How to visit Auckland like a local: My favourite things to do in the city
I’m a reluctant Aucklander. These are the places and parts of the city I like best.
Photo by David St George
New Zealand’s largest city, known locally by its Māori name, Tāmaki Makaurau, can be hard to love at first.
I myself have an on again off again relationship with the city.
I often get sick of it, and leave for weeks at a time. But after drinking weak flat whites and eating at disappointing bakeries in other parts of the country, I come running back into Auckland’s arms, wanting to be embraced again by the wine bars, restaurants, shops and other parts of the city that make it special.
Photo by David St George
It’s easy to write Auckland off as just the entry point to New Zealand — a lot of locals will probably tell you to skip straight past the city — but if you have a day or two to spare, you can find things in Auckland you’ll struggle to get elsewhere.
I did struggle, in trying to write this guide, with finding things that are genuinely interesting for visitors.
There are the big, obvious things, like the Sky Tower — which you can jump off, walk around, or dine at — but I wanted to skip past the more obvious things.
Most lists of things to do in Auckland will include the Art Gallery, which is well worth visiting. There’s the Auckland Museum as well, which I recommend. It’s one of the few places outside of Rotorua where you can see Maori cultural performances.
Any of those will keep you busy for an afternoon in Auckland. If you have more time, or just want to see more of the city than the tourist highlights, then hopefully you can find something to enjoy in my guide to the best things to do in Auckland.
This guide is more about the unique, weird, alternative and off-beat things to see, do and experience in Auckland – the kind of things that a local friend would show you. These are the places I like to hang out; where you can under the skin of the city. Do you like wine and vintage shops? If so, you might enjoy my recommendations.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through those links.
Auckland at a glance
WHY GO: Auckland Airport is the main entry point into New Zealand, so there’s a good chance you’ll arrive here, probably jet lagged. Stopping over gives you a chance to find your feet before setting off to explore the country.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN AUCKLAND: One night is usually enough to see some of the central city.
Stay two nights if you want to do a day trip out to Waiheke Island, or any of the other islands in the gulf.
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
Climb a volcanic cone for a view of the city, either Mount Eden/Maungawhau, North Head over in Devonport, or Rangitoto Island.
Head over to Waiheke to taste wine and bask in the sun — get a direct ferry across to Man O War, the only beachfront winery on Waiheke.
Shop and eat along Ponsonby and Karangahape Roads, the most interesting parts of Auckland.
Dive into Auckland’s restaurants — book First Table for 50% off food. I do this all the time, it’s such good value. Use this link to get $5 credit when you sign up.
AUCKLAND ITINERARIES:
WHERE TO STAY:
Stay in Britomart or in Ponsonby/Grey Lynn if you can. These are the nicest areas for visitors.
FEATURED HOTEL
The Convent
A unique, boutique hotel in a building that used to be home to nuns.
FEATURED HOTEL
Hotel Britomart
An independent, design focused hotel right in downtown.
Explore Auckland's maunga — the volcanic cones that dot the city's skyline
The view from the summit of Mount Eden/Maungawhau
Auckland city is spread across a volcanic field, with around 53 volcanic cones still nudging up above the ground.
Many were destroyed as the city expanded, but some remain in good condition and still have archaeological evidence of Māori iwi (tribes) who once settled on the maunga (volcanic cones).
Maungawhau/Mount Eden is one of the most impressive volcanoes to visit, thanks to it’s height and the incredible depth of its crater.
You can pop into the visitor centre at Friends and Whau cafe to learn more about the history of Maungawhau and the other volcanoes, before strolling around the beautiful boardwalks for views of the city.
This is one of the best things to do in Auckland if you want to understand more of the Māori history and unique geography of the Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori name for Auckland).
Another of the maunga/volcanic peaks I love is North Head, in Devonport.
Sunset views from the top of north head
From the centre of the city, you can catch a ferry across to Devonport (it only takes 10 minutes) then walk to North Head for sunset.
The views from the top are panoramic, looking out to the harbour and back at the city skyline. I think it’s even better for views than Mount Eden.
LOCAL TIP
If you want to spend some time exploring Devonport, which has a small village vibe to it, stop in at Flagstaff Gallery. As one of the longest-standing modern art galleries in Auckland, the Flagstaff Art Gallery has been representing local Kiwi artists since 1993.
The other very famous volcanic cone is Rangitoto.
You can catch a ferry out to the island and hike to the summit for views back to the city. It’s an easy day out, especially if you don’t have a car.
It takes around 2 hours return, with other trails on the island for longer hikes.
FOR SOMETHING MORE ADVENTUROUS
If you want to experience Rangitoto with a twist, one option is to join a sunset kayaking tour over to the island. You need to be up for a decent paddle and hike, but if you’re up for something different, this is a cool way to experience Rangitoto.
You’ll also be paddling back in the dark, for a chance to check out the city lights.
Go to a cabaret show on Karangahape Road (or just go vintage shopping. Or for dinner. Basically do anything at all on Karangahape Road)
Photo via Karangahape Road, check out their page for upcoming events
Karangahape Road is one of the coolest parts of Auckland.
Karangahape Road has a long history of being home to Auckland’s queer nightlife, and it continues to be a hub for more fringe entertainment (I wrote about this in more depth for the Washington Post).
You’ll find drag shows here at Caluzzi Cabaret, gay bars (like the subtly named G.A.Y ) and also Club Burlesque, which is a seasonal show taking place in the old Las Vegas club — you’ll spot the venue easily thanks to the billboard of a nearly naked woman reclining above the door (she is the Vegas Girl, an absolute icon).
Karangahape Road is also packed with awesome independent stores, some of the best places to eat in Auckland, and groovy live music venues.
Going for a walk down Karangahape Road is one of the best things to do in Auckland if you want to see an alternative side to the city (and you’re not quite up for a night of lavish drag cabaret).
Pop into the vintage boutiques and see what you can find, or rummage through the many op shops (second hand clothing shops).
My favourite shops are Crushes, the Third Eye, and Smoove.
The independent stores on Karangahape Road make it an awesome place to seek out New Zealand souvenirs to take home with you.
Pop into Saint Kevin’s Arcade to see some cool bookstores, and get coffee and a snack at Bestie Cafe — the view from the arcade out to the city is gorgeous.
There are also some excellent restaurants along Karangahape Road. Some of my favourites:
Pici — epic pasta and a cute location in St Kevins Arcade
Candela — moody environs and delicious small plates
Otto — local legend of a restaurant
Coco’s Cantina — happy hour pasta specials, what more can I say
I will change the topic from K Road soon I promise, but just one more tip.
If you happen to be in town on the first Thursday of the month, you should head along to Karangahape Road after 5pm for live music, markets, food stalls, restaurants deals and late night shopping.
First Thursdays is an awesome monthly event which adds even more life and colour to Karangahape Road.
Regular events include live music at the Pocket Park Stage outside the Pitt Street Pub, a local artist’s and creator’s market in Beresford Square, and a Muckaround Comedy Show in Whammy Bar.
First Thursdays is a great opportunity to experience the best street in Auckland and all of the creative, interesting people that hang out here.
Stop by the bougie delis and boutiques along Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby Road has a slightly different vibe to Karangahape — it’s much more upmarket and posh. Think nice yoga studios and high end boutiques from New Zealand designers.
It’s still a great place for a mosey. The road is long, running along a ridge above the central city, so you’ll have views across to the Sky Tower in places.
Some stops on your walk (I’m sharing the Google Map links so you can save these to your personal Google Maps, which is something I love to do):
Beau wine bar is great for an afternoon glass of something in the sunshine. It’s owned by a Maori woman, so knowing it’s a great business to support makes the wine even sweeter.
Right next door is the Beau Deli, which calls itself a ‘ham shop’ on Google Maps, but it’s much more than that. A great place for coffee and treats.
Curionoir is a very cool perfume store owned by a Maori woman.
Duck Island is an ice cream shop with something of a cult following. They do awesome flavours and have great vegan options.
If you feel like dancing, head to Fitzroy Lounge later in the evening for house music, or Grand Central for live bands on a sticky dance floor.
Some of these activities are also great on wet and rainy days in Auckland.
Visit Waiheke Island, the island of wine
waiheke island is famous for its wine, but the beaches are equally as beautiful
A day trip to Waiheke Island is easily one of the best things to do in Auckland.
The island is beautiful, with pristine beaches, harbour views and a microclimate that gives Waiheke more sunshine hours than the mainland.
Waiheke was once a hippie enclave but it’s now become an upmarket destination.
Stunning vineyards stretch across the hillsides, and impressive holiday homes sit alongside the smaller, older homes.
It’s easy to catch the catch the ferry to Waiheke Island from downtown Auckland, and spend the day visiting vineyards.
You can get around the island with a wine tour, or on the public buses.
Even if you don’t drink, Waiheke is worth visiting for its gorgeous scenery and great restaurants.
My favourite places to go on Waiheke are Casita Miro vineyard, Oneroa Beach, and Mudbrick’s bistro, which has beautiful sunset views.
Go to a show at Basement Theatre
With a bar that spills out into seats crowded into the corner of a carpark, Basement Theatre feels like the kind of cool, gritty urban space you might find in Melbourne or London.
In their own words, Basement Theatre “is a place where urgent and adventurous live performance made by independent artists is incubated and supported.”
It’s one of the coolest venues in central Auckland, with a constantly changing line up of events.
Head along for a show and support some of New Zealand’s emerging talent, and you’ll get to have a drink at a cool bar and mingle with people in the local creative scene.
Check out Moana Fresh in Avondale to see and support Maori and Pacific artists (and stop by Burnt Butter Diner while you’re there)
It’s a bit of a trek, and Avondale is truly local — nothing polished about this neighbourhood — but if you want to see work from local artists, Moana Fresh is a cool place to stop by.
Moana Fresh is a marketplace and community space celebrating Pacific and Māori artists, creatives and authors. They stock and sell works on behalf of more than 50 creatives including artworks, jewellery, ceramics, books and accessories.
As an added bonus, right next door is Burnt Butter Diner, which is a simple but lovely cafe with amazing food.
You can also go to a classic film screening at Hollywood Avondale, while you’re in the area
The Hollywood Avondale is an arty cinema located in the suburb of Avondale, which is mostly famous for being home to the Avondale spider (legend has it Huntsman spiders escaped from ships coming from Australia and have set up shop in the area. I will never live in Avondale).
It’s worth a visit if you love cinema — especially classic bad films like The Room.
This cinema is very much an offbeat, off the beaten path thing to do.
Visit Auckland Museum for exhibitions and cultural performances
Auckland Musuem, as seen from the Domain
The Auckland Museum acts as kaitiaki, or guardians, for a significant collection of Māori taonga, or treasures.
This makes the museum an important stop in Auckland if you’re interested in learning more about Māori culture, history, and art.
The Museum has two dedicated Māori galleries and has Māori performances on a regular basis.
The park around the museum — the Domain — is also great for exploring.
Eat and drink your way around Auckland
Bar Queenstown, the rest of New Zealand can be pretty quiet after 7pm, so while you’re in the city, make the most of the nightlife.
Caretaker is easily one of Auckland’s best cocktail bars.
The entrance is down a set of discreet stairs down an alley off the main square in Britomart. Inside the dimly lit, lushly decorated bar, people sip decadent cocktails around small tables lit with haloes of golden light.
The bar doesn’t have a traditional menu — your server will simply ask you what you feel like drinking, and you’ll get a surprise drink whipped up for you based on your whims.
Go along on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday night from 9pm and you’ll also be treated to live jazz, to complete the ambiance of a golden age New York cocktail lounge.
A few more cool places to eat and drink:
For an even more local experience, try Sri Penang on Karangahape Road — you can take your own wine for a $1 corkage fee, which makes it a very reasonably priced place for a dinner out.
Giapo, the ice cream maker, believes normal ice cream is boring and has created the whole enterprise around reinventing how we eat ice cream. The result is over the top toppings, upside down offerings like broken cones, elaborate and decadent chocolate drenched cones, and flavours that are surprising and delightful.
I love going to the prohibition themed gin bar the Churchill, which is located on the 20th floor of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. From up there you get amazing views of the city, and excellent drinks as well.
One of my favourite things about living in Auckland is how close we are to nature.
Within an hour’s drive, I can be on the wild black sand beaches of the west coast, or sinking my toes into soft white sand on the east coast.
I love hiking and surfing, and Auckland is a great base for both. If you have a car and want to explore the area around Auckland, in these places you can enjoy the outdoors and appreciate how stunning our city is.
Visit Tiritiri Matangi for the day
Tiritiri Matangi is a beautiful island sanctuary located in the Hauraki Gulf, just off the coast of Auckland.
It's a popular day trip destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts due to its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Catch a ferry from Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi. Ferries usually depart from downtown Auckland or nearby locations like Gulf Harbour. Make sure to book your ferry tickets in advance to secure your spot.
The ferry ride typically takes about 75-90 minutes, depending on the departure point.
Ferries usually depart in the morning and return in the afternoon, allowing for a full day visit to the island.
Spend the day exploring the island's walking trails. Walks range from 20 minutes to 4 hours, and the trails are mostly easy.
The island is renowned for its birdlife, including rare and endangered species like the takahē, kākā, and kiwi.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the island's designated picnic spots while taking in the stunning views.
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the island's beauty and wildlife. Dress comfortably, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks.
Catch the return ferry back to Auckland in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the schedule.
Hike the Omanawanui Track, one of Auckland's best walking trails
The view from the Omanawanui Track in West Auckland — photo credit Miles Holden
There are dozens of epic walks all around Auckland, but the Omanawanui hike packs in the best views out of all of them.
As an added bonus, you get to drive out to Whatipu Beach to walk the track.
It’s a gorgeous drive through native bush and across the occasional ford that makes it feel like you are out in the wildnerness, and not one hour from Auckland.
After walking the Omanawanui track, you can stroll up and down Whatipu Beach. Time it right and you’ll have a beautiful sunset here.
Thanks for reading this far! I hope you’ve found some inspiration for things to do in Auckland.
If you’re planning on exploring New Zealand’s cities, you might also like to check out these articles on Wellington:
AUTHOR BIO
I’m a freelance travel writer from New Zealand with bylines in National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and more.
I’ve travelled up and down beautiful Aotearoa and I love sharing my recommendations for the best places to visit in New Zealand.
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