Best Things to Do
in Auckland

A proper working farm on 20 hillside acres in Henderson Valley — feed alpacas and donkeys, ride a 1962 tractor, hold baby animals in the Nursery Shed. Everything included in the entry price.

One of New Zealand's oldest continuously operating factories — heritage sugar mill tours, the Chelsea Bay Train ride past the sugar mountain, the Edmonds Baking School, and a waterfront café with one of the most underrated views in Auckland.

Auckland's most iconic landmark and the Southern Hemisphere's tallest freestanding structure at 328 metres. The views across Tāmaki Makaurau are extraordinary — on a clear day you can see up to 80 kilometres in every direction. A must-do, whether it's your first visit to Auckland or your fiftieth.

Auckland Zoo is one of New Zealand's most loved family destinations — 1,400 animals, 135 species, and 17 hectares of award-winning habitats just minutes from central Auckland. Home to the world's best Orangutan habitat, a walk-in kiwi enclosure, and a legendary dragon playground loved by generations of Auckland kids.

A genuinely beautiful free library in Windsor Reserve — a winter fire, terracotta ferry tiles, and a circular window you can sit right inside.

One of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere, free for Auckland residents. Māori taonga, natural history, war memorial, Hall of Curiosities and Volcano exhibition — allow at least three hours. Combine with the free Winter Gardens next door for a full day out.

New Zealand's largest art institution and one of Auckland's most iconic buildings — over 17,500 works spanning seven centuries, free entry for NZ residents, and right in the heart of the city. A genuine world-class gallery that surprises even those who think art isn't really their thing.

Auckland's 1929 atmospheric theatre, with a ceiling of stars and one of the largest screens in the country. Arrive early and look up.

The oldest purpose-built cinema still running in the Southern Hemisphere, kept alive by its own community. Art deco lobby, musty room, vintage cushions, and the best gelato in Devonport.

Auckland's most loved independent cinema — luxury recliners, in-seat dining and a proper bar. Going to the movies the way it should be.

A stunning piece of Auckland's heritage that you can actually swim in. The Tepid Baths opened in December 1914 as a grand Edwardian bathhouse on…

Ngataringa Skate Park in Devonport is a sunny, open skate space with skyline views — ideal for younger skaters, with great spectating if you come prepared.

Auckland's biggest and best skatepark, on the edge of Victoria Park by the CBD — two bowls, street elements, basketball courts alongside, and free shaded parking under the overpass.

Grey Lynn's beloved jewellery studio — learn to make your own piece in a creative community that's been going since 1993.

Vaniyé's dedicated patisserie school — learn French pastry craft in Auckland's most beautiful teaching kitchen.

Parnell's stunning wellness sanctuary — contrast therapy, red light and massage in one of Auckland's most beautifully designed spaces.

Grey Lynn's most beautiful wellness escape — infrared sauna, ice baths, red light therapy and massages in a space that feels like an exhale.

Junk and Disorderly is one of the great Auckland places of discovery. Not a curated vintage boutique with six nice chairs and a price tag…

A beautifully curated Devonport gift shop in a historic light-filled building — over 150 NZ suppliers, locally designed and made gifts spanning homewares, jewellery, art, candles and taonga. Run by owner-operators with real depth of knowledge.

A red-on-red macaron boutique on Level 1 of Commercial Bay — handcrafted macarons in twenty-plus flavours including Flat White, Feijoa Crumble and the much-anticipated Brûlé, plus brittles, panforte and butter crayons. Auckland's most considered macaron destination.

A multi-award-winning bean-to-bar chocolatier in Commercial Bay — handcrafted bonbons, proper hot chocolate and signature Choc-Tails, made from single-origin cacao.

A Grey Lynn florist institution set in a beautiful Richmond Road villa — sophisticated everyday bouquets, corporate florals and bespoke event arrangements. Auckland-wide delivery.

Devonport is where it all started for Sills + Co, one of NZ's most enduring women's fashion brands. Timeless, tailored, and proudly local — plus a warehouse outlet on site for savvy shoppers.

Birkenhead's best kept secret — premium ready-made meals cooked from scratch daily, with none of the supermarket processed food nonsense.

Auckland's beloved premium food market — exceptional local produce, artisan producers and a genuine passion for great food since 2006.

Auckland's beloved artisan chocolatier now in the heart of Commercial Bay — handcrafted NZ chocolate in the city centre.

Artisan chocolate makers in the heart of Devonport village — a beloved institution since 1994.