Don't Miss

The islands of the Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf, on the doorstep of Auckland city, is home to a multitude of remarkable islands.

• Walk to the summit of Rangitoto, the black lava volcanic island in the middle of the inner Hauraki Gulf
• Enjoy wine tasting and beachcombing on Waiheke Island, a half hour ferry ride from the city centre
• Sunbathe and swim at Motuihe Island
• Discover the historic Mansion House on Kawau Island - once the home of Governor George Grey
• Visit the wildlife sanctuary on Tiritiri Matangi. The island is home to many endangered birds, including the extremely rare Takahe
• Experience a wilderness adventure on Great Barrier Island - tracks lead to secluded natural hot springs and historic kauri dams

Entertainment on the water

From central Auckland you can be on the water in a matter of minutes.

• Enjoy a cruise on a classic yacht or launch. Charter your own yacht if you have sailing skills
• Meet the local marine mammals. Auckland's Dolphin Explorer conducts daily marine mammal eco-safaris, finding common and bottlenose dolphins, Brydes whales and orca in Auckland's magnificent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
• Experience the thrill of sailing on a genuine America's Cup racing yacht - you can participate as much or as little as you desire
• Take the ferry across to Devonport and enjoy a café lunch and a spot of shopping
• Hire a kayak and join an evening paddle to Rangitoto Island

Action in the outdoors

The Auckland region has 22 conservation parks, providing endless scope for outdoor activities.

• Go canyoning in the Waitakere Ranges. It's an activity that includes abseiling, swimming and rock slides
• Hike through the rainforest and hug the giant kauri trees. Trail maps are available at the Arataki Visitors Centre
• Have a four-wheel drive motorbike adventure in Woodhill Forest
• Play a round of golf at Formosa Country Club or Gulf Harbour
• Sky dive at Waiheke Island. See the Hauraki Gulf from the air, strapped to the back of a professional tandem instructor
• Climb over the Auckland Harbour Bridge or bungy off the edge
• Experience the thrill of Sky Jump from the Sky Tower - 192 metres of cable-controlled base jump
• Sky Tower also gives you the chance to do the Vertigo Climb - up the mast of the tower to 300 metres above sea level

History, art and culture

Discover the fascinating history and culture of Auckland.

• Auckland War Memorial Museum is the custodian of the finest and most important collection of Maori treasures, or taonga, in the world
• Down at the Viaduct Basin, the New Zealand National Maritime Museum showcases New Zealand's seafaring history
• Howick Historical Village recreates the early European settlement of Auckland
• Auckland City Art Gallery houses a comprehensive collection of significant New Zealand and international art
• Otara Market is the largest Maori and Polynesian market in the world. You'll find island-style floral print fabrics, Maori carvings and all kinds of tropical fruit and vegetables. It's an amazing cultural experience

All kinds of family fun

Auckland has attractions that appeal to all ages.

• The Sky Tower experience is a vertical ride to total amazement. On the viewing platforms, you'll find the latest in interactive technology
• Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World gets you up close and personal with sharks and penguins
• Daily Maori cultural performances at the Auckland Museum include a welcome dance, poi dance, stick game, weaponry display and haka
• Catch the ferry to Devonport and explore the WWII tunnels and gun emplacements in North Head
• Auckland Zoo is always fun -150 species, 500 animals. Zoo encounters, presented by zoo keepers, give you the opportunity to come eye to eye with some amazing creatures
• Ride the water slides at Waiwera Thermal Resort or Parakai hot springs
• Have a thrilling day at Rainbows End Adventure Park in Manukau City. Plummet on the Fear Fall, spiral on the roller coaster and zoom down the log flume
• SheepWorld Farm and Nature Park promises a close encounter with farm animals

Beyond the city zone

The Auckland region offers a wide variety of experiences.

• Take a self guided tour of Auckland's award-winning wineries. Aim for Matakana, Kumeu, Henderson or Waiheke Island
• Explore the wild west coast beaches of Muriwai, Bethells, Piha and Karekare - black sand and soulful surf
• Discover Clevedon valley, for country crafts, gardens and boutique wineries
• Drive north to Waiwera Thermal Resort for a dip in the hot pools or a relaxing massage
• Take your snorkelling gear to Goat Island Marine Reserve - the fish are incredibly friendly