Top 25 Auckland Attractions (2023)
Located in the north of New Zealand, Auckland is a highly populated city that is rich in its culture and beautiful natural sites. Famous for some of the most scenic bungy jumping sites, this city also offers a wide variety of art scene, shopping and dining experience. Come and discover the top 25 attractions Auckland has to offer.
1. Albert Park
One of the locals favourite park for walks and other leisure activities, Albert Park, is a gorgeous park that sits on a former Auckland fortification land. Conveniently located in the centre of town, the park is adorned with grass lawns, tall trees and multiple historical structures all around. A life-sized statue of Sir George Grey and Queen Victoria can be found here together with the magnificent cast-iron fountain that is the centrepiece of the park, flanked by dolphins and cherubs.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
2. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
A forerunner of extensive locals and international art collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the principal art gallery in Auckland. As the most prominent art gallery, it is home to 17,000 works spreading across four levels. Articles displayed consists of historical, contemporary and modern arts from New Zealand and the greater parts of the world. Free English tours are available daily at 11.30am and 1.30pm and Mandarin tours at 12.30pm on Thursday to Sunday only.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$20 | Child – NZ$17
3. Auckland Botanic Gardens
Auckland Botanic Gardens is a 64 hectares of land located 20 minutes journey away from the city. This is a beautiful park that will excite your eyes with the exotic greens and colourful flowers that bloom all year round surrounding the lake. Within the vicinity, you can also learn more about the plants at the Visitor Centre.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Auckland Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruises
Take a trip out to this picturesque Hauraki Gulf for a magical experience of dolphin and whale watching. Just off the coasts of Auckland, this unforgettable cruise takes up to 4.5 hours journey where such majestic creatures can be seen. The cruise is open all year round but depending on the season, you can even catch a rare sighting of Minke Whales, Orcas or even the Blue Whale; the largest mammal on Earth.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
5. Auckland Domain
Auckland Domain that is situated 5 minutes away from the city, is Auckland’s largest and oldest park. This 200 acres crater land is a national preserve green space that is home to exotic flowers and plants. Housed here are two large glasshouses, both sporting two different temperature enabling tropical plants to live here and be appreciated by many.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 4:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Auckland Harbour Bridge
Joining St Marys Bay with Northcote, Auckland Harbour Bridge is a prominent spot not only in Auckland but throughout New Zealand as the largest bridge in the country. Built in 1955, this bridge is not just a mere road but offers educational insights and the city’s most exhilarating entertainment as well. At 43 metres high, you will be able to see a beautiful view of the city at the top before you leap off the bridge, for the bungee experience of your life.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
7. Auckland War Memorial Museum
Located within Auckland’s green paradise, Auckland Domain – Auckland War Memorial Museum is the country’s first museum and a popular tourist attraction as well. Home to an extensive collection of war memorabilia, you will learn more about the country’s history and military stories through the many galleries that are within this majestic building.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$25 | Child – NZ$10
8. Auckland Zoo
An ideal getaway for families just minutes away from the city, Auckland Zoo is home to a vast diversity of animals. Spanning across 17 hectares of land, it offers an extensive collection of native and exotic New Zealand animals such as fur seals, brown kiwis, keas and kākāriki karaka. This zoo focuses on conservation and is an active participant in animal breeding programs to sustain animal species.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$24 | Child – NZ$13
9. Cornwall Park
A haven away from the bustle and hustle of the city, Cornwall Park is a gorgeous recreational park that is situated in the heart of Auckland. With roads lined with oak trees and mown laws, it also famous for its cherry blossom sightings every Spring. Occasionally you will also come across cows and the 600 adorable lambs that call this place home.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
10. Hobbiton Movie Set
This is a must-visit attraction in New Zealand, as this place will transport you to the Shire where it all begins. Known as the shooting site for the critically acclaimed Lord Of The Rings; this place offers a two hours guided tour that will bring you through Hobbit holes, Bag End, Party Tree and the iconic lakeside Mill. It is a fascinating experience of how realistic this movie set is created and with great details.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
11. Matakana Farmers’ Market
Matakana Farmers’ Market is a food haven that is located 45 minutes away from Auckland. Open only on Saturdays, there are plenty of mouth-watering dishes you can sample here. Resembling a French Market, it offers an pleasant stroll through the market with each vendor whipping up unique concoctions that will blow your mind. Among some of the foods are the whitebait fritter, potato gratin and a huge variety of pastries.
Operating Hours: Saturday, 8:00am – 1:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Mount Eden Summit
Mount Eden Summit, the highest mountain in Auckland, stands at 196 metres high. One of the most famous volcano cones in Auckland, it offers you a spectacular view of the city and its green surroundings. The trails up from the base of the mountain take approximately 1 hour and are relatively effortless to get up with the help of sturdy boardwalks around the crate’s rim.
Operating Hours: Saturday, 7:00am – 8:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
13. Museum of Transport and Technology
Located in close proximity with the Auckland Zoo and Western Springs Park, Museum of Transport and Technology is the largest technology and science museum in New Zealand. You will not be able to miss the live sized aircraft in the front of the museum, and that is not all, as there are more ancient vehicles such as trams, cars and war aircraft in the hanger. It is intriguing to learn of New Zealand transport history through interactive and fun galleries.
Operating Hours: Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$19 | Child – NZ$10
14. Piha Beach
West of Auckland is where you will find this picturesque beach. Covered with black vocanic sands and rugged rock formations, this laid back seaside is a popular spot for surfing during summer. Besides lazing at the beach, you can also climb Lion Rock, a volcanic stone if you are seeking for an adventure.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Queen Street
A popular destination in the Central Business District, Queen Street is the ideal place for people and fashion watching. It is the city’s major commercial hub that offers the trendiest shopping and dining experience, all housed within immaculately designed heritage buildings.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. Rainbow’s End Theme Park
This 9.3 hectares of the theme park was opened in 1982 and is the country’s largest theme park. Ideal for visitors of all ages, the Rainbow’s End Theme Park also includes Kidz Kingdom; offering great entertainment for children aged eight and below. Consisting of 20 over rides and attractions, you can also try out the new Rainbow Playlab. It is an interactive and immersive virtual reality game that you can enjoy with your friends without breaking the sweat.
Operating Hours: Weekday, 10:00am – 4:00pm | Weekend, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$59.99 | Child – NZ$49.99
17. Rangitoto Island
A short ferry ride away, you will be whisk to Rangitoto Island, known as Auckland’s iconic paradise. Home to the youngest volcano in Auckland, this island is a picturesque getaway with plenty of activities one can do here. Surrounded by an ecosystem rich in floras and faunas, you can choose to either hike up to the lava field or explore the enormous lava tunnels while you are here. At the summit, you will be blessed with a magnificent view of the mountain and its surroundings.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
18. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Experience the underwater world like you never did before at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. It is one of the most famous attractions in Auckland that has been around since 1985. With over eight exhibits, you will be able to see the 1,500 animals that call this place home. The aquarium also offers special programs where one can dive and swim in the Shark Tank cageless and come face to face with these giant creatures.
Operating Hours: Saturday, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$31.20 | Child – NZ$21.60
19. Silo Park
Fifteen minutes walk away from Britomart Station, Silo Park is the city’s entertainment hub that offers funtastic activities every Friday to Sunday. This public space was formerly an industrial ground but now is a place where young adults gather for good food, coffee, movies and tons of fun.
Operating Hours: Friday, 5:00pm – 12:00am | Saturday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 6:00pm (Opens during Summer only)
Ticket Price(s): Free
20. Sky Tower
Located within the Central Business District, Sky Tower is Auckland’s iconic tower that stands at 328 metres high. This building is a telecommunication and observation tower that hosts plenty of other luxurious and exciting attractions. Besides a revolving dining experience, you can participate in the SkyWalk and SkyJump an exclusive experience in this tower.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 8:30am – 10:30pm | Friday – Saturday, 8:30am – 11:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$32 | Child – NZ$13
21. Spookers Haunted Attraction Theme Park
Nothing can be eerier than the fact that this attraction was formerly a psychiatric hospital. Centralising in horror, this theme park is the best and scariest theme park in New Zeland. If you dare, visitors will be brought to a series of different environments with meticulously designed props and live-scare actors that are accompanied by creepy sound effects.
Operating Hours: Friday, 8:00pm – 10:00pm | Saturday, 11:00am – 4:00pm & 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – NZ$25 | Child – NZ$20
22. Te Atatu Night Markets
Are you in for a gourmet treat? If you are, why not make a trip to Te Atatu Night Markets where you will be able to sample a variety of delicious cuisines from all over the world. Located in Pringle Road, this market is only open on Fridays, once a month also offering music, artisan handicrafts and kids friendly activities.
Operating Hours: Friday, 5:00pm – 9:00pm (Once every month)
Ticket Price(s): Free
23. Waiheke Island
You can easily reach Waiheke Island in a 40 minutes boat ride. This island is highly populated, and it is one of Auckland’s best island destinations. Home to beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails, this is a treat for any nature lovers. With vineyards that cover the east half of the island, you can also opt for a dining and wine tasting experience with any of the wineries here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
24. Waitemata Harbour
Waitemata Harbour, which is also known as Auckland harbour, is the main sea access to the city. Perfect for sailing cruises for the strong winds, it is captivating to be able to see fleets of sailboats in one area. Located adjacent to the harbour is the iconic Auckland Bridge. It is the only ocean touch bungy jumping in New Zealand, diving out from the pod 40 metres above water level.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
25. Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Come and experience this magical phenomenon when you visit the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. Just underneath Waitomo, there are a series of cave complexes that can be explored through a boat. The journey will take you to cave chambers where thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa or flowing worms emitting lights which can only be seen in New Zealand. This breathtaking experience takes up to 45 minutes but it is something you will remember for a lifetime.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
Auckland is a vibrant and tranquil city that offers the best natural getaways. There are endless activities you can do here from wine tasting to whale watching and visiting the land of The Lord of The Rings. It is such a beautiful country that will stimulate all your senses.