What to Do in Auckland Based on Your Travel Style

Wondering what to do in Auckland? I’ve got you covered! There are so many activities in Auckland to enjoy whether you love the great outdoors, want to learn more about history, are a film geek, travelling with family or travelling on a budget.

A lot of people are tempted to skip over Auckland when they first arrive in New Zealand, thinking that it’s just another city. And while you definitely don’t want to spend all of your time in New Zealand in a city, I think it would be a big mistake to skip Auckland. We spent the first few days of our April 2023 New Zealand trip in Auckland and it was the perfect way to start our travels!

New Zealand’s biggest city has something to offer every type of traveller and I promise that you’ll find something to love about Auckland. Since most flights into Aoteroa (the Māori word for New Zealand) land in Auckland, make the most of it and follow my advice to plan the best Auckland itinerary for you!

Keep reading to find out how to spend your time in Auckland based on your travel style (including free things to do in Auckland!), plus my Auckland FAQs where I cover where to stay, how long to stay and the best time to visit Auckland.

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What is Auckland known for?

Auckland is most well known for being New Zealand’s largest city, a busy metropolis that is also the gateway to New Zealand for most international visitors. It’s a vibrant city with a beautiful waterfront darted with sailboats, earning Auckland its City of Sails nickname.

Being a large city, Auckland has a little bit of something for everyone. There are lots of museums, galleries, shopping streets, activities out in nature and diverse food to satisfy any cravings. It reminded me a lot of my hometown, Vancouver, which is also a waterfront city with beaches, mountains and great food.

My favourite activities in Auckland

My top three favourite activities in Auckland are:

1. Going on the tour of Weta Workshop Unleashed
2. Wandering around Viaduct Harbour
3. Exploring the Auckland War Memorial Museum

Those are my top three but let’s discover what you should do in Auckland based on your travel style below!

Fun things to do in Auckland if you’re a film buff

Wondering what to do in Auckland for film buffs? Luckily you’ve called action on the perfect place! After all, Letterboxd, an online hub for movie lovers, was created in New Zealand.

Any film geek will know that New Zealand is the home of Lord of The Rings, where the LOTR movies and Hobbit prequels were filmed. So no trip to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Hobbiton! I absolutely loved touring around Hobbiton, seeing all of the Hobbit Holes and feeling like I had stepped into a magical universe. At just two hours from Auckland, Hobbiton makes the perfect day trip.

Check out this tour from Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Full-Day Small-Group Trip or combine Hobbiton and the glow worm caves on this tour from Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch.

Back in Auckland, the Hobbit fun doesn’t have to stop when you head over to Weta Workshop Unleashed. Weta Workshop is a visual effects studio out of Wellington that is responsible for some of the biggest fantasy movies like Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Dune and so many more. At the Weta Workshop Unleashed experience in Auckland, you’ll go on a tour through the workshop to see how Weta creates its visual effects.

Unlike the Weta Cave experience in Wellington, Weta Unleashed in Auckland is based off of three fictional movies, rather than movies Weta has actually worked on. But that really didn’t take away from this tour. I was so impressed by all of the effects we witnessed and loved that most of the experience was interactive. Plus, now I really just want them to make the fake movies for real!

After our hilarious guide led us through the cloning facility, storage room and reception, we learned about the three faux films we’d be following. In the first room, we were introduced to the (fake) 80’s horror movie, Fauna, where we got to see physical effects like masks, blood and guts, and a huge animatronic puppet that we could play with.

Next up was Ever-Clan, a (fake) fantasy movie that we got to see all of the beautiful concept art for, as well as a miniature world and large scale models that reminded me of Hogwarts on the WB Harry Potter Studio Tour. The final room, and fake movie, was all about a giant alien where we were blown away by a wild light display.

Get your Weta Workshop Unleashed tickets here!

Besides Lord of the Rings, a number of famous movies also filmed in and around Auckland. Head to Muriwai Regional Park where fight scenes from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon were filmed, Auckland Museum and Woodhill Forest where parts of Bridge to Terabithia were filmed, or Monte Cecilia Park which holds an estate house featured in the Chronicles of Narnia.

PS: If you’re a big Narnia fan, you’ll want to head to Cathedral Cove in Coromandel where a lot of the filming took place!

Get in some screen time at one of Auckland’s famous cinemas, like arthouse theatres Rialto Cinema, Lido Cinema and The Capitol Cinema or high-tech Silky Otter Cinema. Or if your trip happens to line up with the dates, attend a screening at the New Zealand International Film Festival.

What to do in Auckland if you love the outdoors

One of the coolest things about Auckland is yes, it’s a big city, but it’s also got a ton of impressive nature you can enjoy if you love spending time outdoors.

Auckland is built on the 53 volcanoes of the Auckland Volcanic Field (don’t worry, they’re dormant!). Which explains why I was huffing and puffing carrying my backpack up Auckland’s hills. It also explains why the city has so many volcano viewpoints.

Maungawhau Mount Eden is Auckland’s highest volcano and a must-visit for nature lovers who want a nice view! One Tree Hill was also on my must see in Auckland list, but mostly because I was a big fan of the TV show (which is, sadly, not related to the Auckland viewpoint).

You can also hit the beach in Auckland (or right nearby)! Just outside of the downtown core there’s Takapuna Beach and Mission Bay. If you’re up for a day trip, head to Waitakere Ranges Regional Park where you’ll find waterfalls and beaches like Piha Beach, famous for its black sand, and Karekare Beach, named one of the best beaches in the world.

If you don’t have a car you can join this Waitakere Ranges Wilderness Experience Tour from Auckland to explore beaches, rainforests and more!

Back in the city, don’t miss the Auckland Domain (the duck pond and crater are big hits) and the Auckland Foreshore Heritage Walk. For more hikes and walks in Auckland, check out this list!

Places to visit in Auckland if you love history

I highly recommend the Auckland War Memorial Museum as a place to visit in Auckland if you love history – or even if you don’t, because the museum was that good! It was one of my favourite activities in Auckland and probably one of the best museums I have ever been to.

The first floor is all about Pacific peoples with a beautiful Māori Court and artifacts from different Pacific Islands. At first we thought the museum was only one floor, so we really took our time looking at everything. It was then we realized we had two more floors to go!

The second level is a natural history museum. I loved learning about the moa, an extinct flightless bird that was native to New Zealand and could grow up to 3 metres (10 feet) tall. There was also an awesome area for kids, Asian and European art, and an incredible exhibit on volcanoes, including an interactive part where you could go inside a house experiencing a simulated volcano and tsunami!

The third floor, dedicated to the history of warfare in New Zealand, is where the museum gets its name. As a Canadian, it was really interesting to learn about the New Zealand Wars, as well as New Zealand’s participation in the Boer Wars and world wars, since that wasn’t covered in my school. All of the exhibits were really well done and engaging, and included some very special memorials.

All in all we spent almost three hours at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and easily could have spent another hour or two (sadly, they were closing). It’s an amazing museum and offers something for everyone, whether you’re into art, natural history or war history.

Get your tickets to the Auckland War Memorial Museum here!

If you want to learn more about the history of New Zealand, I’d recommend listening to The Aotearoa History Show podcast. I started listening before our New Zealand trip and found it to be such a great primer on Kiwi history and culture. Colin and I listened to episodes while we were road tripping through Aotearoa, which made what we were seeing that much more meaningful.

History buffs may also want to visit Howick Historical Village (a recreation of a colonial village), the New Zealand Maritime Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery. You could also go on this self-guided walking tour of Auckland’s historical buildings.

What to do in Auckland if you’re a foodie or wine lover

Auckland is an amazing place to check out if you love food because there’s something for every taste. Some of my favourites from our trip to Auckland included:

• Korean fried chicken burgers and kumara fries (like a starchier sweet potato) from Ziggle
• Salmon teriyaki bowls from Sushi Store, a pop up concept near our hotel
• Smoked salmon bagels from the famous Best Ugly Bagels

If you really want to get a taste of Auckland, you can head out on a food tour. I think food tours are such a great way to discover the local food scene and get great recommendations for more places to eat. Check out Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour where you’ll enjoy 3 hours of delicious Kiwi cooking!

A destination that will be popular with wine lovers (and beach lovers!) is nearby Waiheke Island. In just 40 minutes, you can ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island, a beautiful spot known for its scenery, but also for its wine. In fact, it’s nicknamed the Island of Wine thanks to the 30+ wineries that call Waiheke Island home.

There are a number of different wine tasting and vineyard tours you can go on once you reach Waiheke. Check out the Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch or Waiheke Island Wineries’ Tour. Many tours include a meal or snack, allowing you to taste some local treats, and all feature beautiful views over the water. Not a bad place to sip a little vino!

The best things to do in Auckland with kids

I don’t have kids but I could definitely see that Auckland is a great place for families. In fact, a few of my suggestions above would be perfect for kids. Weta Workshop Unleashed, while awesome for this 31 year old, would have absolutely blown me away as a kid. Our tour group was actually half adults and half kids, and all ages seemed super engaged on the tour.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is another one that I think would be great for families. Some of the art and war history might not interest kids, but there was an entire section dedicated to children that seemed very popular. Plus the natural history floor, with huge dinosaur skeletons and a simulated volcano, was definitely a hit with kids.

Other popular attractions for kids in Auckland include the Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. We also walked by some incredible playgrounds not just in Auckland, but all throughout New Zealand. Numerous times Colin and I said how kid-friendly New Zealand appeared to be and how much fun a kid would have here.

For more ideas, check out Auckland for Kids!

Free things to do in Auckland if you’re on a budget

So you’re wondering what to do in Auckland on a budget? I’ve got you covered! While a trip to New Zealand can cost a lot, there are lots of free things you can do to save a little money in Auckland city.

Most of the natural sights I listed above, such as Maungawhau Mount Eden, Auckland Domain and the nearby beaches are all free to enter and enjoy. If you get there on foot or by public transit and pack a picnic lunch, you can have a full day of fun for just a few dollars!

I would also suggest a free walk around Viaduct Harbour to see the city sights. I really loved this area of the city where you could see the water out in front and the big buildings behind you. It reminded me a lot of Yaletown in Vancouver and walking along the Seawall. While the shops and restaurants here are paid, it costs nothing to sit on a bench and admire the view!

You can also check out St Patrick’s Cathedral and the beautiful Ferry Building nearby. For more free sightseeing, I definitely recommend going on a free walking tour!

Other free things you can do in Auckland include visiting the Auckland Art Gallery (currently free for international residents!), The Arts House Trust (entry by donation) and the Auckland Botanic Gardens (free entry).

What to do in Auckland if it’s raining

If it happens to be pouring rain when you’re in Auckland, there’s still lots you can enjoy under cover in the city!

You could spend the entire day at Sky Tower, the 28th tallest building in the world, and Sky City, the entertainment complex next door. You can head up Sky Tower for a nice view and a bite (though if the weather is really nasty, your view might not be that great). Next door at Sky City is where you’ll find Weta Workshop Unleashed (which I raved about above) as well as the All Blacks Experience, a casino and a movie theatre.

We didn’t do the All Blacks Experience when we were in Auckland because we ran out of time, but it looks like a ton of fun! For fans of the All Blacks or rugby, this tour is a no brainer. But even for non-fans, you’ve probably heard of the legendary All Blacks New Zealand rugby team.

The All Blacks Experience includes a 45 minute guided tour to learn all about the history of the All Blacks followed by an interactive zone where you can test your rugby skills and witness an incredible Haka.

Get your tickets to the All Blacks Experience here!

If it’s still raining, I’d also recommend spending a few hours at the Auckland War Memorial Museum (described above) or the Auckland Art Gallery. Of course, you could also grab an umbrella or a rain jacket and brave the elements!

How I would spend 2 days in Auckland

Here’s my suggested itinerary for 2 days in Auckland covering a little bit of all of the travel styles above:

Day 1 in Auckland:

Start your time in Auckland outdoors, which is the best way to get over jet lag and experience a new city. Depending on your fitness level and interest, you could head out on a hike, take in the views from Maungawhau Mount Eden or go beach hopping.

For lunch, take a stroll around Viaduct Harbour to see the city from the waterfront. Choose from any of the delicious and well-rated eateries on the harbour, or head to nearby Harbour Eats for their expansive food court.

In the afternoon, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn more about the incredible city and country you’re visiting. End your day dining out on your favourite cuisine; whatever it is, I’m sure Auckland will have a delicious version.

Day 2 in Auckland:

The next morning, head to Sky City and on your tour of Weta Workshop Unleashed or the All Blacks Experience. Both are fantastic, so just choose the one you’re more interested in. Or get there early and do both!

Just before lunch, board a ferry to Waiheke Island where you’ll spend the rest of the day. Enjoy lunch with a view, wine tasting, shopping for art, and strolling along beaches and forest paths.

Return to Auckland and wrap up your time with one last delicious dinner!

Auckland FAQs:

When is the best time to visit Auckland?

The best time to visit Auckland would be shoulder season – spring or fall. But the good news is there’s no bad time to visit Auckland!

The temperature in Auckland is pleasant all year round, ranging from apx 7-25C (45-77F), and most activities are available throughout the year. Summer (Nov-Jan) will see hotter days with less rain and larger crowds while winter (Jun-Aug) will see cooler days, less sun and smaller crowds. But as Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand (and it’s not close!), expect a decent level of busy-ness all year.

We visited Auckland in April, which is their fall and in the middle of shoulder season. We had one sunny and bright day – so sunny that we had to stop and buy sunscreen for fear of getting burnt – but then experienced an afternoon rainstorm the next day. Crowds seemed manageable at that time of year.

How many days do you need in Auckland?

I think two days in Auckland, New Zealand would be the perfect amount of time. While there’s lots to fill 3+ days in Auckland, two days will allow you to explore the city based on your interests, get a little taste of New Zealand’s urban centre and recover from your international flight.

Truth be told, New Zealand is not known for its cities. That’s not to say that Auckland isn’t great! I really enjoyed Auckland and am glad we spent some time there. But the best part of New Zealand is always going to be out in nature experiencing all of the best fiords, mountains and geothermal parks.

So I wouldn’t recommend more than 2-3 days in Auckland if that means taking away from the rest of your New Zealand North Island itinerary. Of course, if you have many months to spend in Aoteroa, then go ahead and dedicate a week to Auckland!

I also wouldn’t recommend just one day in Auckland or skipping Auckland altogether. Many first time visitors to New Zealand are tempted to skip Auckland or only visit it briefly so they can continue on with their NZ itinerary. I get the temptation! But doing that usually means you’re jumping into a jam packed schedule and driving on the opposite side of the road after 2 days of flying and massive jet lag.

Do your body and your fellow drivers a favour by slowing down, taking a couple of days in Auckland to get your bearings, and then setting out to see the rest of Aotearoa. You won’t regret it!

Auckland accommodation: Where should you stay in Auckland?

We stayed at Parkside Hotel & Apartments Auckland and I highly recommend it for your Auckland visit. We paid $148 NZD ($88 USD) per night for a Deluxe Room in April 2023.

Our room was really nice and spacious with a king bed and view of the city, including the Auckland Sky Tower. The room also had a mini kitchen, complete with a stove, microwave, fridge and small appliances, and a washing machine for laundry. It’d be the perfect place to spend a few days in the city.

Plus, the location was great. We took the SkyDrive Bus from the Auckland Airport, which brings you directly into the city for just $17 NZD ($10 USD) per person. Parkside Hotel was only a 10-15 minute walk from where the bus drops you off at Sky City (which is also where you’ll find Weta Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience) in the heart of Auckland CBD. There were lots of restaurants and shops around, and it was only a 25 minute walk from the hotel to the harbour.

If you have the budget, I think it’d be fun to stay right at Viaduct Harbour with a view over the water. But if you’re looking for a hotel that’s a bit more budget-friendly, still in a good location, and equipped with a mini kitchen and laundry, then I highly recommend Parkside Hotel & Apartments Auckland.

Book your stay at Parkside Hotel here!

Or find your perfect hotel in Auckland below: 

Wrapping up what to do in Auckland, New Zealand

I hope I’ve inspired you to plan what to do in Auckland no matter your interest, age or budget. The city truly has something for everyone and I encourage you to explore it for a few days before you head off on the rest of your New Zealand adventure.

Auckland is the kind of city I could see myself living. It’s got incredible and diverse food, lots to do and tons of nature in the middle of an urban area. As I mentioned above, it really does remind me of Vancouver, so it’s no wonder I felt so at home in Auckland. I hope you enjoy your Auckland visit as much as I did!

Check out where to go after Auckland:

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