Unusual and fun things to do in Auckland, New Zealand
Last updated on July 12th, 2026 at 04:30 am
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Auckland, known as the city of sails, has a mass to offer someone that decides to spend some time based in the city – think volcanoes, islands, beaches, adrenaline rush activities, wineries, wildlife and more. Auckland has it all on offer! Its worth spending some time here before you go and explore the rest of New Zealand, and it has plenty to offer for a long weekend stay too!
I’m going to start with some of the better known but fun and adventurous things to do in Auckland, and then for those of you that want to give it a bit more time, or just want to mix it up a bit, I will let you in on some more unusual things to do in Auckland – along with the locals!
Contents
Fun and adventurous things to do in Auckland – the City of Sails
- Adventure and adrenaline in Auckland
- City and culture – key things to do in Auckland
- Wine, Water and Island fun in Auckland
- Hikes, wildlife and nature in Auckland
- Full day trips from Auckland – farming, Hobbiton, and glow worms!
- Unusual things to do in Auckland – the City of Sails
Auckland Mini Itinerary (2-3 Days)
Frequently Asked Questions about Auckland
Trip Planning Checklist
These are the booking platforms I personally use for all my travels. If you book through these affiliate links, it helps support this site and keeps me producing free travel guides – at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for the support! Cheers!
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith and in NZ always check Bookme as it has good discounts on many attractions. These are some highly recommended tours:
- Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour
- Rangitoto Island: Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip
- Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets
- Private Auckland West Coast Tour Piha Beach and Karekare Falls
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Fun and adventurous things to do in Auckland – the City of Sails
I split this section up into more sections because there is plenty to do in Auckland. Unfortunately most people skip by Auckland and miss out on what it has to offer – especially on its wild west coast and the beautiful islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Read on and see what appeals to you!
- adventure and adrenaline
- city and culture
- wine, water and island fun
- hikes, wildlife and nature
- day trips worth doing!
- unusual things to do in Auckland – the City of Sails
Adventure and adrenaline in Auckland
1. Jump off the Auckland Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding building in the city. You can go just for the views – and they are great city views. Or, you can get an adrenaline rush while you are there! Either do the Sky Walk or the Sky jump – or do both with a combo ticket.
The Sky Tower SkyJump is pretty wild! Its the highest bungy jump in New Zealand -192 meters (630 feet) so should definitely get your adrenaline pumping!
The Sky Tower SkyWalk is also pretty wild. Walk around the tower on on a 1.2m (7ft) wide platform with no handrails at 192 meters (630ft) high above the city!!
You can also buy a SkyJump & SkyWalk Combo ticket – i mean if you are going to do it you might as well do it all!
Note: Don’t forget to check Bookme for deals on any of these activities – they do come up and can save you quite a lot of $$$!
2. Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge
The Auckland Harbour Bridge opened in 1959 and is an excellent example of an older generation of steel truss cantilever bridges! It gives you great views of the city and harbor – even when you are just driving. But much better when you have the time to walk / climb the bridge! Its and easy climb and suitable for almost anyone. give it a go!
PS – you can walk across the bridge too if you prefer that!
3. Go canyoning
Maybe jumping is not for you but canyoning can give you that adrenalin rush too – with your feet almost firmly on the ground! Go on the Auckland Canyoning Rainforest Adventure and you will be abseiling/rappelling under waterfalls and jumping into natural rock pools. Highly recommended!!
4. Freefall in a wild Skydive!
Maybe you want a major rush – skydiving is the answer for most! Book a 13000, 16000, or 18000-Foot Tandem Skydive and get great views of the city and islands as a bonus to your adrenaline rush! 5-stars over 1500 reviews – its got to be good!
5. Jet boat in the harbour
A ‘thrilling” way to see Auckland and its harbor is on a crazy high-speed jet boat ride. When in Auckland I think its an absolute must to get out on the water and this way you get your adrenaline as well as the sights!
6. Take a scenic flight or helicopter tour
There are a few cool options here – try Coast to Coast over Auckland, or, fly over to Waiheke and have a fabulous 3-course meal and premium winetasting! Go on a small plane or helicopter – the choice is yours. They are all highly rated and the only thing you have to do is decide which is right for you!
7. Zip through the treetops on a zipline – or two or three
Out on beautiful Waiheke Island (more on it later) is a great ziplining experience. There are three lines which soar over vineyards and forest. Jump on a ferry and have fun. But I do recommend you explore Waiheke a bit while you are there – preferably stay a night!
Note: Don’t forget to check Bookme for deals on any of these activities as well – they do come up especially for the skydiving and can save you quite a lot of $$$!
City and culture – key things to do in Auckland
Walk, bike or take a seat – there are plenty of ways to see the highlights of Auckland city and get your bearings before you get onto the adventure and nature things…
1. Take a tour of the city to get your bearings and see the key sights
I think this is a great way to start your visit to Auckland. You will see the key sights and learn a bit about the city. Then you can choose to spend the rest of your time on whatever interests you most. There are plenty of options for city tours – from buses to biking and walking but these are some top options:
Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour (great value)
Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour (highly rated)
Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats (very highly rated)
And if you want to bike…..
The Classic: the most popular electric bike tour of Auckland’s Highlights
The Inside Loop: See Auckland’s Coolest Neighbourhoods
2. Experience the iconic NZ sport – rugby and the All Blacks
The iconic haka before every rugby game the All Blacks play is well known around the world. And rugby is the sports obsession in New Zealand! So its pretty NZ-iconic to get to a game or to learn a bit about the sport! This All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour will having you knowing it all!
3. Walk around the volcanoes in the city
Auckland is built on a lot of volcanoes! And you really should walk around at least one when you are in the city. The easiest and most impressive is the Mt Eden volcano where you can walk around the cone and also get great views out to Rangitoto Island in the harbor! It is easy to get to on your own (using the AllTrails link above) and free to wander and take in the views. But you can see more than one volcano – and learn about the city on this Half-Day Auckland Volcanoes Tour.
4. See the sails in the City of Sails – check out the Viaduct
The Viaduct is a small harbor in the city center where you can watch the action on the water while eating a meal at one of the many restaurants. Personally I would rather get out on the water in one of the activities in this post, but if you are looking for somewhere to eat with something to see it is a good option. It is close to Princes Wharf where the ferries to other parts of Auckland and the islands leave from.
5. Learn about local culture at the Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum is worth visiting if you want to learn about the history of NZ and the Māori culture. There are also Māori performances you can see here which is worth doing if you are only visiting Auckland. You can buy a Māori Cultural Experience & Auckland Museum General Admission.
6. Wander in the Domain and its Wintergardens
The Auckland Museum is located in “The Domain” which is a lovely large park with everything from formal gardens to a fernery and native bush to explore. A highlight is the Wintergardens – two lovely glasshouses full of flowers! My favorite walk in the park though, is the Lovers Walk which starts opposite the ponds near the intersection between Domain Drive and Lovers Lane! You can see the path on AllTrails although its not yet set as a trail
7. Discover 18,000 pieces of fine international and national art Auckland Art Gallery
The Auckland Art Gallery may not be the Louvre but it does have extensive collections of historic and contemporary New Zealand art and some significant Māori and Pacific Island works. Key NZ artists on display are Rita Angus, Colin McCahon, and Frances Hodgkins.
You will also see some internationally famous works by the likes of Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, August Rodin, and Henri Matisse. It is an impressive building and it is worth seeing what exhibitions they have on as they do get some really good international ones!
8. Take in Auckland city views from the Sky Tower
Apart from all the adrenaline activities – the SkyJump and SkyWalk, you can just go up the Sky Tower for the views – and of course a meal too! Its a great way to see the city from on high!
This is a Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket without all the adrenaline thrills!
9. Swim, walk, or just enjoy relaxing on the city beaches
Auckland has plenty of beaches – even right in the city. there are some beautiful ones a bit further out from the central area and on Waiheke Island, plus of course the wild west coast beaches.
But right here in Auckland, you can join the locals enjoying the city center beaches – notably Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers beaches. The lovely waterfront walk is from the city center at Queens Wharf, along the coastline and Tamaki Drive to these beaches.
You can swim, sunbathe, walk, and dine at any of them! You also pass Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium as you walk if that is something you would enjoy!
10. Get creative with special effects at Weta Workshops in Auckland
If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you will probably want to go to Hobbiton (more on that below in the day trips section) and to Weta Workshops in Wellington if you are going there (where it all happened).
But if you just want to see what goes on at Weta Workshops – the world famous creators of the special effects, prop-making, armour, and costumes for film, television, and gaming – notably Lord of the Rings and Avatar, then this is for you!
It is and interactive experience called Wētā Workshop Unleashed and focuses on hands-on, fictional horror, fantasy, and sci-fi film effects, rather than solely showcasing props from past films! Book a Wētā Workshop Unleashed Guided Tour Ticket.
Wine, Water and Island fun in Auckland
There is plenty off water in Auckland and plenty of beaches and fun to go with it. You will see there are two more ‘famous’ islands – Rangitoto and Waiheke and an up and coming one – Tiritiri Matangi Island. (Read more about Rangitoto and Tiritiri Matangi Islands in the next section – Hikes, wildlife and nature). But there are plenty of lesser known islands too as you will find out.
These are some of the key and iconic things you can do on the water and in the islands in Auckland – note there is more in the next section with dolphin and whale watching!:
1. Relax at a winery or two on Waiheke Island
Waiheke is a ferry ride away from Auckland city center and it is known for its beauty and its easy access to wineries. So when in Auckland – and especially in the summer, this is a very pleasant ‘thing to do.’ The problem is there are so many options – but these are the most highly rated. I don’t envy you choosing one!!
- The Boutique Experience: Waiheke Island Best Cellar Tour
- Waiheke Wine Tour: Four Vineyards, Local Guides, One Great Day
- Waiheke island Wine Tours – PREMIUM wine tasting MAX 11 clients
- Afternoon Wine Affair: Luxury Waiheke Wine & Dining Experience
- Waiheke Island Wine and Food Tasting with Flights
2. Enjoy the beaches and wine on Waiheke
There is more to Waiheke than wine however!! The beaches are lovely and there are plenty of great restaurants too. The Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus stops at a mix of the top vineyards, restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches and nature walks! Its a great way to get around and see the island and what it has to offer. And don’t forget the ziplining mentioned in the Adrenaline section above!
Note – it is expensive to take a car to Waiheke so this is a good option for getting around!
3. Americas Cup sailing
You get to sail on a genuine America’s Cup yacht in the harbor – where the races took place when they were here. And if you want to you can have a turn at the helm and sail it yourself! Book the America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience on Waitemata Harbour!
4. Kayak – day or night
You have a lot of fun kayaking options and I can’t recommend one over the other. As I have had access to my own kayak I have to also point you to the reviews to make your decision – but all are really good.
- First – you can kayak to and hike up the Rangitoto Island volcano on this Rangitoto Island: Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip
- Then there is a Sea Kayak Tour to Browns Island (Motukorea) – another volcano and much less visited!
- And another (very well preserved) and less visited volcanic island on this Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour to Motukorea Island
- And then there are the night tours! Try this Auckland City Lights Night Kayaking Tour, or, this Night Kayak Tour in Glowing Bioluminescent Waters
Sooooo much fun!!
Hikes, wildlife and nature in Auckland
There is plenty to do here in Auckland. Apart from these five options, check out No 1 in the unusual things to do – it should be considered too!
1. Climb “that” volcanic island – Rangitoto
Maybe more sweat than adrenaline but fun and interesting for sure. You can take a ferry out to the island that dominates the Auckland views – Rangitoto Island. Then get your hiking shoes on and walk to the top of the volcano for great views across to Auckland city – all while you are taking in the experience of walking on a volcano and through the world’s largest Pohutukawa forest! AllTrails has maps for both the Rangitoto Island Summit Track and for the alternative option – the Rangitoto Island Loop.
One alternative, and fabulous, option is to go under your own steam on a kayak – on this Rangitoto Island: Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip!
2. Visit the wild west – Muriwai and its gannet colony
If you have a car you can drive out to Muriwai Beach, walk the beaches, watch the surfers, and see the gannet colony. For an extended walk take a look at this trail. But you can just walk up and around the gannet colony without the extra bits!
If you don’t have a car and do have an interest in wine then this Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland is going to suit you perfectly!
3. Visit the wild west – Piha and waterfalls
Once again, if you have a car, you can go and explore on your own. Piha is a wild surf beach, much like Muriwai, and is famous for its Lion Rock and wild woolly feeling and views. There are some great walks you can combine with a visit to the beach. I highly recommend the Kitekite Falls walk, and the Mercer Bay Loop Walk! Make sure you wear good walking shoes and bring something to swim in if you go to the Kitekite Falls!
If you don’t have a car, do not worry, you will have a great time and learn a lot more from your guide if you go on one of these extremely highly rated tours to the wild west:
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
- Private Auckland West Coast Tour Piha Beach and Karekare Falls
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland
- There are also lots of options on GetYour Guide
4. Spend a day at Tiri
The North Island has some of the best bird watching sites in the country (if not the best) – and one of those places is right here in Auckland – Tiritiri Matangi Island. Here you can see birds like the North Island Saddleback (tieke), Hihi (stitchbird), Tūī, Bellbird (korimako), Whitehead (pōpokotea), South Island Takahe, Kererū (wood pigeon), and Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki). The endangered Takahe is also often seen near the visitor center.
Get the Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry from the Auckland Viaduct and spend a peaceful day enjoying the bird life.
If you are interested in birds of NZ you can learn more in “Bird watching in New Zealand – where to find 30 weird and wonderful birds” but you honestly will see plenty if you go to Tiri!
5. Relax on the water dolphin and whale watching
Spend a half day on the harbor looking for dolphins, whales, penguins, seabirds and seals. Of course it is nature so nothing is guaranteed but the success rate of seeing dolphins or whales is high!
6. See the local magical glow worms
You can do a day trip to Waitomo to see the famous glow worm cave there, but right here in the center of Auckland are some local glow worms. Your guide will tell you everything about glow worms and you can get up close and personal with them and their pretty lights in the native bush on this Inner-City Glowworm Experience in an Ancient Volcano!
6. Try some of the city hikes…..
There are plenty of walking options in Auckland itself, and in the surrounding area. Read about The 12 best walks in Auckland city! And very close by, if you have a car, are 13 beautiful walks close to Auckland not to miss.
Full day trips from Auckland – farming, Hobbiton, and glow worms!
Another thing you can do is a longer day trip and see some of our farming life, the Waitomo Caves and /or Hobbiton. I don’t recommend going further than that in a day (eg to Rotorua – too much driving time), but these three are good options to consider:
1. Experience the rural farming life
You could say the heart and soul of the North Island is in its farming life – its the biggest traditional industry in the country and the North Island is the place to experience it. You can do that right from Auckland – as well as have see many of the sights of the city as you go on this highly rated Sheep Shearing and Auckland City Highlights Tour with Lunch!
2. See the magical glow worm lights at the Waitomo Caves
You can see the glow worms in the city as you will have read above, but if you really want to see the huge amount of glow worms in the famous Waitomo caves, then you can. I do recommend combining it with a visit to Hobbiton, Hamilton Gardens, or the Otorohanga kiwi bird house if you are going! These are all very highly rated options:
- Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland
- Waitomo Glowworms, Kiwi Bird, Lunch & Hamilton Gardens
- Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch
3. Visit Middle Earth at Hobbiton
If you are a Lord of the Rings fan – or jut want to see Hobbiton in all its cuteness, then this is another great option. Again, if you are not a die-hard fan that wants the full day there, try and combine it with a visit to the Hamilton Gardens or Waitomo! These are very highly rated options:
- Hobbiton Movie Set and Hamilton Gardens Small Group-from Auckland
- Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch
- Private Hobbiton Behind the Scenes Tour Day Trip from Auckland
And now onto some more unusual things to do in this city – for those of you with more time or wanting something a bit different!
Unusual things to do in Auckland – the City of Sails
1. Camp with the locals on Motuihe Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf
Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf is good for walking, swimming, camping, wildlife, and general beach lazing! You will find local kiwis on boats there in the summer, but few, if any tourists as its not often visited because of the more famous islands like Rangitoto and Waiheke! However, it is a pest-free island, giving you a great chance to see wildlife like kiwi (at night) and tuatara (in the sun in summer), especially if you camp in summer. Book a Motuihe Island Ferry Ticket.
2. Have fun touring on a Segway in Auckland
Just for fun – go Segway around the a nice part of the city – Devonport. There are a few options and you will have fun getting to the viewpoints of the city and harbor. Note also you can combine this with no 3 below for a good time out!
3. Check out the music at the Bunker – and take a walk to North Head while youre there!
The Bunker is literally an old military bunker on Mt Victoria in Devonport, Auckland. It is the home of the Devonport Folk Music Club, and has been since the 1970s. The views to the city from here are great too. To get there take a ferry from the city, and then walk. This AllTrails map takes you to the North Head as well as Mt Victoria – both have great views. You can check out what is on at the Bunker here.
4. Look for the street art – fun utility boxes and murals
There is plenty of street art in Auckland too. The utility boxes are often painted with fun things and of course there are murals. Check the NZ Outdoor Art website for the locations and look for them as you walk the city. The website is fantastic as it has the locations, artist, and a photo of each piece of art
5. Eat at the night markets
There’s this cool thing in Auckland called the Night Markets. Basically the market is in a different place in the suburbs each night. But it is a fun thing to go to because you can get all kinds of Pacifica, Asian, European, fusion and kiwi gourmet to staple food. You will see a real mix of the cultures here and get some great food too. Get out into the suburbs!
6. Walk in the pink
Just for fun, there is an old motorway entrance ramp that is no longer in use. So the Council figured they should paint it pink and let people walk and ride on it! Why not? You get good views of the Sky Tower and its a bit of fun. If you go on The Classic: the most popular electric bike tour of Auckland’s Highlights you will get to ride this, but you can just go and walk or scooter it too.
7. Browse K-Road
K-Road – the locals name for Karangahape Road – is a fun and vibrant part of the city and walking along it poking around in the music venues and independent stores and restaurants gives you a peek into another side of the city. It has always been the LGBTQ and fringe entertainment part of the city, but not exclusively!
Eat at one of the restaurants here – Ottos and Apero are popular with the locals, and Gorilla Kitchen is a decent Vegan Plant Based Eatery!
8. Eat one of Auckland’s most instagramable ice creams!
Okay so we have a love hate relationship with those IG spots don’t we? But this is not so bad!! In a very bland building in the city you will get a most un-bland and innovative ice-cream or gelato! Everything is made freshly each day in this restaurant / ice cream parlour and definitely read their story before you go – you will appreciate it even more!
9. Enjoy the Swashbucklers extras!
Go to Swashbucklers Restaurant for lunch for a quirky pirate / marine atmosphere as well as a very good seafood based menu – and you might find you get even more!
If you go out on the deck you may see the local stingrays hanging out. It really just adds to the experience.
10. Explore the food scene
More eating – but NZ has some great food! And some very kiwi food – whitebait, paua, crayfish, pavlova, feijoas, and even vegemite sandwiches to name a few! This Flavours of our City Food Walk will take you to local producers of artisan wine, beer, ice cream, and other sweet and savoury yumminess from some of Auckland’s best food producers. You get to learn more about Auckland’s culinary culture as you go too.
PS – my advice is to try ice-cream when you are here, but don’t buy the ordinary ice-cream like TipTop, buy the delicious ice-creams from the Lewis Road Creamery, Rush Munro’s, and Kapiti!
Auckland Mini Itinerary (2-3 Days)
You can only do some of the things above in a 2-3 day trip, and you may want to swap some of these things for more adrenaline or a different day trip, but this itinerary will give an overview of the city:
- Day 1: City tour to get your bearings and an overview. Then visit the Sky Tower for views or an adrenaline rush, and the Auckland Museum and Domain, and finish the day at Mission Bay beach, where you can swim or have a meal or just enjoy a walk and the views.
- Day 2: Waiheke Island day trip, Tiritiri Matangi Island visit, or Rangitoto Island hike.
- Day 3: Take a tour to the west – Muriwai or Piha, visit the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland Art Gallery. Go for a night kayak in the harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Auckland
Q: How many days should I spend in Auckland?
A: 2–3 days is good for city highlights, but if you want to visit the nearby islands, wildlife and forests, then 4-6 days is good.
Q: Can Auckland be explored without a car?
A: Yes – city attractions are accessible by buses, trains, ferries, taxi / uber, and walking, and tours cover the outer areas, but having a car rental will give you more flexibility if you want to explore outside the city.
Q: What’s the weather like in Auckland?
A: Basically mixed! Summer is warmer averaging at 22–24°C (71–75°F) but often up to the low 30s°C. note that the sun can be very strong. NZ has a hole in the ozone layer so don’t be fooled by temperatures or clouds in the sky – the sun here burns, so bring sunblock and use it! Winter is coldest but never very cold with average daily highs around 12–16°C (53–61°F) and night-time lows between 6–8°C (43–46°F). Any time of year you can have rain or sunshine.
Q: Where should I stay?
A: In the central city area will make it easier to get to the different sights and attractions. See below for recommendations.
Travel Tips for Auckland
- Don’t just treat it as an arrival or departure point – allow more time than you think. There is plenty to do. Spend at least three days in Auckland.
- Explore beyond the city center. Take a day trip to Waiheke Island, visit the west coast beaches, explore other islands and the harbor.
- In the city itself, visit a volcanic cone for the views and don’t skip the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
- Pack for changing weather – you can get at least three seasons in a day!
Where to stay in Auckland
Higher end – the Park Hyatt Auckland, or, InterContinental Auckland By IHG
Mid range – Hotel DeBrett or Hotel Grand Chancellor or Horizon By SkyCity
Budget and Backpackers – for a lovely homestay try Kiwi Heritage Homestay. For backpackers the LyLo Auckland and JO&JOE Auckland are both top-rated!
Related Posts
The 12 best walks in Auckland City
13 beautiful walks close to Auckland not to miss
10 fun and exciting things to do in Paihia and the Bay of Islands, NZ
The best 15 things to do in the North Island of New Zealand
65 North Island NZ Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
North Island NZ Itinerary: 7, 10 & 14 Day Trip Ideas
