Stargrass / Shutterstock
Things To Do in Auckland
Jump to:
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
Auckland Attractions
Auckland Attractions
Auckland’s attractions are as devil-may-care as the locals. You might find yourself leaping from a tower in the morning and waving at sharks in the afternoon. It’s almost a relief to ponder Pacific artefacts in the relative safety of Auckland Museum.
15 Results
- Museum
All Blacks Experience
Even if you don’t watch rugby, you probably know the All Blacks; the sports team is responsible for introducing Māori culture to the world with their famed pre-game haka performances. A new attraction, the immersive All Blacks Experience covers the history of rugby in NZ and its role… - Museum
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
New Zealand’s most important art space, this is the best place to see people stroking their little beards and opining intelligently about what they see in front of them. And what they see is a really pretty impressive collection of more than 15,000 artworks set on four floors:… - Ride
Auckland Bridge Climb & Bungy
Bring on the nerves of steel for Auckland Bridge Climb. Based on the successful Sydney activity, walkers are guided underneath and over the top of Auckland Harbour Bridge. The two-hour hour adventure, operated by heights experts AJ Hackett, begins with a full briefing by a… - Museum
Auckland Museum
This first-rate museum experience gives a marvelous introduction to New Zealand history and culture. Its collection of Māori and Polynesian artifacts is the largest in the world, but it’s just the beginning of the attractions here, part of which is the architecture of the building…Parnell
- Zoo/Aquarium
Auckland Zoo
Within 5 minutes of city high-rises, you can watch and hear Sumatran tigers snarl, lions roar, and monkeys chatter. Over 1,000 birds and animals from every continent make their home in this outstanding parkland, recognized as one of Australasia's leading zoos. It is home to New…Western Springs - Cooking Class
BeesOnline Honey Centre
It would be silly to call this a honey of an excursion, but I'm going to anyway. You'll love this beautifully designed attraction, which reveals the inner workings of a beehive. Set in picturesque countryside beside two small lakes, the modern, eco-friendly center showcases… - Zoo/Aquarium
Butterfly Creek
Just minutes from Auckland International Airport and built over a large wetland, Butterfly Creek delivers more than 800 free-flying tropical butterflies. Complete with waterfalls, ponds, lush foliage, turtles, fish, and exotic birds, it allows you to get up close to stunningly… - Tour
Eden Park Tours
Originally a natural amphitheater formed by a nearby volcano, the hallowed ground of Eden Park stadium is home to the All Blacks, NZ’s national rugby team, and is the largest sports stadium in the country. On this backstage tour, you’ll have the opportunity to go sit in the coach’s… - Zoo/Aquarium
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World
Kiwi diver Kelly Tarlton (who died in 1985) had a big dream. He envisaged an Underwater World where the whole family could make like divers without getting wet: moving along a conveyor belt beneath an acrylic dome while sharks, stingrays, eels, and numerous other species swam… - Museum
Museum of Transport & Technology
Victorian brass-helmeted firemen pedaling around on ancient bikes with hoses attached, bewhiskered gentlemen working at a forge, ladies in period costume doing pioneer things—these are all sights you might see at MOTAT, along with a plethora of planes, trains, automobiles, and an…Western Springs - Museum
New Zealand Maritime Museum
Formerly known as simply the National Maritime Museum, the giant, white form of KZ1 marks the entrance to this superlative museum of the sea. Voyagers covers Polynesian migrations and the arrival of European settlers, plus it takes an intriguing look at the place of boats in modern…$$Viaduct Harbour - Theme Park
Rainbow's End Theme Park
This is New Zealand's premier adventure playground, with 9 hectares (22 acres) devoted to crazy rides and attractions for children. For those under 10, there's a Kidz Kingdom with its own miniature versions of grown-up rides such and a carousel. Older kids will scream their lungs out… - Landmark
Sky Tower
At 328m (1,076 ft.), the Sky Tower is the tallest manmade structure in the southern hemisphere, affording views over the sprawling mass of Auckland. It has two observation decks, including a glass lift and glass floor panels. Access to the observation decks is by three glass-fronted… - Sports Venue
Snowplanet
This is one of the largest indoor snow resorts in the world and the first snowdome in Australasia. Which means guaranteed snow here 365 days of the year. Snowplanet features three lifts, a terrain park, a separate learners’ area, and a snow tubing park and was fully refurbished in… - Attraction/Museum
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
From secret doorways, to a mini house of horrors, to getting miniaturized in “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” fashion, Wētā Workshop’s new-in-2021 attraction is 90-minutes of non-stop interactive fun. The special effects company is best known for the Lord of the Rings franchise, but its…
More About Auckland Attractions
Auckland Shopping
Shopping in Auckland
Bargains! Our favourite shops in Auckland are groaning with them. Pick up fresh, cheap veges from vibrant local markets and bag funky cut-price Pacific t-shirts in clothing mega-stores. You might even be left with enough small change to sample chilli-lime chocolate or splurge on local art.
30 Results
- Gifts
Askew
Bright, colorful, and full of surprises, this is the place to find the perfect gift for someone who has almost everything—except perhaps Alessi salt and pepper shakers, a Mont Blanc pen, or Mandarina Duck luggage. International design brands are the focus, so you may do better,…Newmarket - Art
Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tamaki)
This is New Zealand’s premier art gallery, home to one of the most important collections of European Old Masters in the South Pacific. Not long ago it completed a NZ$113 million extension. The design, by Australia’s Richard Francis-Jones with Auckland architects Archimedia has made…Around Town - Antiques
Baran de Bordeaux
Bordeaux native Chrystelle Baran is the owner of this exquisite store and, not surprisingly, she concentrates on Gallic goods. The store, which sometimes feels more like a museum, sells imported 17th- and 19th-century French antiques and decorative pieces including eye-popping…Parnell City Farmers’ Market
Those who aren't here to buy the fixings for dinner (fresh fruits and vegetables, artisinal breads and cheeses, you name it) come for the famed mussel fritters, pastries, piping hot crepes and other grazeable snacks. It's a fun place to explore, even if you don't have a kitchen in…Britomart- Food
Devonport Chocolates
Biting through crisp chocolate and sinking your teeth into a decadent truffle is one of life’s finer pleasures, and you’ll have plenty of flavor choices in this sweet mecca. Luxury handcrafted chocolates, truffle logs and boxed gourmet gifts, all made across the water in Devonport,…Ponsonby - Gifts
Essenze
New Zealand furniture designer David Trubridge exhibits with the best designers in the world in Milan, Sao Paulo and New York City—and at this crisp, colorful store that specializes in top New Zealand design. Other NZ stars sold here include Garry Nash (his exquisite glass pieces)…Parnell - Jewelry
Fingers
Dazzling handcrafted, contemporary, art-inspired jewelry fill the cabinets and drawers at Fingers. You may find pieces inspired by sea shells, seed pods, a native tree, some odd domestic item, a postage stamp, even a twig. The results are always startling and inevitably gorgeous.Around Town - Art
Gow Langsford Gallery
Since 1987 John Gow and Gary Langsford have been scouting the New Zealand art scene to find the best and brightest that the country has to offer. Today, their gallery is the gold standard for Kiwi art. Even if you can't afford to buy any of the art here, visiting offers and…Around Town - Clothing
Great Classics
This little boutique store overflows with the best international kids’ brands, from Little Marc Jacob to Armani and DKNY. Boys and girls alike will come out looking very classy.Parnell - Souvenirs
Great New Zealand Shop
This huge souvenir shop stocks all the usual stuff from mass-produced jade and bone pendants, paua jewelry, and T-shirts to an extensive selection of New Zealand-made chocolates and beauty products. If you’ve left souvenir hunting to the last minute you can get it done in one fell…Around Town - Housewares & Furniture
Harrowset Hall
If you want to sleep chic, head to this primo linens and accessory store. Harrowset Hall carries top quality sheets and exquisite floral quilts, plus snazzy nightwear and soft dressing gowns for good measure.Newmarket - Fashion
Karen Walker
NZ native is now a regular on the runways of London, Milan and Tokyo, but you'll pick up her designs for (slightly) less money in her home country. It's all wonderfully wearable, tailored to flatter and versatile. Buy a design from Ms. Walker and you'll find that it will work equally…Newmarket - Art
Masterworks
Both Australian and Kiwi artists and artisans show their work here, and it's of a high quality. We've been particularly impressed, of late, with the selection of jewelry, ceramics and glass vases.Ponsonby - Antiques
Murdoch McLennan
Murdoch Mclennan (even the name sounds old fashioned) sells top quality British antiques—everything from handsome tea sets and paintings to ornate sideboards, chairs, elegant tables, and quirky collectibles.Parnell - Gifts
Native Agent
Maori-themed but very contemporary items: that's what on sale here, and it comes from a pool of New Zealand's top up–and–coming designers. Along with clothing for men, women and children, you'll fine stunning throw pillows, ceramics, jewelry, lighting, furniture, and a host of other…Kingsland - Housewares & Furniture
Nest
Nest, as you might have guessed is for nesting. It always has a wonderful range of color-coordinated tableware that has many shoppers drooling. Its glassware (very handsome!) is availble at great prices too, along with all the kitchen essentials like tea towels, wooden chopping…Newmarket - Food
Nosh Metro
Don’t shop here when you're feeling hungry or you’ll end up spending far too much money. Temptations abound—fresh cheeses, bread, meats, seafood, pastas, coffee, vegetables, and a host of imported ingredients from around the globe. That being said, it's a primo place to load up your…Ponsonby Otara Market
An outdoor market like no other in New Zealand, this one showcases Auckland’s Polynesian and, increasingly, Asian cultures. Stalls bulge with tapa cloth, flax baskets, weaving, exotic island foods, vegetables, fruits and much more. Well worth visiting.Otara- Food
Pandoro Panetteria
This authentic Italian bakery carries a wide range of picnic items, along with traditional cookies and pastries. Its a fun place to grab a quick meal or snack.Parnell - Bookstores
Parsons Bookshop
This fab independent bookstore was started in 1975 by Roger and Helen Parsons, who still stock the shelves with an impressive range of art, fashion, architecture, and art theory titles. They also have a very good selection of New Zealand, Maori, and Pacific books, and beautiful…Around Town - Gifts
Pauanesia
A specialist in indigenous New Zealand goods, we especially love the huge range of colorful Kiwiana tea towels on sale here. There’s also a massive range of jewelry (including hand-carved pounamu blue stone jewelry), toys, cushions and ornaments, all taking their color cues from the…Around Town - Art
Sanderson Contemporary Art
This gallery focuses on supporting new and emerging New Zealand artists so you’ll find some highly creative works (paintings, prints, sculptures, mixed media, photography) at incredibly good prices.Parnell Smith & Caughey
The oldest department store in Auckland (it was founded in 1880), rumors that its basement and sixth floor are haunted don't stop shoppers from swarming this place in search of high-end booty. In addition to a top-notch perfume department the store carries quality men’s and women’s…Around Town- Souvenirs
Texan Art Schools
Despite the odd name, this colorful store stocks predominantly New Zealand-made ceramics, jewelry, toys, photography, art, paintings, and small sculptures. Helpful, friendly staff are happy to gift-wrap your purchase and make sure it’s safe for overseas travel.Ponsonby - Souvenirs
The Poi Room
This shop is proof positive that the traditional Maori tiki has undergone a massive renaissance as a design symbol. It’s incorporated into everything from paintings to tea towels to jewelry boxes. This is the place to come if you want a unique item, of the type that could only be…Newmarket - Bookstores
Unity Books
We love Unity for not only for their ability to source unique and obscure books, but also for their knowledgable staff, who make terrific suggestions. They stock everything from philosophical and scientific nonfiction to a wonderland of international fiction.High Street - Food
Valentino’s Gelato
Set in the historic, 100-year-old ferry building, Valentino's has just the treat you need if you want to just kick back and watch the ferries come and go for a while. Over 50 flavors are offerred, some quite unusual (like Turkish Delight, Jam Donut and "New Zealand Hokey Pokey").$In the Ferry Building - Fashion
WORLD
We adore the sometimes startling surprises you get with WORLD clothes: unexpected fabric combinations, a burst of color in a jacket lining, a clash of vibrant shades. Established in 1989 by Francis Hooper and Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, they’re all about flouting expectations and…Ponsonby - Fashion
Zambesi
Zambesi founder Elisabeth Findlay takes a highly intellectual approach to fashion, creating sculptured garments that take style to the next level. Knitwear plays an important part in her collections, which have been enthusiastically received in Paris, Milan and other leading world…Ponsonby kikki.K
Colorful, beautifully coordinated, and classy stationery from Sweden is on sale here, but that's not all. Everything photo albums to file boxes, to cute boxes, to diaries, notebooks, and a host of other goodies are also on sale.Newmarket
Auckland Nightlife
Auckland Nightlife
Auckland nightlife is nothing if not diverse. Thick walls of ice keep the drinks (and customers) chilled in one bar while outrageous drag queens set the dance floor alight in another. Sale Street is an ale lover's paradise, with its own micro-brewery and Auckland's biggest beer garden.
17 Results
- Performing Arts Venue
Auckland Town Hall
One Auckland’s best-known historic buildings (it's a beaut) regularly hosts a wide range of performances from symphonic music to blues, funk, jazz, and soul concerts. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia are often the star attractions.Around Town - Wine bar
Bellota
This is a handsome, dark, super-cool, expensive, sensuously modern take on a Spanish tapas bar. Diners sit at wooden tables noshing on chef Peter Gordon's excellent small plates and sangria, and, often, making new friends. Bellota is sophisticated, elegant, and a great way to start…$$Around Town - Coffee Houses
Café Melba
This small cafe is very popular for its excellent coffee and good food. We also appreciate the convivial vibe here. This is likely one of the best places in the city to strike up a conversation with a local.$$Around Town - Bars & Pubs
Chapel
Primo bar snacks—especially thin-crust pizzas—and live music attract crowds that overflow onto the sidewalk at this neighborhood institution.$$Ponsonby - Jazz
Dogs Bollix
This is one of the city’s premium music venues showcasing the best homegrown talent along with international pop, rock Celtic, folk, and blues talent. And if that weren't enough, Dogs Bollix serves outstanding pub food and good ale to boot.Newton - Gay & Lesbian Bars
Family Bar
Hot DJ's keep the handsome 20-somethings gyrating well-into the night at this ever popular bar. On some nights, a drag show starts the festivities.$Newton - Gay & Lesbian Bars
Kamo
Kamo is one of the liveliest gay bars in town, thanks to its popular karaoke nights and drag queen shows. Dress to impress and come out and meet the local hotties.Newton - Jazz
Kings Arms
One of New Zealand's top live rock-n’-roll venues, the King's Arms hosts both international acts and local faves. They offer live shows inside several nights a week and in the large garden bar on Sunday afternoons.Newton - Coffee Houses
Kokako Café
Crisp, fresh salads, excellent sandwiches and, of course, coffee are the lures here. See if you can get a table on the street so you can watch the world stroll by as you nosh.$$Parnell - Bars & Pubs
Mac's Brewbar, Northern Steamship Company Brew Bar
Welcome to what was once the headquarters of the Northern Steamship Company, some 135 years ago. Today, it's a bar but it still sits on the atmospheric wharf-side edge of Britomart. Those who come to down a pint of ale, end up marveling at the funky lighting on the ceiling—dozens of…Around Town - Bars & Pubs
Nuffield Street Brewbar
Beers the king here, so don't expect a long wine list. Still, if you feel like some tasty suds, this is a classy, chandelier-lit place in which to down 'em. Warning: Nutfield's is VERY popular with the after-work crowd, so come before 5 or after 7:30 to get a seat.$$Nuffield Street - Bars & Pubs
Racket
With a tagline like "Auckland's most expensive fire hazard", you know you're going to have fun at this happening, relaxed watering hole. Racket is known for its tasty (and sometimes lethal) cocktails; many are rum-base, as Racket carries over 85 bottles of the stuff from all over the…Britomart - Bars & Pubs
SPQR
This Ponsonby institution is favored by both gay and straight—and a lot of members of the local media. Such cocktails as the Horny Monkey and the Slapper set the tone for wild nights and good times.$$$Ponsonby - Bars & Pubs
Sale Street
This mega-nightspot has a number of party places from a restaurant and yakitori bar to live music stages, private bars,a microbrewery, and huge outdoor decks. The merriment lasts well into the wee hours and sometimes it's turned up a notch, thanks to theme nights (when comedians are…$$Freeman's Bay - Gay & Lesbian Bars
Urge
For the "bear" crowd: if you're rugged and masculine, you should fit in just fine. If you're not, be sure to wear leather. Urge has been an integral part of the Auckland gay scene since 1997.Newton - Performing Arts Venue
Vector Arena
The big-name music acts play here, along with major sporting events, touring theater, and exhibitions. It’s Auckland’s best arena, a world-class, multiple purpose venue.Parnell - Jazz
Wine Cellar
This bohemian, slightly underground, grungy student type of place is hugely popular. You’ll get indie rock, live or recorded, with a bit of blues, jazz, country, and pop thrown in for good measure.Newton
