24 cool & unique things to do in Auckland: A guide for the curious
New Zealand’s biggest city has outstanding bars and restaurants, and surprisingly accessible nature. These are some of my favourite places to eat, drink, and enjoy the city.
New Zealand’s largest city, known locally by its Māori name, Tāmaki Makaurau, can be hard to love at first.
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 couple of days to spare, there’s plenty to do in Auckland and the surrounding area.
If you know where to look, you might find Auckland drawing you in, seducing you with its excellent restaurants, shopping, and easy access to nature.
Auckland has several classic tourist activities, but you won’t find many ‘big ticket attractions’ on this list.
Instead, I want to show you some 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 (I have lived in Auckland for years, so think of me as your guide to the city. Do you like wine and vintage shops? If so, you might enjoy my recommendations).
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in this guide, if you want to skip ahead:
A heads up that 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. Thanks for your support.
7 quick tips for visiting Auckland
Before diving into the best things to do in Auckland, here are a few quick tips to make the most of your trip.
Stay in Britomart or in Ponsonby if you can. These are the nicest areas for visitors.
Buy a local SIM card when you arrive (I recommend Skinny) which is handy for making restaurant reservations and navigating.
Uber is the easiest way to get around, but be prepared to do quite a bit of walking anyway — Auckland is quite a spread out city. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.
An Uber is the easiest way to get from the airport to the city (the bus only runs to Sky City and shared shuttles are more trouble than they’re worth).
You can see plenty in Auckland without needing a car, for example islands like Waiheke, Rangitoto and Tiritiri Matangi. This means it’s often easier to pick up your rental car when you’re ready to leave the city, to save the hassle of parking and paying for days when you might not need a vehicle.
Steer clear of Queen Street for shopping, it’s mostly overly commercial stores. Ponsonby Road and Karangahape Road are a much more relaxing place to shop, with many independent designers and boutiques, plus excellent cafes and restaurants for lunch.
Book restaurants on 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.
Top hotel picks
HOTEL BRITOMART
QT AUCKLAND
Just quickly, these are the top ‘touristy’ things to do in Auckland. I’m just dropping these here as a brief overview, but every list of Auckland activities will include these, so I don’t feel like I need to go into detail:
Go up the Sky Tower
Go to Auckland Museum
Visit Auckland Art Gallery
The 5 overall best things to do in Auckland
Let’s start with the classics. These are the things I enjoy doing, and the activities I recommend to friends and family when they visit.
1. Explore Maungawhau/Mount Eden and other volcanic cones
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).
Mount Eden isn’t the only volcano worth visiting, though.
Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill also has a lot of historical significance.
Mount Hobson is one of my favourite sunset spots in the whole city.
Mount St John is one of my favourite short walks in the city centre, with a small crater and plenty of peace and quiet.
2. Go on a whale and dolphin safari
Cost | $165 per adult
I lived in Auckland for years before I learned that you can see whales here.
Going on a whale and dolphin safari is one of the best and most surprising things to do in Auckland.
The trip leaves from the viaduct area of downtown Auckland, and cruises out into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
You can see common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, as well as orcas (which frequently swim into Auckland’s harbour!). You can also spot the critically endangered Bryde’s whale year round.
The whole trip lasts around 4.5 hours, so as well as getting to see the marine wildlife around Auckland you get to enjoy a beautiful cruise on the water. It’s a nice way to see the city skyline and different islands in the harbour.
This is a great all year round activity. I went in winter and we also had a beautiful sunset as we cruised back into the viaduct.
3. Hike to the summit of Rangitoto (an easy day trip if you don't have a car)
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.
STAY THE NIGHT ON RANGITOTO
For something extra special, you can even spend a night on Rangitoto in a historic bach (small holiday home). Check out this stunning listing on VRBO for a truly unique experience.
4. Go wine tasting on Waiheke Island
40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland
Cost: Ferries around ~$50 return
Waiheke Island is one of the best places to visit 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.
5. 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).
I personally love Karangahape Road — I think it’s one of the few places in Auckland that feel truly full of character. I really recommend going along to check out some of the excellent venues along K Road.
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.
What to do in Auckland if you love art, culture, and history
Some of these activities are also great on wet and rainy days in Auckland.
6. 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.
7. Go to a classic film screening at Hollywood Avondale
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.
8. 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.
Where to eat and drink in Auckland
Auckland is one of the best places in New Zealand to explore Pacific cuisine. There are great restaurants in the central city, and some awesome bars where you can enjoy local craft beer and wine.
The rest of New Zealand can be pretty quiet after 7pm, so while you’re in the city head out to some of these spots.
9. Enjoy live jazz at a speakeasy cocktail bar
Image courtesy of Caretaker
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.
If you’re looking for other places to get a drink, I recommend heading to Ponsonby Road. It’s a great area to soak up a lively atmosphere.
Sample New Zealand wines in the low-key but very vibey bars Annabel’s and Beau.
For cocktails, the most popular spot is Deadshot.
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.
10. Taste modern Pacific cuisine at Auckland's amazing restaurants
Auckland has many incredible restaurants.
We’re lucky to have a huge range of influences in New Zealand cuisine, so you can find everything from East Asian fusion to latin-inspired dishes.
Most of the best restaurants in Auckland are along Ponsonby and Karangahape Roads, or around Britomart in Central Auckland.
Live like a local and head to Otto or Pici on K Road, Sidart in Ponsonby, kingi in Britomart, or Cassia in the CBD.
Also, it’s good to know that in general, going out for dinner in Auckland is pretty laid back — no need to dress up massively.
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.
11. Go for dumplings on Dominion Road
Auckland has a fantastic dumpling scene, and the best are served on Dominion Road, just outside of the city centre.
Picture restaurants where menus are laminated and sticky from many fingers, the lighting is bright, white, and overhead, and there is zero pretence in the decor or service.
There’s just really good noodles, dumplings, and a range of other Asian dishes.
Check out these places for dumplings:
Barilla Dumpling
Flavour House,
Jolin Shanghai Restaurant, Dominion Road
Mr. Zhou’s Dumplings
12. Go for lunch at Brick Bay followed by a sculpture trail walk in a sublime landscape
If you have a car and you’re looking for a little sortie from Auckland, head one hour north to Brick Bay.
Brick Bay is a small vineyard with a beautiful restaurant, and a sculpture trail through native bush. The walk takes around one hour and you get a small discount if you dined in the restaurant.
13. Enjoy a drink with a view at the Churchill
Okay, one more bar recommendation — and this one is largely for the view. 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.
It’s a more laid back environment than the bars around the Viaduct, which do have good sunset views but tend to get a bit too rowdy for my liking.
14. Eat the best icecream in Auckland at Giapo
Giapo is without a doubt the best ice cream in Auckland. 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.
Getting ice cream from Giapo truly is an experience and not just a dessert.
I once did a behind the scenes tour and it was very cool to see Giapo Grazioli and his wife Annarosa in action — they have a real passion for what they do, and a lot of creativity and joy as well. A wonderful business to support.
Nature, hiking and outdoor activities in Auckland
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.
14. Visit Piha, a sweeping black sand beach
Piha is Auckland’s most famous West Coast beach. The small town has a kick-back surfy vibe that invites you to go barefoot and take it easy for a while.
Driving out to Piha, you’ll feel worlds away from the busy city.
The narrow road through native bush eventually emerges onto the coast, with sweeping views of Piha beach and Lions Rock as you wind your way down to the beach.
Stop by the general store for a coffee and a snack, before heading off on one of the beautiful walks in the area.
The Kitekite Falls Walk is nice for native bush and a waterfall view, while the Tasman Lookout Track and Lion’s Rock both offer a nice short climb with awesome views.
The Mercer Bay Loop is an easy 45 minute walk with incredible views.
Or, just walk up and down the vast black sand beach.
When sunset rolls around, lay out your picnic blanket and settle in. The weather on the west coast is famously variably, so you might end up with lots of cloud and no colour. But, you could equally have an incredible sunset which lights up the water and the coastline.
Always take a warm jacket for sunsets out west! Even in summer it can get cool.
15. See rare native birds at Tawharanui Regional Park
Tāwharanui Regional Park is one of my favourite places in Auckland. It’s about a one and a half hour drive north of the city, on the east coast.
The park is stunning, with white sand beaches and clear water. On a calm day, swimming here feels like you’re in a tropical paradise.
The highlight of visiting Tāwharanui though, is the number of rare native birds thriving here.
Tāwharanui is a fenced sanctuary, which means there are no predators inside the impressive boundary fence. This makes it one of the best places for a bush walk in Auckland.
Go for a walk in Tāwharanui and you’ll hear incredible levels of bird song, and get to see birds like tieke/saddlebacks that are so rare you can’t see them outside of sanctuaries any more.
There are also kaka - a native parrot - swirling round overhead.
On the Ecology Trail, you have a good chance of seeing takahe, a big blue bird that is so rare it was once thought extinct. Now there are around 400 individuals left, with a handful of them living in Tawharanui.
You can also visit Tāwharanui after dark with a tour to go kiwi spotting. They are surprisingly easy to see (and hear! They thunder around) in the bush here, and spotting them in the wild can be one of the top activities in Auckland.
On the way to Tawharanui, you’ll pass through Matakana — combining both makes for a great day out.
Only one hour north of Auckland, Matakana is a tiny village which has an huge helpings of charm.
The Matakana Village Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday from 8am-1pm. Browse locally made products and try food from any of the different food stalls.
16. 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.
17. 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.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
It’s a good idea to spend at least one night in Auckland once you arrive into New Zealand, to recover from jet lag and rest after what is inevitably a long flight.
Spend two nights in Auckland and you will have time to explore some of the best shops, cafes, and restaurants around the central city, and even take a day trip to Waiheke Island or Piha Beach.
If you spend 3 or more nights in Auckland, you can easily find ways to fill up your time, with visits to art galleries and gardens in the morning, beach visits in the afternoon, and theatre or cocktail bars in the evening.
Where to stay in Auckland
Most of Auckland’s large hotels are clustered around the central business district (the CBD).
The best inner city hotel is Hotel Britomart, which opened in 2021. Staying here is an experience in itself — the hotel has strong sustainability credentials and impeccable design. Local materials are championed throughout the hotel, with timber-lined rooms that more closely resemble stylish cabins than city hotel rooms.
Downstairs you can stroll right into one of Auckland’s best restaurants, kingi, which is Hotel Britomart’s superb seafood restaurant.
QT Auckland is an art and design focused hotel by Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. It has the added bonus of a rooftop bar popular among the city’s office workers thanks to its sunset views.
If you plan on staying in Auckland for longer than a couple of nights, I recommend staying in Ponsonby or Grey Lynn.
Some of the more personality-driven places to stay in Auckland are a little removed from the central business district. On a quiet, tree lined street in Ponsonby is Hotel Fitzroy, which houses 10 luxurious rooms in a restored 1910 villa.
In the neighbouring suburb of Grey Lynn is The Convent Hotel, which is exactly what it sounds like — a renovated convent. The former nunnery reopened as a boutique hotel in 2020, with 22 character filled rooms. Staying here has the added convenience of being right above Ada, one of the city’s best restaurants.
I’ve put together a local’s guide to the city for further details on Auckland’s neighbourhoods and the best areas to stay.
Where to go next
Auckland is the starting point for some awesome New Zealand road trips. Here are a few ideas:
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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