Auckland Attractions

Go behind the scenes of movie magic

Discover Wētā Workshop Unleashed(opens in new window), Wētā Workshop’s global award-winning movie-making experience in Auckland. Explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets, focusing on the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi. It's your chance to get up-close and hands-on with enchanting environments, resident creatures, one hyper-realistic giant, a galactic robot, and much more. This is a great family-friendly activity.

Water activities

From anywhere in Auckland you can be on the water in a matter of minutes. Entertain the whole family or have a romantic day or night with a wide selection of water activities. 

• Enjoy a luxury dinner cruise or a classic yacht for your special occasion or events. 
• Fancy meeting whales & dolphins - Meet the local marine mammals. Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari conducts daily marine mammal eco-safaris, finding common and bottlenose dolphins, Brydes whales and orca in Auckland's magnificent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
• Kayak to Rangitoto Island at sunset with Auckland Sea Kayaks(opens in new window). 
• Experience the thrill of sailing on a genuine America's Cup racing yacht(opens in new window) - 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 or explore the WWII tunnels and gun emplacements in North Head.
• Go diving, snorkeling or kayaking in New Zealand's first marine reserve - Goat Island Marine Reserve(opens in new window).

Explore the islands of the Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf, on the doorstep of Auckland city, is home to a multitude of remarkable islands. Don't miss out on these activities:

• Walk to the summit of Rangitoto, the black lava volcanic island in the middle of the inner Hauraki Gulf. Hire a kayak and join an evening paddle to the island.
• 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.

Family fun in Auckland

Here's a few fun activities you can try out on your next family outing:

• Visit the Sky Tower(opens in new window) and travel 328 metres up in glass fronted lifts to the spectacular viewing platforms. Family members who are 10 years or over might like to do a Sky walk(opens in new window) or Sky jump(opens in new window)!
• Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World(opens in new window) gets you up close and personal with sharks and penguins.
• Daily Māori cultural performances at the Auckland Museum(opens in new window) include a welcome dance, poi dance, stick game, weaponry display and haka.
• EcoZip Adventures(opens in new window) offers state-of-the-art flying fox ziplines and an eco-immersive forest walk on breathtaking Waiheke Island, for nature lovers of all ages.
• Auckland Zoo(opens in new window) is always fun - have you ever met the red pandas at the zoo? Home to 117 species, and over 700 animals, there's always lots to see and do all year. Daily Zoo encounters, presented by zoo keepers, give you the opportunity to come eye to eye with some amazing creatures.
• 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.
• Explore the magic of Butterfly Creek. You can see dinosaurs, crocodiles, butterflies, dragons, unicorns, monkeys and more. Only one minute from Auckland Airport, shuttle available on request.
• SheepWorld promises a close encounter with farm animals.

Explore the walking and hiking tracks

Auckland offers a diverse range of coastlines and scenery for day walks in and around the region. All within a few hours' drive or a ferry ride away.

• From Devonport, walk to the summits of Mount Victoria or North Head for 360° views. Ferries to and from Devonport depart every half hour. 
• Take a short ferry ride to Rangitoto Island and climb to the top of the dormant volcano on the Rangitoto Summit Track and experience great views of the city.
• Mount Eden, Mount Hobson and Mount St John are dormant volcanic cones offering commanding views of the city - pack a picnic and walk up.
• Do the Coast to Coast Walkway - a unique walk joining the east and west coasts of Auckland and taking in many of the city’s scenic icons. Enquire at the Visitor Information Centre in the city for a brochure on the walkway.
• Explore the beautifully scenic Hunua Ranges to the south of the city.