at this point, go out with the group from AJ Hackett Bungy and just try and take a leap of faith off Auckland’s harbour bridge. This is the only ocean bungee jump in New Zealand, at 43m above the level of the ground. To finish off your day, proceed to Jack Tar’s restaurant/bar on Auckland’s dazzling waterfront, to find the best fish ‘n’ chips in the city as well as that well-deserved beer.
Day 2
After your day of fun and spills, devote the second day to getting acquainted with this iconic city. Begin your morning with breakfast and coffee at Breslau, the French Café. After that, go on a trip to the memorial museum or free art gallery, to have a feel of Auckland’s vibrant and rich historical past as well as art culture.
Your next stop would be Auckland’s tallest natural spot Mt. Eden, this inactive volcano offers you 360-degree views of the entire city, the hike to the peak is not difficult and on top of that, it’s totally free.
Lastly, finish off the day down at Mission Bay, considered one of Auckland’s city beaches, a brief 10-minute bus trip from the waterfront. A few things to see or points of interest in Mission Bay.
Mission Bay’s promenade is padded with some yummy and affordable eateries as well as ice-cream parlours, pick up some tasty chips and fish or some chilled yoghurt and find a perch on the seaside/beach to observe the sunset.
Auckland for 3 days
If you have a good number of days in Auckland and wish to accomplish the best of everything, and as much as you possibly, this is certainly the best way to get it done.
Day 1
Spend the first part of the day getting acquainted with the beautiful metropolis by going over to the museum and free art gallery, to have an idea of Auckland’s art culture and rich history.
In the second half or part of your day, take a kayak over to Rangitoto Island, the most active and the youngest of Auckland’s 53 volcanoes. See the sunset over the urban centre from the apex, and have a gourmet dinner with the crew from Auckland Sea Kayaks.
Day 2
Start your day early by going out for a surf at what is considered one of Auckland’s black sand beaches with the group from Surf The Elements. Regardless of whether you’re a novice or semi-pro the skilled crew from Surf The Elements will make sure that your time is fun, safe and memorable. Finish the day with an enjoyable drink and supper at The Darby.
Day 3
There’s absolutely no better alternative to finishing off your visit to Auckland than by going to the biggest island called Waiheke. This island features magnificent beaches, and vineyards, as well as a distinct Zip Trek tour with views that are breathtaking. The group from Fuller’s Ferries provides an assortment of tour alternatives, which will enable you to make full use of your precious time on the island.
The ferries operate late into the dark hours so this could be transformed into an all-out day trip. Bikes go at no cost on the ferry, therefore, if you’re eager to cycle the island (however, be careful, it is very hilly) rent/hire a bike from the guys at adventure cycles and enjoy the day at your own pace.
Get the ferry trip back home at the end of the day and enjoy watching the setting sun as the ferry gets nearer to Auckland’s cosmopolitan waterfront.
Things you should do during the summer season
Go to the beach
There is no better way to enjoy the summer season than by going to possibly one of Auckland’s many lovely beaches. Wild black-sand beaches, calm golden bays with huge stretches of sand or quiet hidden cover – you’ll discover them all in Auckland. Go surfing or fishing, swim or simply take pleasure in a sunset walk.
Have a picnic in the park
The mild summer days are ideal for a picnic under the trees and shrubs at one of Auckland’s tranquil parks. For anything near the city, get a packed lunch and go to Albert Park, Cornwell Park or the Auckland Domain. Auckland has some 26 lovely parks around the suburban area.
Go for a bush walk
Stretch your legs on one of Auckland’s incredible bush walks. Discover breathtaking waterfalls, stroll under a canopy of native trees, and listen to the wonderful singing of birds. The Waitakere Ranges, as well as The Hunua Regional Park, are great spots to have a breath of fresh air, and also to explore the local rainforest. Both of them are less than an hour’s drive from Auckland.
Check out the local wildlife
Check out the animals at Auckland Zoo. You will see sharks, penguins and many colourful fish at Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium, and also stroll through the tropical butterfly house at Butterfly Creek. Embark on a dolphin and whale safari in the Hauraki Gulf, check out Muriwai Beach to observe the gannet colonies or even take a walk among uncommon local birds on Tiritiri Matangi Island, an open wildlife shelter.
Visit the morning marketplaces
A sunny Saturday and Sunday morning is the best time for you to check out one of Auckland’s bustling markets. Enjoy tasty treats, buy fresh, natural produce, try out gourmet products and even discover exclusive arts and crafts. Auckland has many markets throughout the region.
We would love to hear your thoughts on these suggested itineraries. Please leave a comment below.
