16 fun things to do in Auckland that prove you shouldn’t overlook them
When planning a trip to New Zealand, most people skip Auckland as a destination. Everyone flocks to Queenstown or heads out to spend time in nature. This is unfortunate because anyone who has visited Auckland knows that there are so many things to do that make it a great destination for all travellers. Backpackers in particular will be delighted with the huge range of free and cheap activities on offer in Auckland – in a country that is notoriously expensive.
The city’s trendy neighbourhoods can be explored on foot, and the skyline can be viewed from the water for the low price of a ferry ticket. There are plenty of options for cheap eats – especially in the university neighbourhoods – and the city doesn’t shy away from a good happy hour. Take a few days to enjoy the city and check out some of our favourite things to do in Auckland.
1. Drink a flat white
Start your day the Kiwi way and drink caffeine. Australia and New Zealand argue over who invented the flat white, but if you ask a Kiwi, they’ll tell you it’s 100% theirs. For the uninitiated, a flat white is sort of a cross between a latte and a cappuccino, with more coffee and less milk. There are some great places to get really good coffee all over Auckland, and Remedy Coffee is always a good choice. It’s a cosy place where you can get coffee to go, but you might be tempted to sit down when you see the breakfast menu.
Open weekdays from 6.30am to 3.30pm, weekends from 8am to 3pm.
📷 @heftiba
2. Hike around a volcano
A short 25-minute ferry ride from Auckland harbour takes you to Rangitoto Island, which is actually a volcanic cone rising out of the water. Guided tours are available, but it’s just as easy to follow the hiking trail and hike to the top of the volcano on your own. On the way, you will pass old lava caves that you can explore and hike through. There are no sanitary facilities on the island, so bring food and drink with you. Have a picnic on the rim of the volcano, where you’ll have stunning views across the harbour and back to Auckland. Just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry!
Return ticket: $39 (£20)
3. Enjoy some dumplings
Auckland has a truly diverse food scene, with practically every cuisine on offer. A good Chinese meal is one of the best things to do in Auckland, and while there are many options, a local favourite is Barilla. This inexpensive dumpling restaurant gets busy on weekends, but it’s worth the wait. Come hungry because the portions are huge. It’s best to come in a large group so you can order a bit of everything and share it with others.
Open daily from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
4. Watch a rugby match
New Zealanders take their rugby very, very seriously. If you’re in town during the season, going to a rugby match is one of the best things you can do in Auckland to experience the city like a local. Even if you don’t always know what’s going on, the atmosphere is fun and everyone gets into the spirit of the game. Tickets for games at Eden Park often cost less than 30 NZD (£15), so you don’t have to break the bank.
📷 @jhc
5. Cave hike with glowworms
The Waitomo Caves are a two-hour drive from Auckland, but definitely worth a day trip if you have the time. This huge underground cave system is filled with thousands of glowworms that light up the interior like fairy lights. It’s a spectacular sight to see with your own eyes. If you want to take it easy, you can take a leisurely boat trip through the caves to see it all. Or you can put on a wetsuit, get into an inner tube and float down the underground river before jumping off rocky waterfalls. Adrenaline junkies can let off steam on a zip wire and abseil tour through the cave system if they are looking for a challenge.
Tours from $55 (£28)
6. Visit a French market
Every weekend, a French food market is held at two different locations in the city. This is primarily a fresh produce market where you can buy things that have been grown locally: Vegetables, meat, cheese, seafood, bread and flowers. Be sure to try the New Zealand manuka honey and the super-fresh fruit, which is available in season. Of course, there is also a large selection of pastries, most of which are still warm from the oven. Or opt for a typical French dish such as croque madame or beef bourguignon.
The Parnell market is open on Saturdays from 8.00 am to 1.30 pm and on Sundays from 9.00 am to 1.30 pm.
The Britomart market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 1.30pm.
7. Drinking wine on Waiheke Island
Far from being a hidden gem, this island is something that should be at the top of your priority list. Even if you only have a day and don’t know what to do in Auckland, this island should be at the top of your list. This island is dotted with wineries and is only a short ferry ride from the city. You can take the bus around and do a tasting at each winery or simply pick your favourite and sit in the sun with a glass and enjoy the view. Waiheke also has some lovely beaches as well as walking and cycling trails if you fancy some exercise. You can even stay overnight on the island if you want to escape the city for a while.
Return ticket: $42 (£21)
📷 @jilian
8. Kayak on the harbour
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Auckland in the warmer months, take advantage of the good weather and get out on the water. You can hire a kayak or join a tour and paddle out to the islands in the harbour. Take the sunset tour to Rangitoto and enjoy a BBQ on the beach before paddling back to the city under the stars. Or simply hire a kayak and paddle up the river to a pub where you can have a few drinks before being picked up by a van.
Kayak hire from $25 (£12.50)
9. Jumping from Auckland’s tallest building
There are several ways to experience the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the city. First, you can take the lift to the top, where you’ll have a fantastic view of the city and harbour from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Then you can take the SkyWalk one step further by going up to an outdoor viewing platform and walking around the building. Don’t worry, you’re completely strapped in! And if you’re really brave (or perhaps foolish), you can abseil down the side of the building using a bungee cord. It’s definitely a unique way to see the city.
Admission price $32 (£16). Open from 8.30am to 10.30am on weekdays and until 11.30pm.
10. Walk through the domain
This huge park in Auckland city centre is like a little oasis where everything is peaceful and tranquil. There are walking trails through native woodlands, open grassy areas for picnics, botanical gardens and even a natural amphitheatre in an extinct volcanic crater. There are stunning views of the city from the crater rim, so park up here with a picnic or takeaway meal and make the most of it. And bring some bread to feed the ducks!
📷 @xnnxxmx
11. Watch a comedy show at The Classic
If you don’t know what to do in Auckland in the evening, check out what’s on at The Classic Comedy Club. Tickets usually cost no more than $10, and you’re guaranteed a good show with lots of laughs. Take a look at the schedule for upcoming shows; there are regular theme nights and events like open mic nights. Enjoy a few drinks and spend the evening laughing – it’s always a recipe for a good time.
12. Eat a really good ice cream
There are plenty of delicious ice cream flavours in Auckland . Many rave about Giapo, which serves creative and inventive ice cream creations that look like they were made for Instagram. Or check out Duck Island Ice Cream, which has a wide selection of original flavours that you’ve probably never tried before. Be sure to try the Fairy Bread flavour, which is always a hit, or the Toasted Marshmallow, which is a real crowd favourite. For our dairy-free friends, there’s even a great selection of vegan flavours.
Giapo: Open Monday to Thursday 2.00pm to 10.30pm and Friday to Sunday 1.30pm to 11.00pm.
Enteninsel: Open from 11am to 10pm, until 11pm at weekends.
13. Watch a free outdoor film
SiloPark is a favourite spot during the summer months. This large former industrial area is now a cultural and social meeting place for the people of Auckland. On summer nights, films are projected onto the edge of an old silo and everyone gathers on the lawn to watch them. There are bars and food trucks and it’s a great place to spend a relaxed night. As well as film screenings, Silo Park also hosts concerts, events and art installations – so be sure to check out what’s on.
14. Eating a burger late at night
One of Auckland’s most iconic restaurants doesn’t look all that striking from the outside. The White Lady is an overlong white bus that has been converted into an American-style takeaway. It has been serving absolutely delicious burgers to the hungry masses for 60 years. There’s no seating, so eat on the go or find a milk crate – or just sit in the gutter, let’s be honest. On weekends, the restaurant is open 24 hours, making it the perfect end to a night out in Auckland.
Open from 7pm to 4am on weekdays, 24 hours on weekends.
15. Try the local beer
Dr Rudi’s is an ideal destination for all beer lovers visiting Auckland. Excellent beers are brewed in the in-house microbrewery and there are 14 different types of beer on tap in the bar. But that’s not the only reason to visit. The rooftop bar is right on the water and the view is fantastic, especially at sunset. There are also two bowling alleys at the back where you can put your skills to the test after a few drinks. And if you’re feeling peckish, the menu offers delicious seafood dishes, pizzas and large plates to share.
Open weekdays from 8am to 4am, weekends from 11am to 4am.
16. Hit a few golf balls…whenever you want
Have you ever had the urge to play golf at 4 o’clock in the morning? Probably not. But in Auckland, you can do just that. JK’s World Of Golf is open 24 hours and has a driving range where you can let off steam and practice your swing. The facility is also close to the airport, so it’s a good place to stop off if you have time before your flight.
A bucket of 100 balls costs $13.
Inspired by these great things to do in Auckland? Check out our best hostels in Auckland and make your travel dream come true!
About the author
Jemima Skelley is an Australian travel writer currently exploring Europe. She believes that the best way to discover a country is through its food and is always on the lookout for a good coffee. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter .
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