Some of the best things to do in Auckland highlight its vibrant Maori community, waterfront seafood restaurants and bars, as well as a dazzling skyline. Nestled in a bay on the North Island, the city faces the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea.

What Auckland lacks in natural wonder tourist attractions — no small feat in nature-rich New Zealand — it more than makes up for with manmade sightseeing attractions and a truly vibrant sense of life that illuminates many of the city's interesting spaces. From catching a rugby match at Eden Park to taking a tour of the famous Town Hall building, we’ve gathered some of the many things Auckland is most famous for in this convenient list.

What are the best things to do in Auckland? 

  • 1

    Auckland Town Hall

    Catch a show by the famous Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

    Auckland Town Hall
    • Couples
    • History
    • Luxury
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    The Auckland Town Hall is known for neo-Renaissance façade crowned by a working clock tower. Take a picture of its impressive stained-glass windows and spectacular chandeliers. Featuring superb acoustics, the building is also the principal concert venue for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

    The theatre-style Great Hall can accommodate over 1500 people, and hosts New Zealand's largest pipe organs. Guided tours are available 5 days a week, and tickets can be purchased online. The Auckland Town Hall is about 750 metres southwest of Albert Park in downtown Auckland.

    Location: Queen St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

    Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm (closed on weekends)

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    photo by Bob Linsdell (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Queen Street

    Retail therapy has never been so satisfying

    Queen Street
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    Queen Street runs the length of Auckland from Queens Wharf, where it meets the sparkling Auckland waterfront, and covers several miles uphill to the residential suburbs of the city.

    Spend the day shopping here, where you’ll find all of the major retailers and options for just about every budget. At night, Queen Street lights up thanks to colour-changing, LED-powered trees at every corner. Hotels and transport interchanges, including ferries, are located on or near Queen Street as well.

    Location: Queen Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

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    photo by Krzysztof Golik (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Eden Park

    Watch a rugby match at a world-famous stadium

    Eden Park
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    No visit to Auckland would be complete without a thumping rugby match or a quieter but no less competitive game of international cricket. The vaults of the arena rise in the south-western suburbs of Auckland and roars from the crowds during game nights can be heard for miles around.

    Eden Park is most notably remembered for hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final, and welcomes thousands of international fans per year. Tickets are available for purchase both online and at the door.

    Location: Reimers Ave, Kingsland, Auckland 1024, New Zealand

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    photo by Simon Lieschke (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Awhitu Lighthouse

    A picture-perfect lighthouse overlooking the Tasman Sea

    Awhitu Lighthouse
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    At Awhitu Lighthouse, you can enjoy a stunning sunset in the Awhitu Peninsula, just a short drive away from Auckland proper. The historic lighthouse looks out to the Tasman Sea, which is often frequented by dolphins and old ships making their way out of New Zealand. Visiting the lighthouse is free, but donations are welcomed. You can find the donation box inside the lighthouse, below the stairs.

    Location: 759 Manukau Heads Rd, Huia, Manukau Heads 2684, New Zealand

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +64 9-235 1458

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    photo by russellstreet (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Auckland Domain

    Find a beautiful photo-op in the city’s oldest park

    Auckland Domain
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    Auckland Domain is one of the city's most popular municipal parks. Resting in an ancient volcano crater, this enamours park is home to a variety of walking trails, shady resting points, and beautiful photo-ops.

    Many of the city’s outdoor events take place here, such as Christmas Carols and performances by the New Zealand Symphony. The Domain is an ideal place for summer picnics and leisurely strolls.

    Location: Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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  • 6

    Aotea Square

    Enjoy an outdoor festival or shop at the weekly farmer’s market

    Aotea Square
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
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    Aotea Square is located in the very centre of downtown Auckland, and is used for political rallies, outdoor festivals, concerts and other public events. Numerous artworks and sculptures dot the square, which is popular with just about everyone, from musicians and buskers to office workers at lunch. 

    Aotea Square’s spacious and open-air space allows for weekly farmer’s markets to take place here as well, where you’ll be able to find plenty of fresh fruit, unique clothing, and local art.

    Location: 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

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    photo by Krzysztof Golik (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 7

    Waitemata Harbour

    Enjoy a meal with a view

    Waitemata Harbour
    • Couples
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    Stunning sunset views across the water to Mount Victoria are one of the many appeals of the Auckland waterfront, which is loaded with scores of seafood restaurants, lookout points and promenades. Waitemata Harbour is known for its killer sushi spots, as well as Asian-inspired eateries.

    If you’re a fan of hiking, the Chelsea Estate Heritage Park is less than 1 km away from Waitemata Harbour. There are plenty of trails to suit any fitness level – you might even be able to spot exotic and native birds, such as the New Zealand wood pigeon, piwakawaka, harrier, and blackbird.

    Location: Victoria St W, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

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    photo by Harveychl (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 8

    Sky Tower

    Superb views of the Auckland skyline and volcano-dotted surrounds

    Sky Tower
    • Families
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    The Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in Auckland, being the tallest manmade structure in the southern hemisphere. It offers incredible panoramic views from its 328-metre height – you can take a glass-fronted elevator up to one of 3 viewing platforms. Refreshments are available at Sky Lounge and Orbit 360 (the tower’s revolving restaurant).

    For a more daring Sky Tower experience, try strolling on the SkyWalk, a 1.2-metre-wide open-air walkway that surrounds the tower at 192 metres. Alternatively, attempt a SkyJump off the tower at a speed of 85 km/h. Note that extra charges apply for these thrilling activities.

    Location: Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +64 9 363 6000

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  • 9

    The Civic

    This theatre was featured in Peter Jackson's film, King Kong

    The Civic
    • Couples
    • Families

    The Civic is a luxurious atmospheric hall that gives the illusion of being an outdoor amphitheatre. Built in 1929 and reopened at the turn of the millennium, the concert venue features a royal blue roof dotted with twinkling stars (a recreation of the  southern celestial hemisphere), as well as an Indian-themed foyer and opulent bars.

    This 1920s theatre showcases just about everything, from plays and symphonies, to modern music concerts and movies. There are also plenty of eating and drinking options at The Civic, so get there early if you’d like to enjoy a drink before the show.

    Location: 269–287 Queen Street, Corner Queen Street & Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand

    Open: Box office: 90 minutes prior to a performance

    Phone: +64 9-309 2677

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  • 10

    Karangahape Road

    Check out Auckland’s nightlife and café street

    Karangahape Road
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    Karangahape Road, invariably known as K-Road, is the heart of Auckland's nightlife and café scene. Spend one of your first days here to get a feel for what the city is all about, or find budget hotels in the side streets off K-Road, which enjoys friendly competition with Ponsonby as the key nightlife district of Auckland. 

    This popular road is dotted with contemporary art galleries, high fashion and vintage clothing, over 100 eateries offering world cuisine, and a lively nightlife scene.

    Location: Karangahape Road, Auckland, New Zealand

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Fiorella Bertola | Contributing Writer